We are pleased to announce that the application for the 2024 SAAGA Bursary Opportunity for BSc (Agric) Students.
The South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) is delighted to announce a special bursary opportunity for individuals from historically disadvantaged groups.
The SAAGA Bursary aims to support students pursuing a BSc (Agric) degree or equivalent, with majors in Horticultural Science or Agricultural Economics/Agribusiness. This initiative has been undertaken to ensure appropriately trained graduates of color enter the South African avocado industry, promoting its sustained growth.
Benefits of the SAAGA Bursary
The SAAGA Bursary is not just financial aid; it is an investment in your future career within the avocado industry. The bursary covers academic expenses for an initial period of one year, with a potential extension based on academic performance. Additionally, it allows for valuable industry exposure, as recipients are required to work with SA Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop) for a year for each year the bursary is awarded, subject to available positions.
Eligibility
To qualify for the bursary, you must:
- Be from a historically disadvantaged group
- Be enrolled in a BSc (Agric) or equivalent degree with majors in Horticultural Science or Agricultural Economics / Agribusiness
It’s worth noting that the continuation of the bursary is subject to academic performance, and it does not automatically renew for the following year.
Application Procedure
Applications must be forwarded to Subtrop’s offices no later than 31 October of the year preceding the academic year for which the bursary is applied. The application form can be found here. Applications should be emailed to Ms. Delané Landman at delane@subtrop.co.za.
Along with the application form, the following documents must be attached:
- A motivation letter as to why you should be considered for the bursary
- Identity document
- Matric certificate
- University academic record
- A brief Curriculum Vitae (max. 2 pages)
- Details of any other bursary or scholarship which you may hold
Application Date
The deadline for applications is 31 October. Applicants not contacted by 31 December should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Bursary awards and penalties
A panel appointed by SAAGA will evaluate all applications and inform applicants of their decision in a timely manner. Successful applicants must sign a contractual agreement with Subtrop. The value of the bursary award depends on each individual case and is reviewed annually.
If a recipient fails the course for which the bursary has been awarded, they will be required to repay the bursary over a period equal to the length of the bursary, starting at the beginning of the year following the year the bursary was awarded.
