About This Bursary
About the SAAGA Bursary
The South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) offers bursaries to students from historically disadvantaged groups who wish to pursue qualifications that will contribute to the growth and development of South Africa’s avocado industry.
The bursary aims to ensure that appropriately trained graduates enter the South African avocado sector, supporting its continued growth and development.
Fields of Study
Applicants must be studying towards a BSc (Agric) or an equivalent qualification, majoring in one of the following fields:
- Horticultural Science
- Agricultural Economics
- Agribusiness
- Related fields relevant to the avocado industry
Students pursuing Honours and Master's degrees in the above-mentioned fields may also be considered, subject to the bursary programme's requirements.
Bursary Duration and Renewal
The bursary is initially awarded for one year. Continued funding depends on the student's academic progress and a review of the award. Receiving the bursary for one year does not automatically guarantee funding for the following year.
Obligations After Graduation
Recipients may be required to work for the South African Subtropical Growers' Association (Subtrop) for one year for every year they receive the bursary, provided a suitable position is available.
If Subtrop has no suitable position available when a recipient completes their qualification, the recipient will have no obligation to work for Subtrop. Assistance may be provided to help the recipient find placement with members of SAAGA.
Recipients are expected to focus their seminars and projects on avocados wherever possible.
Postgraduate Studies
Recipients who wish to continue with postgraduate studies may be permitted to do so if their proposed research will equip them to serve the avocado industry effectively as employees of Subtrop.
The bursary scheme does not ordinarily provide separate funding for postgraduate students, as SAAGA also funds research conducted by postgraduate students.
Bursary Value and Conditions
The value of the bursary depends on each individual case and is reviewed annually.
Successful applicants must sign a contractual agreement with Subtrop.
Recipients who fail the course for which the bursary was awarded may be required to repay the bursary over a period equal to the duration of the award. Repayment begins at the start of the year following the year in which the bursary was awarded, in accordance with the bursary conditions.
Required Documents
Applicants should complete the official SAAGA bursary application form and attach the supporting documentation requested by the bursary provider.
The application form requests the following information:
- Personal and contact details
- University and qualification details
- Major subjects
- Details of the university Head of Department
- Contact information for three references
- A motivation letter explaining why the applicant should be considered
Applicants should check the current official application form for the complete list of supporting documents required.
How to Apply
Applicants should complete the SAAGA bursary application form and submit it with the required supporting documents to the Subtrop offices.
Application email: delane@subtrop.co.za
Contact person: Ms Delané Landman.
Closing Date
31 October of the year preceding the academic year for which funding is requested.
Applicants who have not been contacted by 31 December should consider their applications unsuccessful.
Important: Applicants should confirm the applicable academic year, current closing date and application requirements with Subtrop before submitting an application.
Official Application Information
For the official bursary details and application requirements, visit the Subtrop website or contact the bursary representative using the email address provided above.