The SAAGA Bursary 2027 is open for historically disadvantaged students pursuing qualifications linked to South Africa’s avocado industry. Funding is available for selected undergraduate and postgraduate study in horticulture, agricultural economics and agribusiness.
At a glance
Sponsor/host: South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA), administered through Subtrop
Opportunity type: Agriculture-industry bursary
Who it’s for: Historically disadvantaged students preparing for careers in the avocado industry
Study level: Undergraduate, Honours and Master’s routes may be considered
Fields: BSc Agriculture or equivalent, Horticultural Science, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
Closing date: 31 October 2026
Last verified: 16 July 2026
High-value notes (read this first)
SAAGA expects bursary recipients to build careers in the avocado industry. Successful recipients may be required to work for Subtrop for one year for each funded year, provided a suitable position is available.
Recipients are encouraged to focus seminars, projects and research on avocados where possible. Funding is awarded initially for one year and is reviewed annually.
About the sponsor
SAAGA is the South African Avocado Growers’ Association. Subtrop is the umbrella organisation that manages the South African avocado, mango and litchi grower associations.
What it covers
The bursary value is determined according to each applicant’s circumstances and is reviewed annually. Successful applicants sign a contractual agreement with Subtrop.
Eligibility
- Must be from a historically disadvantaged group
- Must be studying towards a BSc Agriculture or equivalent qualification
- Preferred majors include Horticultural Science, Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness
- Honours and Master’s applicants in the same fields may also be considered
- Must have an interest in entering and supporting the South African avocado industry
- Must accept the work-back obligation where a suitable position is available
Documents to prepare
- Completed SAAGA application form
- Personal motivation letter written in the applicant’s own words
- Identity document
- Matric certificate
- University academic record
- Brief CV, maximum two pages
- Details of other bursaries or scholarships held
- Contact details for three references
Closing date
31 October 2026.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Submitting an AI-generated or generic motivation letter
- Applying for a field unrelated to horticulture, agricultural economics or the avocado industry
- Leaving out university results or reference details
- Ignoring the possible Subtrop work-back obligation
- Submitting after the 31 October deadline
How this opportunity was verified
Verified against the sponsor-owned SAAGA bursary application document hosted by Subtrop. It confirms the supported fields, postgraduate consideration, annual 31 October deadline, required documents and contractual work-back conditions.
How to apply
- Download and complete the SAAGA Bursary Application Form.
- Prepare the motivation letter, certified identity and academic documents, CV and reference details.
- Email the complete application to delane@subtrop.co.za.
- Submit before the closing date.