The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) was established as the Co-operative Council, in order to represent the interests of agricultural co-operatives in the year 1946. However, in 1995 the company underwent a name change to Agricultural Co-operative Business (ACB), following South Africa’s deregulation of agriculture. Another name change took place in 2003, to the Agricultural Business Chamber (ABC). Finally, in 2012 the ABC was relaunched as Agbiz.
Today, Agbiz is an association of agribusinesses who operate in South Africa and southern Africa. The companues slogan is, “The way to prosperity”. They are ultimately responsible for ensuring that agribusiness positively influences the development, transformation and economic growth of South Africa.
The annual Agbiz Centenary Bursary Fund was established in order to celebrate Agbiz members who celebrated their 100 years of existence.
ABOUT THE AGBIZ CENTENARY BURSARY PROGRAMME – FIELDS COVERED
The Agricultural Business Chamber (Agbiz) is inviting students to apply for the Agbiz Centenary Bursary, for the 2024 academic year. Bursaries will be awarded for studies within Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness Management-related fields, at Master’s or PhD degree level.
Bursary recipients will be selected based on the following main criteria:
1. Academic merit, on the study record to date and relevant contribution of the field of research to agribusiness.
2. Preference will be givent to students with the most relevant field of study (or proposed field of study), as well as students willing take guidance from Agbiz in formulating their research topic.
3. Bursary applications for a specific purpose and motivation therefore.
MORE ABOUT THE AGBIZ CENTENARY BURSARY PROGRAMME – COVERAGE VALUE & SELECTION
The bursary will be awarded to the total value of R39 000, for 1 academic year of study. Students must reapply for funding each year and may be funded if academic performance is satisfactory.
Bursary payments will be made student’s university account (unless otherwise agreed), in February 2024.
The successful bursary recipient will be contacted by mid January 2024 – if you do not receive any feedback by that time, please regarding your application as unsuccessful.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AGBIZ CENTENARY
Applicants must satisfy the following minimum entry criteria before applying (please note that failure to satisfy all the requirements will lead to your application not being considered):
- You must be a South African citizen
- You must have completed a relevant undergraduate degree or programme, or you must be in your final year towards obtaining an undergraduate qualification
- You must have registered or qualified to register for a postgraduate (Master’s or PhD) degree in Agricultural Economics or Agribusiness Management related fields
- You must have registered or qualified to register at a recognised and accredited university in South Africa
- You must have achieved a minimum result of 60% for all main subjects
HOW TO APPLY FOR THE AGBIZ CENTENARY BURSARY
Download and complete Agbiz Centenary Bursary Application Form (.pdf)
Applicants should also read and agree to the Agbiz Centenary Bursary T&C’s (.pdf) before applying.
Submit clear copies of the following supporting documentation along with your completed application form (the submission of these documents is compulsory – if any items are missing, your application may be disqualified):
- ID document or other proof of SA citizenship (certified copy)
- Full academic record to date, of your undergraduate degree (on institutions letterhead)
- Proof of registration for 2024 or letter from Department Head confirming qualification for admission (on institutions letterhead)
- Recommendation letter from your academic supervisor or head of the department (maximum 1 page)
- Motivational letter from applicant, stating why you should be awarded the bursary and how you will use the bursary (maximum 1 page)
- Declaration of any other bursary funding or support received, if applicable (on the application form)
Applications must be submitted in either of the following ways
– Email: [email protected]
(Insert the words “Agbiz Centenary Bursary Application” in the email subject line).
– Post:
PO Box 76297
Lynnwood Ridge
0040
NOTES ABOUT THE AGBIZ CENTENARY BURSARY
- All applicants will receive an email confirmation that their application was received.
- Applications that are incomplete (i.e. missing documentation or information on the application form) or late, will result in automatic disqualification.
- Bursary recipients will be required to provide Agbiz with biannual progress reports, in the 2nd term and last term of the year, in order for Agbiz to evaluate student’s progress. These reports must be submitted by an academic supervisor or head of the department, to Liezl Esterhuizen ([email protected]).
- The bursary will be terminated if: the student does not continue the year of study or the student does not show satisfactory progress (up to the standards of the academic supervisor, head of department and Agbiz’s assessment). In this case, students will be required to pay back the bursary received, with interest.
- Bursary recipients will be required to sign a formal agreement with Agbiz.
- Applicants who are receiving bursary funding, scholarship or sponsoring from another source, must declare this on their application form. Failure to declare this information will result in automatic disqualification.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE AGBIZ CENTENARY BURSARY
5 December.
(Applications submitted after this date will not be accepted – please apply before the closing date to ensure your application is considered.)
CONTACT THE BURSARY PROVIDER
For any queries related to this bursary programme, please contact Agbiz directly:
Contact Person: Liezl Esterhuizen
Tel: 012 807 6686
Email: [email protected]