VKB Group Bursary – Your Path to a Successful Agricultural Career

VKB Group Bursary – Your Path to a Successful Agricultural Career

VKB Group Bursary 2025 (Closing Date: 30 September 2024)

About VKB Group

The VKB Group is a modern, diversified agricultural company based in South Africa, with deep roots in farming communities and a history dating back to 1919. Over the years, VKB Group has grown into one of South Africa’s leading agribusinesses, covering a range of sectors including retail, grain marketing, insurance, and financial services. The company has a strong commitment to supporting and growing the agricultural sector in South Africa and focuses on sustainability, community development, and innovation.

To further its goals of nurturing future leaders in agriculture, agribusiness, and related fields, the VKB Group offers the VKB Group Bursary. This bursary aims to assist deserving students in achieving their academic and career goals by providing financial support for their tertiary education.

VKB Group Bursary Program Overview

The VKB Group Bursary is available for South African students who are pursuing or intend to pursue tertiary education in fields relevant to the agricultural and business sectors. The bursary aims to support students with strong academic potential and a passion for making a difference in the agricultural industry. By offering financial assistance, VKB seeks to invest in the next generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the sustainability and growth of South Africa’s agribusiness sector.

Fields of Study Covered

The VKB Group Bursary is awarded to students pursuing degrees in the following fields:

• Agriculture and Agricultural Management: This includes disciplines such as Agronomy, Animal Science, Crop Science, Agricultural Economics, and Agricultural Engineering.
• Business and Management: This covers fields such as Business Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management.
• Engineering: VKB is particularly interested in supporting students studying disciplines like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
• Information Technology: With the increasing importance of technology in modern agribusiness, VKB also supports students studying IT-related fields such as Software Development, Data Science, and Information Systems.

These areas of study align with the needs of the VKB Group as it continues to innovate and expand within the agricultural and business sectors.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the VKB Group Bursary, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. South African Citizenship: Applicants must be South African citizens with a valid South African ID.
2. Academic Excellence: Candidates must have a strong academic record. Matric students must have achieved a minimum average of 65%, while current university students should have a minimum average of 60%.
3. Relevant Field of Study: Applicants must be pursuing or intend to pursue a degree in one of the fields listed above.
4. Full-Time Study: Candidates must be registered or accepted to study full-time at a recognized South African tertiary institution.
5. Financial Need: Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, although exceptional academic performance may also be a deciding factor.
6. Community Involvement: Candidates who are actively involved in their communities and demonstrate leadership qualities will be given preference.
7. Age Limit: Applicants should not be older than 25 years of age at the time of applying for the bursary.

Benefits of the VKB Group Bursary

The VKB Group Bursary offers comprehensive financial support for the following expenses:

• Tuition Fees: The bursary covers the full or partial cost of tuition fees for the academic year, depending on the needs and circumstances of the recipient.
• Accommodation and Meals: For students who are studying away from home, the bursary may cover accommodation costs and provide an allowance for meals.
• Books and Study Materials: An allowance is provided for the purchase of textbooks and other essential study materials.
• Living Expenses: Students may receive an allowance to help cover personal expenses during their studies.

In addition to the financial benefits, VKB Group Bursary recipients may also have the opportunity to participate in internships, vacation work, and mentorship programs. These opportunities allow students to gain practical work experience and build networks within the agricultural and business sectors. Upon completion of their studies, bursary recipients may also be considered for employment within the VKB Group, giving them a head start in their careers.

Application Process

To apply for the VKB Group Bursary, applicants must follow these steps:

1. Download and Complete the Application Form: The VKB Bursary application form is available on the VKB Group website.
2. Prepare Supporting Documents: Along with the completed application form, applicants must submit the following supporting documents:
   • Certified copy of South African ID.
   • Certified copy of the latest academic transcript or Matric certificate (if applying from high school).
   • Proof of registration or acceptance at a recognized South African tertiary institution.
   • A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
   • A motivational letter explaining why the applicant deserves the bursary, their career goals, and how they intend to contribute to the agricultural or business sectors.
   • A reference letter from a teacher, lecturer, or academic supervisor supporting the application.
   • Proof of household income (such as a payslip or affidavit) if applying based on financial need.
3. Submit the Application: Completed applications and all supporting documents must be submitted to VKB Group via email or post. The email address and postal address for submissions will be provided on the VKB Group website.
4. Application Deadline: The closing date for the VKB Group Bursary for the 2024 academic year is 30 September 2024. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Selection Process

The VKB Group follows a transparent and fair selection process to identify deserving candidates for the bursary program. The selection process typically includes the following steps:

1. Screening: All applications are screened to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria.
2. Academic Merit: Applicants are assessed based on their academic performance, with emphasis on subjects relevant to their chosen field of study.
3. Financial Need: Preference will be given to students who demonstrate financial need, although strong academic and leadership qualities may also play a role in the selection process.
4. Interviews: Shortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview to further assess their suitability for the bursary.
5. Notification: Successful candidates will be notified of their bursary status before the end of the year. If applicants do not receive feedback within two months of the closing date, they should consider their application unsuccessful.

Obligations of Bursary Recipients

Bursary recipients are required to meet certain obligations during and after their studies:

• Maintain Academic Performance: Recipients must maintain a satisfactory academic record throughout their studies. Failing to meet academic requirements may result in the termination of the bursary.
• Work-Back Agreement: Upon completion of their studies, bursary recipients may be required to work for the VKB Group for a specified period, based on the duration of their bursary support. This gives students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience and contribute to the company’s goals.
• Vacation Work: Bursary recipients may be required to participate in vacation work or internships during their holidays. This allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and gain insights into the agricultural or business sectors.

Contact Information

For any inquiries or more information regarding the VKB Group Bursary, interested students can reach out to:

• Website: www.vkb.co.za
• Email: info@vkb.co.za
• Phone: +27 (0)58 863 8111
• Postal Address: VKB Group, PO Box 357, Reitz, 9810, South Africa.

Students are encouraged to visit the VKB Group website regularly for updates on the bursary application process and other career opportunities.

Conclusion

The VKB Group Bursary is an excellent opportunity for South African students to pursue their academic goals and build a career in the agricultural and business sectors. By providing financial assistance, mentorship, and practical work experience, VKB Group is investing in the future of the country’s agribusiness industry. Students who are passionate about agriculture and committed to making a difference in their communities are encouraged to apply before the closing date on 30 September 2024.