About This Bursary
About the Lindsey Milne Bursary Scheme
The Lindsey Milne Bursary Scheme was established in honour of Dr DL Milne, recognising his significant and selfless contributions to South Africa's subtropical fruit industry.
Dr Milne served the industry in several capacities, including as an employee of the Institute for Tropical and Subtropical Fruit, General Manager of Westfalia and, following his retirement, Chairman of the Subtrop group.
The bursary is funded by the South African Subtropical Growers' Association (Subtrop), which comprises the following industry associations:
- South African Avocado Growers' Association (SAAGA)
- South African Mango Growers' Association (SAMGA)
- South African Litchi Growers' Association (SALGA)
Aim of the Bursary
The bursary aims to assist students who wish to pursue careers in South Africa's subtropical fruit industry by providing financial assistance towards relevant university studies.
Fields of Study
Financial assistance is available to students studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agric) degree. Preference is given to students majoring in:
- Horticultural Science
- Agricultural Economics
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 the first time does not automatically guarantee funding for the following academic year.
Obligations After Graduation
Recipients are required to work for Subtrop for one year for each year they receive the bursary, provided a suitable position is available when they complete their degree.
If no suitable position is available at Subtrop when a recipient graduates, the recipient will have no obligation to work for Subtrop. Assistance may be provided to help the graduate find placement with members of the relevant growers' associations.
Recipients are expected to focus their seminars and projects on subtropical crops wherever possible, particularly:
- Avocados
- Mangoes
- Litchis
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 subtropical fruit industry effectively as employees of Subtrop.
However, the bursary scheme does not provide separate funding for postgraduate students. Subtrop's member associations fund postgraduate research, which effectively provides financial support for that research.
Bursary Value and Conditions
The value of the bursary depends on each individual case and is reviewed annually. A panel appointed by Subtrop evaluates applications, and applicants are informed of the outcome.
Successful applicants must sign a contractual agreement with Subtrop.
Repayment Conditions
If a recipient fails the course for which the bursary was awarded, they are 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.
How to Apply
Applicants must complete the official Lindsey Milne Bursary Scheme application form and submit it, together with the required supporting documentation, to the Subtrop offices.
Applicants should ensure that all requested information and supporting documents are included in their application.
Closing Date
Applications must reach the Subtrop offices by 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 application requirements and submission details with Subtrop before applying.
Application Information
For the official application form and further information about the Lindsey Milne Bursary Scheme, applicants should contact Subtrop or consult its official website.