VKB Group Bursary 2026 for BSc Information Technology: Application Details

The VKB Group, a cornerstone of South African agriculture since 1919, is offering a bursary for the 2026 academic year to support students pursuing a BSc in Information Technology, Computer Science, Information Systems, Bachelor of Information Technology (BIT), or BEng in Information Engineering, Data, or Data Science at accredited South African institutions. With applications closing on 30 September 2025, this fully funded opportunity is perfect for driven students aiming to excel in IT within the agribusiness sector. Here’s your guide to applying for the VKB IT Bursary and launching a tech career with a leading agricultural enterprise.

Table of Contents

Why the VKB Group IT Bursary?

VKB Group, with 29 subsidiaries and 6,000 employees, is a shareholder-backed “house of brands” spanning the food value chain, from grain handling to agri-finance. Its IT division, based in Reitz, Free State, drives innovation through data analytics, systems integration, and digital solutions for agriculture. The bursary addresses South Africa’s critical shortage of IT professionals—where demand is projected to grow 10% annually through 2030—while tackling a 45.5% youth unemployment rate. Benefits include:

Full Financial Support: Covers tuition, books, accommodation, and meals at an accredited university or university of technology.
Practical Experience: Requires 3 weeks of vacation work annually at VKB’s Reitz office, offering exposure to real-world IT applications like farm management systems or supply chain analytics.
Career Pathway: Post-graduation, recipients may join VKB’s IT team, working on projects like data science for crop optimization or software development for logistics, with potential salaries of ZAR 300,000–600,000 annually for entry-level IT roles.
Mentorship: Guidance from VKB’s IT professionals to build skills in programming, data analysis, or cloud computing.
Impact: Contribute to modernizing agriculture, a sector contributing 10% to South Africa’s GDP, while securing a stable career.

What Does a BSc in Information Technology Entail?

A BSc in IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, BIT, or BEng in Information Engineering/Data Science equips you for roles like software developer, data scientist, or IT systems analyst. The degree covers:

Programming (e.g., Python, Java) and software development.
Data analysis and machine learning for business insights.
Database management and cybersecurity.
Systems design for agricultural tech solutions, like IoT for precision farming.

At VKB, you’ll apply these skills to enhance digital infrastructure, streamline operations, or develop data-driven tools for farmers.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the VKB Group IT Bursary, you must meet these criteria:

Citizenship: South African citizen with a valid ID.
Age: Typically 18–35 (not explicitly stated but standard for bursaries).
Academic Requirements:
Matric Applicants:
- National Senior Certificate with a minimum 70% average.
- Strong marks in Mathematics (not Maths Literacy) and Physical Science (70%+ recommended for IT/Data Science programs).
- Upload certified copies of Grade 11 and latest Grade 12 results.
Tertiary Students:
- Enrolled in a BSc IT, Computer Science, Information Systems, BIT, or BEng in Information Engineering/Data Science at an accredited South African institution (e.g., Wits, UCT, UP, or CPUT). See accredited institutions at www.che.ac.za.
- Minimum 60% average in major subjects (e.g., Programming, Data Structures).
- Submit full academic record, including 2025 results.
Language: Fluency in English and Afrikaans (spoken and written), as VKB operates in Afrikaans-speaking regions.
Commitment:
Willing to complete 3 weeks of vacation work per year at VKB’s Reitz office (Free State).
Agree to relocate for potential employment or work-back obligations post-graduation.
Technical: Access to a computer and internet for online application via Google Chrome.

How to Apply

Applications are open from 1 August 2025 to 30 September 2025. Follow these steps:

Prepare Your Documents:

Certified copy of your South African ID (within three months).
For Matriculants: Certified copies of Grade 11 and latest Grade 12 results.
For Tertiary Students: Certified full academic record, including 2025 results.
Updated CV highlighting academic achievements, IT projects (e.g., coding or data analysis), or leadership experience.
Optional: A cover letter explaining your passion for IT and interest in VKB’s agricultural tech mission.
All documents must be in PDF format.

Submit Online: VKB Group Bursary

Visit the VKB Group Bursary Application portal at www.vkb.co.za or https://vkb.simplify.hr/ (search for “BSc IT, Student Bursary 2026 – VKB IT”).
Use Google Chrome to access the Simplify platform.
Complete the online form, answering all questions accurately.
Upload all required documents.

Email Alternative (if specified in the circular):

Send documents to externalbursaries@vkb.co.za with the subject line “VKB IT Bursary 2026.”
Confirm submission requirements on www.vkb.co.za.

Avoid Scams: Apply only through official VKB channels. Never pay fees or share bank details.
Contact for Queries:

Mrs. Ariska du Plessis: +27 87 358 8565 or ariska.duplessis@vkb.co.za.

What to Expect After Applying

Review Process: VKB evaluates applications for academic merit and alignment with IT needs.
Shortlisting: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 30 days of the closing date (by 30 October 2025).
Interviews/Assessments: Expect virtual or in-person interviews or psychometric tests to assess skills like problem-solving or coding aptitude.
Background Checks: VKB verifies IDs, academic records, and criminal records.
Outcome: If unsuccessful, you’ll receive no communication. If selected, you’ll start in January 2026, with funding and vacation work obligations.

Tips for a Standout Application

Highlight IT Skills: Emphasize any coding projects, tech certifications (e.g., Python, AWS), or IT-related achievements in your CV or cover letter.
Show Academic Strength: Aim for 70%+ in Maths and Science (Matric) or 60%+ in IT majors (tertiary) to meet competitive CAO entry requirements (34–40 points for IT programs).
Emphasize Bilingualism: Showcase English and Afrikaans fluency, as it’s critical for VKB’s operations.
Certify Documents: Ensure ID and academic records are certified within three months by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Apply Early: Submit by mid-September 2025 to avoid technical issues or early closure.
Research VKB: Understand its IT role in agriculture (e.g., data analytics for crop yields) to align your application with its mission.

Comparison with Other IT Bursaries for 2026

Sasol Bursary: Covers IT and Data Science (BSc/BEng) with tuition, books, accommodation, and a stipend. Requires 70% in Maths and Science, closing 30 September 2025. Includes vacation work and a work-back contract.
Vodacom Bursary: Funds IT and Engineering degrees, covering tuition and accommodation. Targets disadvantaged students, opening 1 June 2025 for 2026. Requires a training contract.
FirstRand Empowerment Foundation: Supports IT and Data Science with full funding, closing 30 September 2025. Focuses on financial need and academic merit (70%+ Matric average).
Allan Gray Orbis Foundation: Funds IT at select universities (e.g., Wits, UCT), requiring entrepreneurial potential and 60%+ averages. Closes 30 September 2025.

VKB’s bursary is unique for its agricultural IT focus, Afrikaans proficiency requirement, and guaranteed vacation work in Reitz, offering a niche career path in agri-tech.

Why This Bursary Matters

South Africa’s IT sector faces a shortage of 70,000 professionals, yet only 3,000 IT graduates enter the market annually. VKB’s bursary not only funds your degree but also provides practical experience in a sector where IT drives innovation, like precision farming or supply chain optimization. With full financial support, vacation work, and a potential job at VKB (a ZAR 17 billion turnover company), this opportunity empowers you to combat unemployment and contribute to food security.

Conclusion

The VKB Group Bursary for BSc Information Technology 2026 is your gateway to a funded IT education and a career in agricultural technology. If you’re a South African Matriculant (70%+ average) or tertiary student (60%+ in IT majors) with a passion for tech, prepare your certified ID, academic records, and CV, and apply online at www.vkb.co.za or https://vkb.simplify.hr/ by 30 September 2025. Don’t miss this chance to grow with VKB—apply now and code the future of agriculture