Student grower Kobus Stander has won a £2,000 South West Growers Show (SWGS) sponsored scholarship

Part of the David Colegrave Foundation (DCF) Scholarship Season, this award supports commercial and production horticulture by spotting and encouraging talent that is passionate about the industry.

Originally from South Africa, Kobus is completing a BSc Horticulture at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) at the Edinburgh campus while working at Pentland Plants Ltd in Midlothian.

Kobus applied to study in Edinburgh from South Africa solely because of his commitment to horticulture. Kobus possesses a passion for growing and improving his plant knowledge and has a core belief that plants can be used for ecological repair of landscapes and cityscapes. He hopes to work for a business that specialises in breeding programmes on a commercial scale.

As an international student, Kobus is subject to high tuition fees. He said: “Winning this SWGS Sponsored Scholarship brought a huge amount of joy and relief, giving me the chance to focus more on my studies and the satisfaction it brings. Now I can better devote my time furthering my horticultural knowledge, not having to worry as much about my international study fees.”

Supporting Kobus’ application, the SWGS Sponsored Scholarship Committee, adds: “Kobus is highly motivated and determined to develop his skills and improve his opportunities for employment in horticulture. His enthusiasm has already seen him win an RHS Gold Medal at Gardening Scotland for his Pop-Up garden. We fully support his pathway into horticulture and in doing so we have chosen to increase our award for this year to £2,000.”

The horticultural industry can look forward to welcoming more bright students to the trade with the backing of DCF through its scholarship season. Scholarships worth £13,500 have been awarded to 10 students with interests that include research, sustainability, crop management, breeding, horticultural therapy and commercial wholesale.