Boost for agriculture students

Imagine receiving $5000 a year to study agriculture - would it make life a little bit easier?

Applications are open for the annual Horizon Scholarship until February 24.

The bursary, co-ordinated by Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, is open to first year students starting an agriculture-related degree at university.

Students must be starting tertiary studies more than two years after leaving high school.

As well as receiving the $5000 a year, the scholarship also offers annual industry work placements, access to industry leaders, professional development assistance, and the opportunity to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

RIRDC managing director John Harvey said the Horizon Scholarship provided real and practical benefits for the students involved.

“Combined with easing the financial burden on students and families, the scholarship is opening doors for these future agricultural leaders,” he said.

“The scholarship attracts students who are collaborative, dynamic, passionate and want to be future leaders of Australia’s agricultural industries.

“It is special group of young people and we look forward to welcoming more of them into the scholarship in 2017.”

Eligible degrees include agricultural science, rural science, livestock or animal science, veterinary science or agribusiness and plant science.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, leadership potential and high school academic record.

The scholarship is funded by Australian Egg Corporation, ANZ, Cotton Research and Development Corporation, Grains Research and Development Corporation, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, McCaughey Memorial Institute, Meat and Livestock Australia, Sugar Research Australia, and RIRDC.

Applications close February 24.

Short listed applicants must be available for a telephone interview in March 2017.

Scholarship winners will be announced in May 2017.

To apply, visit www.rirdc.gov.au/horizon or call 02 6923 6916.