Applications now open: Students studying agriculture have access to scholarship

APPLICATIONS for the Horizon Scholarship are now open to first-year university students studying agriculture-related degrees. 

The Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of the Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation (RIRDC) in partnership with industry sponsors, provides $5,000 per year for the duration of a student’s university degree. Applications close on Friday, 24 February 2017.

The Horizon Scholarship also offers students annual industry work placements, access to industry leaders, professional development assistance, and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

RIRDC’s Managing Director John Harvey said the Horizon Scholarship provides real and practical benefits for the students involved and as a result will differentiate them from their peers.

“The students involved in the Horizon Scholarship are expanding their networks and learning new skills. Combined with easing the financial burden on students and families, the Scholarship is opening doors for these future agricultural leaders,” Mr Harvey 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.”

To be eligible for the Horizon Scholarship students must be entering their first year of university and studying a degree related to agriculture, such as agricultural science, rural science, livestock/animal science, veterinary science or agribusiness and plant science. Students must also have started their tertiary studies no longer than two years after leaving high school.

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

Applications close on Friday, 24 February 2017 and shortlisted applicants must be available for a telephone interview in March 2017. The Scholarship winners will be announced in May 2017.

Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website at www.rirdc.gov.au/horizon or by contacting RIRDC on 02 6923 6900.

Sponsors of the Horizon Scholarship are the Australian Egg Corporation, ANZ, the Cotton Research and Development Corporation, the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Horticulture Innovation Australia Limited, McCaughey Memorial Institute, Meat & Livestock Australia, Sugar Research Australia, and RIRDC (Rice and Chicken Meat research programs).

ENDS