Scholarship applications open for ag students

APPLICATIONS for the AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship are now open to students studying an agriculture-related degree that are in their last two years of study.

The Horizon Scholarship, in partnership with industry sponsors, provides a $5,000 bursary and professional development opportunities for eligible university students.

The 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.

In 2019 there are some small but important changes to the program:

• The Scholarship will now be awarded for the last two years of the successful student’s degree; this change is aimed to increase networking opportunities and pathways into careers in agriculture

• Eligible agriculture related degrees now include Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths (STEM) degrees with major studies and subject selections relevant and aligned to agriculture

• Students studying traditional agriculture degrees such as rural science, animal science and agribusiness are also eligible

• Students studying in faculties that support the prosperity of rural industries, such as logistics, communications and IT, who are passionate about a career in an agriculture, are also eligible.

AgriFutures Australia recognises there is a broad range of skills which contribute to all areas of rural industries and are looking to attract those skilled individuals into careers in agriculture.

Fostering collaboration across multiple disciplines contributes to a growing Horizon Scholar Alumni entering the workforce.

Providing networking and professional development opportunities, along with valuable industry placements, sees Horizon Scholars beginning their careers in agriculture with direction and readiness.

Horizon Scholar, Matt Champness, graduated in 2018 from Charles Sturt University and was an Agricultural Science medalist.

He is set to depart for Lao this year to continue his research in weed management and reflects on his time in the Horizon Scholarship Program.

“Without a doubt, the Scholarship broadened my horizons and exposed me to so many opportunities that I didn’t know existed,” Mr Champness said.

“It also connected me with likeminded young people from across Australia.”

During his time on the Horizon Scholarship program, Mr Champness participated in the 2018 Crawford Fund Conference, the National Farmers Federation (NFF) 2030 Leadership Program and co-founded ‘This is Aus Ag’- a grassroots initiative aiming to build trust between farmers and consumers.

“The most enjoyable part about the program was seeing others grow and develop in their confidence,” he said.

“The AgriFutures Horizon Scholarship provides an opportunity for students to collaborate with other young agricultural enthusiasts from various walks of life.”

Students must be entering their last two years of university to be eligible for the Scholarship.

All applicants must have commenced their tertiary studies no longer than two years after leaving high school.

The online application form and terms and conditions can be found at agrifutures.com.au/horizon and applications close at 5.00pm Friday, 1 March 2019.