A Federal Government-run scholarship program that supports students studying agriculture-related degrees at university is now taking applications for 2016.
Applications for the Horizon Scholarship are open to first-year university students but must be submitted by February 19.
The Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of the Rural Industries R&D Corporation in partnership with industry sponsors, provides $5000 per year for the duration of a student’s degree.
It 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 Managing Director Craig Burns said the Horizon Scholarship provided real and practical benefits for the students involved.
“The students 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 Burns said.
“The scholarship attracts students who are driven, energetic, 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 2016.”
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.
Shortlisted applicants must be available for a telephone interview in early March 2016. The scholarship winners will be announced at the end of March.
Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website.
For more information, contact RIRDC on (02) 6271-4132.
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).
