Rural Finance’s Scholarship Program offering agri-students funding of up to $6,000 per year closes 31 May.
Rural Finance Chief Executive Officer, Rob Goudswaard said that the Scholarship Program plays an important part in supporting renewal within Victorian agriculture by encouraging the education and skill development of those committed to the agriculture industry.
“It’s a great privilege to be able to sponsor the next generation of Victorian agricultural scholars through this program. We’re immensely proud of the value, be it through farming, research and other allied industries, that will see these students deliver to the future of agriculture,” he said.
Since the program began in 1992, Rural Finance has committed over $2.3M towards the education of 127 outstanding students with career aspirations across a broad spectrum of rural industries. There are generally 15 holders of scholarships in any one-year, representing an overall investment of approximately $90,000 per annum.
The scholarships are open to all vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate students who can demonstrate a career commitment to agriculture. This includes not only students who have the opportunity to take up farming as a career, but also students planning to provide consultancy, research, technological and other services to the agricultural industry.
The Rural Finance Scholarship is recognised as a leading program for the development of Victorian youth and the funding received by students can help manage their research, education and living expenses.
The Scholarship Program further demonstrates Rural Finance’s ongoing commitment to Victorian agriculture and recognises the skills required to ensure progress and application of scientific, technical and managerial advances in the rural sector.
Recipients will be awarded their scholarship at a presentation dinner hosted by Rural Finance in September 2013. And at the conclusion of their studies, students become members of the Rural Finance Scholarship Alumni, offering ongoing opportunities for mentoring and networking.
Rural Finance believes in a bright future for agriculture and is proud of its investment in Victoria’s future.
More information about the scholarship including funding, placements and application forms, are available at www.ruralfinance.com.au or by calling Alana O’Shea on 03 5448 2600.
