NFU Mutual is urging aspiring masters and PhD students to apply for its Centenary Award, which pays up to 75% of course fees for selected students undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture.

Prospective postgraduate agriculture students have until the end of next month (June 30, 2024) to apply for the 2024 Centenary Award.

The award was created by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th anniversary, with the objective of creating a legacy for the future.

To date, 52 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies.

The 2024 award, which launched for applications in January, is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree.

They also must have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a masters or PhD course in agriculture in the UK for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Commenting on the award, NFU Mutual chair Jim McLaren said: “NFU Mutual is committed to creating a positive and sustainable difference for those living and working in rural communities.

"Our Centenary Award supports passionate individuals to further their personal contribution to UK agriculture, while also championing research and innovation for the industry.”

Application

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has identified four areas of interest for eligible students.

At least one of these areas must form part of the applicant’s postgraduate course:

The application of science and innovative technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for UK farming businesses;
Building resilience and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of those living and working in the UK agricultural industry;
Tackling the risks of climate change, whilst maintaining food security, to improve the sustainability of UK agriculture;
Identifying opportunities for supporting nature and biodiversity in the development of farming and land management practices in the UK.

To select the award recipients, the judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader, NFU Mutual said.