Funding award for postgrad agriculture students

The award will give annual bursaries to pay up to 75 per cent of course fees for selected students in agriculture who are starting a postgraduate course (Masters or PhD) in Autumn 2012.

The Centenary Award was launched by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th birthday. It is now in its third year, and already twelve students from across the UK have benefited from bursary payments to help fund their studies.

Richard Percy, NFU Mutual chairman, said: “At NFU Mutual we recognise the crucial role students in agriculture play in the future of the industry. Our Centenary Award aims to create a long-standing legacy for the future, and highlight our continued commitment to the countryside.”

The 2012 award is open to students from the UK who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a closely related degree, and have been accepted on a Masters or PhD course in agriculture in the UK.

To select the students the award’s judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but are also committed to the future of agriculture.

Mr Percy said: “As a leading rural insurer, with its history interwoven in farming, NFU Mutual understands the challenges facing the agricultural industry such as environment, climate change, food security, and international agricultural development.

“We want our Centenary Award to benefit agricultural education and research, and help encourage a vibrant and sustainable farming industry.”

Prospective postgraduate students who think they may be eligible to apply for the award should contact centenary_award@ nfumutual.co.uk to request further details and an application form.