Great Opportunity for Agriculture Study Scholarships
January 19, 2012
New scholarship funding available to school leavers or mature aged students looking to study an agricultural related degree could not have come at a better time as students are heading off to universities.
Dr Sharman Stone, Federal Member for Murray, welcomed the news of the Horizon Scholarships saying that “this will encourage more to take on degrees in agriculture regardless of age and also be a boost for Universities to consider expanding tertiary courses related to agriculture.”
“A Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry was set up in October 2011 to consider agriculture studies and training. Findings from the inquiry were bleak, indicating that the two primary barriers to enrolling in an agricultural course were lack of financial support and the negativity and the misinformation about agriculture not offering many opportunities” said Sharman Stone.
According to the Australian Council of Deans of Agriculture president, Rick Roush, there have only been 700 enrolments in 2011 marking a shortfall of 3000 agricultural science graduates for the 4000 tertiary level jobs available in the industry each year.
“It is about time that a rigorous marketing campaign was undertaken to promote the benefits of agricultural education and the wealth of career opportunities that are waiting”, said Sharman Stone.
Recognising that it is becoming increasingly hard to attract students to agricultural related courses, the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, in partnership with industry sponsors, now offers Horizon Scholarships that provide a bursary of $5000 per year for the duration of the student’s university degree.
The scholarship also offers students annual industry work placement and access to mentoring partnerships with university faculty members and industry leaders.
“Applications for the scholarships need to be made before 1 February 2012. If you are passionate about agriculture and ready to take the sector into a new high as future generation leaders, this may be a great opportunity,” said Sharman Stone.
Application forms for the scholarship funding can be downloaded from www.rirdc.gov.au or by phoning 02 6271 4100
Further Media Enquiries:
Dr Sharman Stone’s Office – Gaayathri Periasami 0417 148 110
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