General conditions & Scholarship application guidelines

General Conditions

Every effort will be made to meet the specific family and business needs of the Scholars within a framework, which ensures maximum opportunity for the Scholar to pursue their interest.

Scholars are not allowed to undertake other work, paid or unpaid during their study time without permission of Nuffield Australia.

Partners and family are not permitted to travel with the Scholar during the first six weeks of the programme.

The Nuffield Foundation, the Nuffield Farming Scholars Association (UK) and the National Farmers Union and Ministry of Agriculture in the United Kingdom will assist Scholars to plan their programme in Europe. Considerable help and assistance is also available from Scholars in Australia and other participating countries - France, Canada, Zimbabwe, New Zealand and Ireland.

Nuffield Australia reserves the right to terminate the Scholarship should it find that the Scholar has neglected his or her obligations explicit in the award.

Selection will be made initially on the basis of the written applications, secondly by a panel at State or regional level in July and a final national selection by interview during September 2008. Nuffield Australia will not enter into any correspondence in relation to selection and the decision is final.

Application guidelines

1. Application forms must be completed and signed by the applicant.
2. Application forms must be either typed or produced on computer. Handwritten applications will not be accepted.
3. Applicant must be an Australian citizen.
4. Application form must be completed with concise details and attachments must not exceed 3 pages. (8 pages in total)
5. Application forms may be reproduced electronically but must be signed by the applicant.
6. Applications may be submitted by E-mail, however an original hard copy signed by the applicant must be submitted.
7. Facsimile applications will not be accepted.
8. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date for applications (30th June 2008).
9. The preferred age for all applicants is 28 - 40 years of age at the time applications close, although applicants outside this range may also be considered.
10. State Selection Committee’s will view application forms and interview short-listed applicants. (July)
11. State Selection Committees recommend finalists for Final Selection interview to be held on the 1st and 2nd September 2008.
12. Nuffield Australia arranges travel and accommodation for all applicants for final selection interviews.
13. Applicants spouse or partner is requested to accompany the applicant to the final interviews and formal function held on the Monday evening, but must pay all associated and accommodation expenses.
14. Travel and accommodation cannot be changed once confirmed.
15. All applicants attending the final interviews will be advised of the outcome by telephone or in writing.
16. Presentation of Awards and Scholarship Briefing will be made in association with the Australian Innovative Farming Conference in October and Scholarship winners are required to attend.
17. Scholarship winners spouse or partner must (if at all possible) accompany the Scholarship winner to the Scholarship Briefing and Presentation Function to be held on 8th and 10th October 2008 respectively. Nuffield Australia will pay spouse or partner’s air travel costs.
18. The decision of the Selection Committee is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
19. The Scholarship must be taken at the advertised time.
20. The tenure of the Scholarship is four months travel to be completed within eight months of original departure. The first six weeks are organised, being in some or all of; New Zealand, Asia, the Americas and Europe.
21. All Scholars must write a report of their study tour (see scholar’s agreement). This must be produced on a CD in a pre determined format.
22. The Scholar is responsible for obtaining his or her own passport, visas etc.
23. The allowance of $25,000 will be paid to Scholars prior to their departure with the remaining $3,000 paid following completion and lodgement of a satisfactory report. The accommodation and associated costs of the Scholarship Briefing will be taken from the $25,000 payment as they are incurred.
24. Scholars are expected to resume residence in Australia after completion of their tour.
25. Partners and family are not permitted to travel with the Scholar during the first six weeks of the programme.
26. Partners and family to arrange own travel arrangements.
27. Partners and family to fund their own travel and incidentals.
28. All medical and insurance costs are at the Scholars expense.
29. It is recommended that Scholars seek medical advice on their own state of heath and fitness and for any medical requirements relating to their travel including vaccinations.
30. It is recommended that Scholars seek advice and purchase travel insurance.
31. All telephone and communication costs are at the Scholars expense.
32. It is recommended that all Scholars have email facilities installed prior to departure.
33. It is recommended that Scholars contact the Chairman, CEO and sponsors several times during their tour, keeping them advised of their progress.
34. An unsuccessful applicant may re-apply providing they meet the guidelines set out.
35. Application forms and references remain the property of Nuffield Australia.
36. Nuffield Australia reserves the right to discontinue a Scholarship if it deems the applicant is incapable of fulfilling the requirements of a Nuffield Scholar and seek the return of all moneys paid to the scholar.
37. All Scholarships are offered subject to confirmation of sponsorship arrangements.
38. All successful applicants will be required to sign a contract with Nuffield Australia before commencing travel. Electronic copies are available from Nuffield Australia office.
39. The Scholar is an ambassador for Australia, the industry, Nuffield and themselves, and must at all times conduct themselves in a manor befitting their role. Nuffield reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship and seek the return of all funds associated with the scholarship if, at the sole discretion of the board, any scholar has conducted themselves in an unbecoming manner.