Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the bursary value?
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$40,000 bursary, subject to guidelines set out on this website to cover group travel, study and reporting costs
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$3,000 will be withheld as an assurance on the submission of an approved report
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Likely costs exceeding the bursary value must be met by the scholar
2. How long is the scholarship commitment?
The breakdown of the scholarship components are:
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5 DAYS: National Conference: briefing day, awards dinner, conference days and regional tour
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12 DAYS: One/two weeks for the Australian Focus Program (AFP), commencing in Canberra
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8 DAYS: One week Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC)
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35 DAYS: Four/five-week Global Focus Program (GFP) spent in various countries
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35 DAYS: Four/five-week individual study (does not have to be concurrent)
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5 DAYS: National Conference and awards dinner, to present findings
3. When can I apply?
To be considered for a 2025 scholarship, you apply in 2024. Applications open on Monday 4 March 2024. The first scholarship component is the National Conference, which will be held in mid-September 2024, and other components are implemented in 2025. In advance of applications opening, please review all pages on this website under "Apply" to understand scholarship components and guidelines.
4. What is the longest compulsory element of the scholarship?
The longest compulsory element is the GFP where scholars are away for approximately five weeks. The second longest element is the AFP where scholars are away for one/two weeks. Partners and family members are not permitted to travel with the scholar during the AFP, CSC or GFP but are strongly encouraged to participate in travel during the five weeks of individual study.
5. What are the benefits of the AFP and CSC?
The AFP benefits all newly-selected scholars. It commences in Canberra with workshops and seminars to understand parliament, advocacy, policy, megatrends and key Australian agriculture issues. Scholars enhance their industry knowledge and visit a number of farms, agribusinesses and research facilities. There will also be a strong focus on drought resilience and sustainability in this component.
At the CSC, the entire global year group gathers together for one time only, exploring agriculture in the host country, learning more about themselves and each other, and engaging with leaders in agriculture who help reinforce Nuffield's vision and values. Scholars consider international trade and policy issues, learn about different cultures and develop contacts for individual study.
6. What are the benefits of the GFP?
A group of 8 to 12 scholars from Australia and other Nuffield countries spend five weeks travelling together. The group has the opportunity to dig into agriculture in up to six countries, literally making their way around the world as agricultural explorers: visiting farms, corporate agribusinesses, research facilities, government institutions and culturally stimulating environments. For many scholars, the GFP is the accelerator experience of their Nuffield travels, broadening horizons, cementing global friendships, and is a unique chance to understand other cultures and countries on a deeper level.
Examples of visits include:
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Kings Ranch, Texas: largest cattle ranch in the USA
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Washington DC Capitol: meeting US Senators
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CIMMYT, Mexico: Hosting the world's largest maize and wheat genebank
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World Farmers Organisation, Rome
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Kakuzi Limited, Kenya: tea, avocados, pineapples and livestock
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CLAAS machinery factory, Germany
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Beef feedlot and wet markets, Indonesia
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ANCALI: one of the largest dairies in Chile
7. What are the expectations for the individual study component?
Newly selected scholars work with both Nuffield and the scholarship investor to refine study topic objectives and identify contacts around the world to assist with study topic research. Up to one week (7-days) can include domestic (Australian-based) research, subject to approval of a proposed itinerary.
8. How to I decide on a suitable study topic?
For 2024 and 2025, there is a particular focus on identifying scholars who focus on both resilience and drought. Other possible study topic ideas relating to specific industry sectors are listed under the "Available Scholarships" page.
9. What are the benefits of doing a scholarship in 2025?
Many global agribusinesses have been adapting to a post-COVID environment. In addition, climate change, drought resilience, urbanisation and land scarcity, invasive pests and diseases, biodiversity loss, a growing population and changes in consumer expectations are major challenges for the food and fibre industry. A Nuffield Scholarship is a unique opportunity to step out of your business and explore the world to find new best practices, ideas and resources to overcome these challenges. Scholars are renowned as being able to embrace change, being versatile and seeking innovative ideas – all of which are quality traits during uncertain times. This recent period has been extraordinary, so there has never been a better time to research how the world has changed, and how agriculture is adapting.
In summary, Nuffield opens doors to exciting and rewarding experiences. Whether it’s walking the halls of Westminster or Washington DC, or touring a leading wheat and maize research facility in Mexico, a scholarship presents a career defining opportunity.
10. How do I apply?
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Review all pages under “How to Apply” on this website to understand all scholarship commitments.
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From March 2024, proceed to the “Apply Now” section of the website and register.
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Complete your application. Note, you can save and resume your application regularly before submission.
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If your written application is shortlisted, a state selection committee will interview you.
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If successful at state level, a final, national selection interview will be held.
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If successful through interviews, you will be awarded a scholarship at the 2024 National Conference, to be held in Tasmania.
11. How can I find out more?
Please contact Nuffield via enquiries@nuffield.com.au