School leavers looking to start an agriculture-related university degree are being encouraged to apply for the prestigious Horizon Scholarship.

Applications for the Horizon Scholarship are now open and need to be submitted by 30 January 2015.

The Horizon Scholarship, an initiative of the Rural Industries R&D Corporation, in partnership with industry sponsors, provides $5,000 per year for the duration of a student’s university degree.

The Horizon Scholarship also offers students annual industry work placements that give them first-hand exposure to modern agricultural practices, access to industry leaders, professional development workshops and opportunities to network and gain knowledge at a range of industry events.

RIRDC’s Managing Director, Craig Burns said the Horizon Scholarship will appeal to university students who want to broaden their networks, are passionate about agriculture and are ready to develop their leadership skills.

“The current scholars and the Scholarship’s alumni are testament to the success and quality of the Horizon Scholarship. They are driven, energetic, passionate and want to be future leaders of Australia’s agricultural industries and we look forward to having several more new scholars join this special group in 2015,” Mr Burns said.

To be eligible for the Horizon Scholarship students must be entering their first year of university and studying a degree related to agriculture, such as agricultural science, rural science, livestock/animal science, veterinary science or agribusiness and plant science. Students must also have started their tertiary studies no longer than two years after leaving high school.

Scholarship recipients will be selected on the basis of their commitment to a career in agriculture, as well as their leadership potential and high school academic record.

Applications close on 30 January 2015 and shortlisted applicants must be available for a telephone interview in late February 2015. The Scholarship winners are announced at the end of February 2015.

Source: RIRDC. Application forms can be downloaded from the RIRDC website atwww.rirdc.gov.au/horizon or by contacting RIRDC on 02 6271 4132.