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On Farm Support science scholarships
Scholarships of $5,000 are awarded to tertiary students interested in working as advisers in the primary sector. Learn more about the scholarships and eligibility criteria.
Scholarships to support future on-farm advisers
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) runs a scholarship programme for tertiary students to help increase the number of on-farm advisers.
The On Farm Support Science Scholarships were launched in 2023 and are worth $5,000 each.
Six scholarships were offered in each of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 academic years. Applications for the 2026 academic year opened on 31 July and closed on 15 September 2025.
Successful scholarship recipients are expected to be announced in late 2025.
Eligibility for a scholarship
To be eligible, applicants must be:
- studying at a university or an institute of technology (listed on this page)
- studying agriculture, horticulture, science, or viticulture in one of the approved degrees (listed on this page)
- genuinely interested in pursuing a career in the primary industry advisory sector
- a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, and
- have successfully completed at least one year of study in a relevant academic field.
Relevant degrees for the scholarships
Applicants must be enrolled in one of the following degrees.
University of Auckland
- Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours) - Majoring in Environmental Change
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Majoring in Environmental Science.
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
- Bachelor of Science - Majoring in Environmental Science.
University of Canterbury
- Bachelor of Environmental Science with Honours - Including agriculture, horticulture, or viticulture-related content
- Bachelor of Forestry Science (BForSc)
- Bachelor of Science - Majoring in Environmental Science.
Lincoln University
- Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing
- Bachelor of Agriculture
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science
- Bachelor of Commerce - Majoring in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Professional Accounting
- Bachelor of Science - Majoring in Environmental Science, Plant and Horticultural Science, or Animal Science
- Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology.
Massey University
- Bachelor of Agribusiness (BAgribusiness)
- Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgSci)
- Bachelor of Animal Science (BAnSci)
- Bachelor of Horticultural Science (BHortSci)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Majoring in Plant Science or Environmental Science.
University of Otago
- Bachelor of Science - Majoring in Agricultural Innovation or Environmental Management.
University of Waikato
- Bachelor of Business (BBus) - Majoring in Agribusiness with a minor in Agriculture, Horticulture, or Viticulture
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) - Majoring in Environmental Science with agriculture/horticulture electives.
Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT)
- Bachelor of Applied Science – Biodiversity Management (with an agricultural or horticultural foundation)
- Bachelor of Viticulture and Wine Science.
Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology (NMIT)
- Bachelor of Viticulture and Winemaking.
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
- Bachelor of Applied Management - Agribusiness Management major
- Bachelor of Environmental Management.
Unitec Institute of Technology
- Bachelor of Applied Science - Majoring in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and Biodiversity Management.
Benefits of getting a scholarship
As well as the $5,000, successful applicants receive mentoring and development opportunities.
Media release: Applications open for On Farm Support science scholarships
Media release: Government awards primary sector scholarships to tertiary students – Beehive
Media release: Expanded scholarship programme to grow on-the-ground support for farmers and growers
Media release: Government awards primary sector scholarships to students – Beehive
MPI supports farmers and growers
These scholarships help MPI build capacity and capability for the primary industries, particularly where there are skills and advisory gaps. It's part of our work to boost on-the-ground support for farmers, growers, and whenua Māori owners.
That work includes:
Find out about becoming a rural professional
Career pathways – NZ Institute of Primary Industry Management
