Q & A

Frequently asked questions about NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIPS:

• Q. What is the aim of the NUFFIELD FARMING SCHOLARSHIP TRUST?

  A. The aim of Nuffield is to advance the standard of UK agriculture - including farming, food, horticulture, and rural industries - through the provision of Scholarships enabling the study of practices and techniques employed anywhere in the world. It is also to help promote agricultural, food, horticultural and rural sector education in the UK and abroad.

• Q. Are any special qualifications required?

  A. No academic qualifications are required for the award of a Nuffield Scholarship.

• Q. Is there an age limit?

  A. You must be aged between 22 and 45 years old (inclusive) at the application date and have been working for at least two years in a relevant industry sector and be three years post tertiary education.

• Q. Can you be over 45 and get a Nuffield award?

  A. Yes; the Frank Arden Award. It is offered bi-annually for study into a specific topic and has no age restrictions.

• Q. Am I eligible to apply?

  A. You may apply if you are UK resident aged between 22 and 45 years old (inclusive) at the application date and working in farming, rural land-based, food or agricultural associated industries as an owner, manager or employee. You must be engaged for at least two years in a relevant sector and intend to remain involved in that industry.

• Q. If I am awarded a Scholarship, how much will my bursary be?

  A. Each individual Scholarship provides a bursary of £6,500 towards your travel and subsistence expenses. In addition, the Trust and individual award sponsors will meet your travel and expenses in relation to the International pre study briefing Contemporary Scholars Conference and specialist training costs - the total value of a Nuffield award is over £10,000!.

• Q. Under what circumstances may I not apply?

  A. A Scholarship provides a bursary for travel and study. You may not apply if you require a grant to cover the attendance of courses, academic studies, student grants or gap year projects.

• Q. What will my bursary cover?

  A. The bursary provided by the Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust provides reasonable travel and subsistence costs to fund the study. It covers return airfares and daily living.

• Q. What is expected of me when I return from my Scholarship?

  A. On completion of the study tour, Scholars are expected to compile a report précis for the Nuffield annual report, followed by a full report within three months of study completion which will be published. They are also expected to present their findings at an Annual Conference held in November.

• Q. If I am successful, when can I start my Scholarship?

  A. Scholarships are awarded in October, following interviews held on 14th - 16th October 2013. The study commences on completion of the UK briefing and participation at the Contemporary Scholars' Conference held in late February/early March. All Scholarships must be completed within 18 months of award.

• Q. If I am awarded a Scholarship when should I travel and study, and for how long?

  A.  The study commences on completion of the UK briefing and participation at the Contemporary Scholars' Conference held in late February/early March. During the study period Scholar's will travel for at least eight weeks in total. All Scholarships must be completed within 18 months of award.

• Q. How do I get hold of an application form?

  A. Scholarship application forms are available to download from the Nuffield website - see Apply Now.

• Q. Will I be asked for references?

  A. Yes, on the application form you are asked to supply the names and details of two references. Please note that applicants are solely responsible for ensuring their referees submit references in confidence to the Nuffield Director by 31st July.

• Q. When is the closing date for applications?

  A. The closing date for applications each year is 31st July.

• Q. If shortlisted, when will I be informed?

  A. All candidates completing and submitting an application will be informed by letter following the short listing meeting in early September.

• Q. If shortlisted, when do the interviews take place?

  A. Interviews take place in early/mid October. For 2014 Awards interviews take place on 14th -16th October 2013.

• Q. If I am turned down, may I re-apply at a later date?

  A. Yes, you may re-apply, as long as you are still under the maximum age limit..

• Q. How many Scholarships are awarded each year?

  A. Approximately 20 Scholarships are awarded each year.