PROSPECTIVE postgraduate students in agriculture are being encouraged to apply for an annual bursary.

NFU Mutual is again offering its Centenary Award, which will provide annual bursaries to pay up to 75 per cent of course fees for selected students who are starting a postgraduate course (Masters or PhD) in the autumn.

The Centenary Award was first launched by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th birthday. It is now in its sixth year, and 23 students from across the UK have benefited from bursary payments to help fund their studies.

Richard Percy, NFU Mutual chairman, said: “Our Centenary Award aims to create a long-standing legacy for the future, giving outstanding agricultural students the opportunity to continue their studies.

"We understand the financial pressure placed upon postgraduate students today, and NFU Mutual is committed to supporting young people wanting to make a difference to both farming and rural communities.”

This year's award is open to students who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a closely-related degree, and have been accepted on a Masters or PhD course in agriculture in the UK.

To select the students, the award’s judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but are also committed to the future of agriculture.

There are three topic areas of interest for eligible students – sustainable agriculture and climate change; international agricultural development; and the application of science and innovative technology to the agricultural industry.

To apply, contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk to request further details and an application form.