In 2015, NFU Mutual is once again offering its Centenary Award for postgraduate students in agriculture.

The award will give 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 autumn 2015.

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 now benefited from bursary payments to help fund their studies.

Talking about the scheme, 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.”

The 2014 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.

Mr Percy said: “As the leading rural insurer, with its history interwoven in farming, NFU Mutual understands the challenges facing the agricultural industry. We want our Centenary Award to benefit agricultural education and research, and help encourage a vibrant and sustainable farming industry.”

In response to this, the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has specifically identified three topic areas of interest for eligible students: Sustainable agriculture and climate change International agricultural development The application of science and innovative technology to the agricultural industry Prospective postgraduate students who think they may be eligible to apply for the 2015 award should contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk to request further details and an application form. The closing date for the 2015 award is 30th April 2015.