Each scholar will receive $10,000 annually for three years to support costs associated with their studies.
The tertiary scholarships are named in recognition of services to the dairy industry by Niel Black, Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle and Doug Weir.
“Supporting rural Victorian students enhances the social fabric of our dairy communities,” Gardiner Foundation chief executive officer Allan Cameron said.
“We are proud to offer opportunities for students to pursue their tertiary education without the financial burdens that often affect those from the country.
“By enabling more students from dairy communities to gain skills and experiences in their chosen fields, we contribute to the creation of thriving, vibrant communities where people want to live, work and invest.”
To apply, students must start their first year of full-time on-campus tertiary study in 2025 and relocate due to study commitments.
There is no preferred field of study — past students have enrolled in courses ranging from agricultural science to nursing, medicine, engineering, journalism and commerce.
Previous scholar Hamish Smith is halfway through his Bachelor of Agriculture/Bachelor of Business at the University of New England at Armidale.
He recently took up the opportunity of a lifetime to travel with 28 fellow university students to California, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas in the United States.
“In April, I went on an agribusiness study tour through UNE,” Hamish said.
“It was my first time overseas. We visited farms, agricultural processors, water management facilities, research centres, input suppliers, training centres and entrepreneurs.”
Hamish — from St Germains, near Kyabram in northern Victoria — used his scholarship to help fund his trip and his tuition fees for the semester.
“This has made a substantial difference to me as it has allowed me to focus more closely on my studies without worrying about needing to earn as much money to pay for my tuition fees,” he said.
“Moreover, it has allowed me to get closer to my career goals and ultimately contribute to the Victorian dairy industry.”
Successful scholarship applicants need to demonstrate intended future contributions to the dairy industry and communities, as well as describe their community involvement and academic achievements.
Applications close at 5pm on Monday, November 25.
For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.gardinerfoundation.com.au/ts
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