2024 Young Farmers Scholarship Program – Australia

Up to $10,000 is available per scholarship:

• up to $5,000 towards study
• up to $5,000 to invest in putting new skills into practice, with professional development, business planning or other on-farm activities.

The scholarship program is designed to be flexible and to fit with the demands and ambitions of young farmers and farm workers.

Types of study or training that will be funded

• Applications will be considered for any form of study or training that is relevant to developing a career in agriculture, including professional short courses or workshops.
• Eligible study or training must be:
  • a minimum of 16 contact hours (this may involve more than one course or workshop, and may be across multiple institutions and organisations, or offered online)
  • delivered by a registered training organisation (RTO)
  • delivered by another reputable organisation (such as an industry organisation) approved through discussion with the department.
• Study or training in the areas of business planning and management, risk management and financial literacy are encouraged. Upskilling in climate adaptation and mitigation, specific skills or farm safety could also be a focus, but applicants should not be limited to these areas.
• Study duration should not be more than 2 years, unless otherwise agreed with the department.
• Upskill scholarship funds cannot be used to reimburse courses that you have already completed or are currently undertaking at the time of application.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the scholarship you must:

• be aged be between 18 and 35 years at the time of the application close date
• be working in a food and fibre farm business in Victoria at least 3 days per week for the past 3 months
• have at least 2 years of total experience on-farm
• be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in Victoria.

For more information, visit Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.