This is a final research report from Hort Innovation’s historical archives. Please note that as these reports may date back as far as the 1990s, the content and recommendations within them may be superseded by more recent research.

What was it all about?

The Horizon Scholarship was an initiative of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) that, in partnership with industry sponsors, aimed to promote the dynamic and diversified career pathways that agriculture offered, while helping to address the chronic shortage of agricultural scientists and rural industry professionals.

The Horizon Scholarship supported undergraduate students studying an agriculture or related degree by providing a bursary, mentoring, professional development workshops and industry placements. Through these actions, the students were more likely to commit to a career in agriculture as well as act as ambassadors for their chosen industries and promote agriculture as a career to their peers.

The Horizon Scholarship addressed the gap that existed in supporting students of high potential in agricultural science at the tertiary level. The Primary Industry Centre for Science Education (PICSE) ran important programs promoting tertiary studies in agricultural science to high school students. Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) and the private sector provided a range of postgraduate scholarships and research grants to students undertaking higher degrees.

The Horizon Scholarship also addressed the main issues facing agricultural industries’
labour shortages:

• It facilitated industry participation in education and training.
• It worked to increase the number of graduates in agricultural science.
• Through the provision of mentoring and industry placements, it made those graduates work ready.
• It raised the profile and awareness of agricultural career pathways.

The Horizon Scholarship commenced as a pilot in 2010. In 2014 there were 17 sponsors supporting 45 students at the time of this report being published. There were nine graduates who had completed their scholarships and formed the alumni.

The response from students continued to be positive and the program continued to receive strong numbers of applications.

Each student received a $5,000 per annum bursary as part of the program. In addition to financial support, they received a number of leadership and industry support services.