NFU Mutual is offering annual bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for agriculture students starting a postgraduate master’s or PhD course in autumn this year.

Three key areas have been identified for this year’s awards by the insurer’s charitable trust which runs the scheme:

• Sustainable agriculture
• Climate change and agriculture
• International agricultural development.

The 2012 award is open to students from the UK who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or better in agriculture or a closely related degree, and have been accepted on a master’s or PhD course in agriculture in the UK.

The judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but are also committed to the future of agriculture.

The insurer launched its centenary awards in 2010 through its charitable trust. Twelve students have so far benefited from bursary payments to help fund their studies.