Bursary pays farming university degree course fees
© Tim Scrivener Farm students are invited to apply for a bursary worth more than £27,000 to help fund their course.
The John Innes Foundation (JIF) Undergraduate Bursary Award Scheme supports one UK student per year from a non-farming background undertaking a three- or four-year course in agriculture, crop production or environmental science.
This opportunity provides not only a bursary to cover course fees, but also mentoring from Keith Norman, JIF Trustee, farming consultant and former director at Velcourt UK.
See also: Peter Gittins: Universities should support UK farming more
Mr Norman told Farmers Weekly that he had enjoyed a great career in agriculture and was from a non-farming background himself.
The bursary to give someone a similar opportunity to carve out a career in farming.
The successful applicant will also benefit from work experience opportunities during university breaks with placements offered at many organisations including Niab, Hutchinsons and the National Trust Farms.
The bursary scheme is administrated and supported by the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).
Peter Innes, great-great nephew of the original John Innes, and JIF chairman said previous award winners are starting to demonstrate how the bursaries have helped in launching their careers.
He added: “Now we’re collaborating with RNAA on selecting recipients, we’re even more confident that the bursaries will give a leg up to young people who are financially stretched and have no family involvement in farming.”
Closing date for online applications is 31 October 2025. For full details, please email keith@keithnorman.com