2023 Riverine Plains Scholarship Program

Riverine Plains Scholarship Program terms, conditions and eligibility criteria

Riverine Plains Inc invites tertiary students working towards a degree or diploma in agriculture, agricultural science agribusiness or engineering (or who can demonstrate a passion for agriculture in another discipline), to apply for one of five scholarships being offered by the group in 2023.

The 2023 Riverine Plains Scholarship Program includes the Alvan Blanch Australia, Corteva Agriscience, Hanrahan Family and Uncle Tobys Scholarships. Each scholarship provides $5,000 over two years (or a single year for final year students applying for the Corteva Agriscience Scholarship) to assist with costs associated with studying (textbooks, cost of living etc). The scholarships also include work experience and mentoring opportunities, as well as access to Riverine Plains’ and other industry events.

Before commencing your application, please read the following terms, conditions and eligibility criteria.

SCHOLARSHIP ELIGIBILITY

Each scholarship has different eligibility criteria.

To be eligible for the Alvan Blanch Australia Scholarships (two available):

• students must be enrolled in an Australian college or university diploma or undergraduate degree course in agriculture, agricultural science or engineering (agricultural or mechanical)
• be studying full-time
• be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
• demonstrate an intention to relocate or return to the Riverine Plains region post-study (see map below)
• come from a non-farming background (students from rural or urban areas without an immediate family connection to a farming business or students whose parents or carers live or work on a farm as employees without other financial interests in a farm business, are eligible to apply)

To be eligible for the Corteva Agriscience Scholarship:

• students must be enrolled in the second or third year of an Australian college or university diploma or undergraduate degree course in Agriculture, Agricultural Science, Agribusiness or be undertaking another course of study that demonstrates a passion for agriculture (i.e law, sustainability)
• be a second or third year student (if the successful recipient is a final year student, they can elect to receive their bursary as a single payment, instead of over the usual two years)
• be studying full-time
• be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
• have an interest in agronomy, plant breeding or otherwise demonstrate a passion for agriculture

To be eligible for the Hanrahan Family Scholarship:

• students must be enrolled in the second year of an Australian college or university diploma or undergraduate degree course in Agriculture, Agricultural Science or Agribusiness
• be studying full-time
• be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
• be from the Riverine Plains area (see map)

To be eligible for the Uncle Tobys Scholarship:

• students must be enrolled in the second year of an Australian college or university diploma or undergraduate degree course in Agriculture, Agricultural Science or Agribusiness
• be studying full-time
• be an Australian permanent resident or citizen
• have an interest in agronomy, oats or post-farm-gate manufacture

The Riverine Plains area is defined in the map below:

SCHOLARSHIP CONTINUATION – CONDITIONS

To retain eligibility, the Scholarship recipient must (unless there are exceptional circumstances):

• remain enrolled in an approved course (proof of enrolment required)
• if the scholarship recipient wishes to change their course and still retain their scholarship, approval must be applied for in writing to Riverine Plains before any formal change in study (Riverine Plains will review each request on a case-by-case basis)
• maintain a full-time enrolment status (if the student falls below full-time enrolment level, approval must be sought from Riverine Plains in writing; any affected scholarship holder will be advised by Riverine Plains of any change this may have on their scholarship)
• maintain acceptable standards of academic progress throughout the nominated course
• remain eligible for a Commonwealth supported place at the approved place of study (this means you must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident)
• make every endeavour to engage with the mentor assigned to you by Riverine Plains
• a scholar who breaches the terms of the scholarship conditions shall be ineligible to retain the scholarship
• confirm that no previous activity or behaviour will bring the integrity or reputation of Riverine Plains, or any program partner, into disrepute

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS

Recipients may apply for and receive other industry sponsored scholarships whilst receiving the Alvan Blanch Australia Scholarships, the Corteva Agriscience Scholarship, Hanrahan Family Scholarship or Uncle Tobys Scholarship, but must inform Riverine Plains.

All recipients are required to commit to and accept the terms and conditions described above.

All recipients are required to commit to the activities and reporting requirements of the program. This includes:

• submitting an annual report of progress and academic results at the conclusion of each semester.
• submitting proof of enrolment
• actively participating in communication with your mentor, Riverine Plains and affiliated organisations
• being available to attend and participate in the annual Scholarship Award and other key events hosted by Riverine Plains or the scholarship partner

PAYMENTS

The bursary, totalling $5,000, will be paid in instalments to the student’s nominated bank account subject to satisfactory completion of course work and proof of ongoing enrolment.

Two payment instalments of $2,500 will be made after the semester one census date for each eligible year of the Scholarship (2023 and 2024), pending receipt of the student’s academic transcript. For the Corteva Agriscience Scholarship, if the recipient is a final year student, a single payment of $5000 may be made at the student’s request, pending receipt of the student’s academic transcript.

Scholarship payments will only be made once the scholarship contract has been signed by all parties.

It is the student’s responsibility to declare to Centrelink any scholarship monies awarded.

The Australian Tax office has a “is your scholarship taxable?” tool on their website to assist scholars to determine if their scholarship is taxable. For expert advice contact the Australian Taxation Office or an accountant.