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      UNCLE TOBYS SCHOLARSHIP

      The Uncle Tobys Scholarship supports future leaders in agriculture, especially those from the  Riverine Plains region.

      THE UNCLE TOBYS SCHOLARSHIP

      In 2021, Riverine Plains partnered with Uncle Tobys to deliver the inaugural Uncle Tobys Scholarship to support future leaders in agriculture. 

      Nestlé, the parent company of Uncle Tobys, recognises how crucial the support of future leaders in agriculture is to the success of the food industry both locally and as a whole.

      The Uncle Tobys Scholarship aimed to recognise and encourage agricultural excellence, with a focus on general agronomy, oats and post-farm-gate manufacture.

      Past recipients

      2023 Uncle Tobys Scholar – Kurt Lukies

      Kurt completed his final year studies of a Bachelor of Agricultural Science at The University of Melbourne and is looking forward to starting a career in agronomy and plant and soil science.

      2023 Uncle Tobys Scholar — Kurt Lukies

      "This Scholarship supports me in my efforts to start my professional career in agronomy and plant and soil science. I’d like to recognise the benefits these scholarships have on rural students studying away from home with living costs increasing adding pressure to work and full-time study. These scholarships allow us to focus more on our degree while being self-sufficient."

      Kurt Lukies
      2023 Uncle Tobys Scholar

      2022 Uncle Tobys Scholar – Sam Marshall

      Sam is completing a Bachelor of Business centering around agriculture at Marcus Oldham College in Geelong.

      Sam Marshall

      "Receiving the Uncle Tobys Scholarship is allowing me to make the most of industry events around the country, as well as help me participate in extracurricular activities like wool classing and meat judging."

      Sam Marshall
      2022 Uncle Tobys Scholar

      2021 Uncle Tobys Scholar – Thomas Hatty

      The 2021 Uncle Tobys Scholar, Thomas Hatty, undertook a combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Agricultural Science at LaTrobe University. 

       

      Tom-Hatty-2021-Uncle-Tobys-Scholar-speaks-at-2022-Expo

      2021 Uncle Tobys Scholar Thomas Hatty speaks at the 2022 Riverine Plains  Innovation Conference.

      Scholarship funding

      This scholarship was funded by Uncle Tobys.

      THE SCHOLARSHIP

      The Scholarships supported second year agriculture or agribusiness students with an interest in agronomy, oats or post-farm-gate manufacture.

      The scholarship provided:

      Icon Bursary

      A bursary of $5,000 for a student undertaking their second year of study in 2024.

      Icon Quality education & resources

      Access to work placement opportunities with Nestlé, the home of Uncle Tobys.

      Icon Discussion Group

      Opportunities to network and gain knowledge, with free access to all Riverine Plains events.

      Icon People

      Personal mentoring by Nestlé staff from the Uncle Tobys factory.

      Explore our scholarships

      The Riverine Plains Scholarship Program is designed to support students from both farming and non-farming backgrounds to excel as they work towards their qualifications in an agriculture-related field.

      Learn more
      scholarships

      FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

      We take pride in our programs that help build vibrant, sustainable rural communities and contribute to the prosperity of the Riverine Plains. Explore our frequently asked questions to find out more.

      Need more help?

      Contact us

      How do I apply?

      To apply, students will need to complete the applications form, which will become available when the Riverine Plains Scholarship Program opens.

      Students must answer all questions and upload the required documents to be considered.

      Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?

      Yes, a student can apply for multiple scholarships, using the same application form.

      Can I apply if I live outside Australia?

      No, you must be an Australian permanent resident or citizen to apply. Overseas applications will not be considered.

      Are the eligibility criteria different for individual scholarships?

      Yes, students must carefully read the eligibility criteria and can only apply for the scholarships that they are eligible for. Students must be enrolled in a course delivered by a recognised Australian tertiary institution.

      Where is the Riverine Plains?

      The Riverine Plains is an agro-ecological area that spans northeast Victoria and southern NSW. Please refer to our map for more information.

      How is the bursary paid?

      The bursary is made as two payments over two years, unless the Scholarship recipient is in their final year of study, in which case it will be made as a single payment.

      If I am successful, will I have any ongoing obligations to Riverine Plains or the Scholarship Partner?

      Successful recipients may be asked to attend and speak at selected events hosted by Riverine Plains or Scholarship Partners. Recipients will also be asked to be involved in Scholarship Program promotion, however this is not expected to be onerous.

      If I am successful, what happens if I withdraw from study or take leave from study?

      All recipients must demonstrate satisfactory progress through their coursework. Riverine Plains may terminate or discontinue the Scholarship in the event of a failure to progress.

      If I am successful, what happens if my study load changes to part-time?

      Riverine Plains must be informed of any changes to a student’s study load, with continuation of the Scholarship to be made at Riverine Plain’s discretion.

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      Strong networks are vital and our Programs connect farmers and rural communities with technical and industry experts.