Scholarships for students with an interest in the commercial fruit or vegetable industry are available for 2025.

Horticulture NZ (HortNZ), NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust and the Horticentre Trust scholarships for postgraduate and undergraduate students close for applicants on Sunday December 1.

Both levels of scholarship are an opportunity for students to gain support in becoming part of the industry’s future success.

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott said the programme was strongly focused on supporting the next generation of innovators and leaders in the sector.

“There is a huge range of career opportunities in the sector, from agronomy to engineering, biosecurity to sales and marketing, policy and much more. Our previous scholars reflect that diversity of study topics and the careers they have gone on to enjoy,’’ she said. 

HortNZ chief executive Kate Scott. PHOTO: HortNZ

“We’re focused on our goal of doubling the farmgate value of production by 2035 in a way that improves prosperity for our people and protects our environment. 

“Our scholarship programme recognises and supports the highly skilled, highly motivated young leaders who will be critical to achieving the sector’s ambitious targets.”

Two postgraduate scholarships, each worth $10,000 are available. 

HortNZ awards one to a student undertaking postgraduate study in horticulture or a related field, while NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust funds the second awarded to a student undertaking postgraduate study specifically related to the fruit industry.

Scholars are given workshops, professional development opportunities, networking invitations, and exposure to renowned leaders and speakers from the horticulture industry. 

There are 13 undergraduate scholarships valued at $1500 for a professional development programme and annual conference. 

Three applicants will each be awarded the Horticentre Trust undergraduate scholarship of $4500 (with $3000 to support their studies).

Horticulture industry scholarships have existed since the 1990s, originally only eight were awarded to a mix of university and polytechnic students across New Zealand.

The postgraduate scholarships were introduced in 2020. 

Initially there were only six undergraduate scholarships, but changes were made to provide more students with an opportunity to gain exposure to the industry through attending the conference.

Approximately 60,000 people are employed in the New Zealand horticulture industry, and in Central there are many opportunities in the sector covering orchard based roles, research science and development, business, marketing and leadership positions.

More than 100 types of fruit and vegetables are grown in New Zealand.

Application forms are online

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