Scholarships are still available for Central students with an interest in the fruit or vegetable industry.

Horticulture NZ (HortNZ), NZ Fruitgrowers Charitable Trust and the Horticentre Trust scholarships for postgraduate and undergraduate students close for applicants on December 10 (at 11pm). 

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

Previous undergraduate scholar recipient Bex Foxglove said being awarded the scholarship allowed her to build networks which resulted in securing a summer internship.

“I was also able to gain valuable insight into current concerns and possible solutions for primary industries,” Bex said.  

Go Hort Southern horticulture career progression manager Chelsea Donnelly said her aim is to encourage people to see horticulture as a vibrant, innovative and progressive industry.  

Horticulture career progression manager Chelsea Donnelly at a jobs expo chatting about opportunities in horticulture

“We encourage anyone with an interest in providing nutritious, sustainable food to New Zealand and the world to consider a career in horticulture. 

“These scholarships are part of the support that the industry provides to young people coming through and contributing fresh ideas and solutions to challenges [it] faces.

“I’d encourage anyone to apply who is looking to or currently studying agribusiness or horticulture, scholarships recipients gain monetary support and it is a great stepping stone into industry and a fantastic CV booster.”

The value of the New Zealand horticulture industry has increased to $7 billion (2021/22) according to HortNZ

Two postgraduate scholarships are available, each worth $10,000. They also include a $1,500 professional development programme and the 2023 Horticulture New Zealand Conference.

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

The 16 undergraduate scholarships are $1,500 for a professional development programme and annual conference. The top three applicants will each be awarded the Horticentre Trust Undergraduate Scholarship of $4,500 (with $3000 to support their studies).

Candidates selected for the scholarships will be notified on December 21.

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

HortNZ Industry Training awards ($500 cash) also increased from 20 to 30 this year to assist those studying towards a certificate or diploma. 

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.

Find our more about the postgraduate scholarships here.

Find out more about the undergraduate scholarships here.