Scholarship Applications — Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before you apply for a Nuffield International Farming Scholarship
A Nuffield International Farming Scholarship is one of the most rewarding things you can do for your career, your
business and your industry. We know applying is a big step, so we have answered the questions we hear most often. If
anything is still unclear, please get in touch — we would love to help.
About the scholarship
What is a Nuffield International Farming Scholarship?
It is a global agricultural leadership scholarship. You choose a topic that matters to your industry, then travel
the world to learn from the best — meeting farmers, researchers, businesses and policy-makers — and bring that
knowledge home to share. You join a worldwide network of around 2,000 Nuffield Scholars. It is not simply a travel
scholarship: travel is how you gain the experience and ideas that can be professionally life-changing.
Who can apply?
The scholarship is for people working in farming, agriculture and the wider food and primary-production
industries. You do not need a university degree — we look for drive, character and the potential to grow into a
leader who gives back to their industry and community.
Applying through the right Nuffield: if you are a citizen or permanent resident of the UK,
Ireland, Zimbabwe, the Netherlands, France, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the USA or Brazil, please apply through
that country's own Nuffield application process.
Nuffield International applications for 2027 are open to citizens and permanent residents of: Poland, Germany,
Romania, Chile, Japan, Taiwan, Zambia and Malawi.
Not on the list yet? The Nuffield network grows every year. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of one
of these countries, keep an eye on the website — we are continually working to open the scholarship to new
countries, and yours may be next.
The compulsory elements
What are the compulsory parts of the scholarship?
Every Nuffield International Scholar completes four core elements:
- Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC) — about one week. The whole cohort gathers to get to
know each other and explore global agriculture through speakers, discussion and farm tours. The 2027 CSC will be
held in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, from 21 to 28 February 2027. An optional PreCSC tour of Kenya runs from 16
February 2027 — we highly recommend joining it.
- Global Focus Program (GFP) — five weeks. You travel in a small group of 8–12 scholars to
several countries, experiencing agriculture far beyond your own sector. This is the single longest block of
travel.
- Individual study — seven weeks. This is where your own research topic comes to life. You travel
where you choose to explore your topic.
- Written report and presentation — you write a report of your findings (8,000–10,000 words) and
present it to your industry. The report is published on the Nuffield website and shared across the network.
You also commit to sharing your findings, and to being an active, engaged member of the Nuffield network and an
ambassador for Nuffield International.
How is the time calculated, and how long will I be away?
The compulsory commitment is about 14 weeks in total, spread across roughly two years — not all at once. As a guide:
- 2 weeks for travel to and attending the CSC
- 5 weeks on the GFP
- 7 weeks of individual study (up to 2 weeks of which can be domestic travel)
We suggest setting aside about one week of your individual study to draw your findings together and write your
report. The longest continuous time away is the five-week GFP; the rest can be planned around your business and
family. Because of this, we ask in the application how you will set up your home and business for your absence.
How the bursary works
How does the funding work?
Each Nuffield International Scholarship is worth approximately USD $25,000. It is not paid to you as a lump sum.
Nuffield International manages the bursary on your behalf, and holds back a portion to pay directly for your
compulsory events — your place at the CSC and your Global Focus Program. The remainder supports your individual
research travel. In practice:
- Nuffield International pays your CSC attendance (currently USD $2,000), and the PreCSC if you attend.
- Nuffield International pre-pays your GFP (typically around USD $11,000, plus about USD $3,400 in petty cash).
Costs vary with flights, accommodation and group decisions.
- The remaining funds support your individual research travel.
- USD $1,500 is held in reserve and released once your final report is submitted and approved.
You pay your own travel to and from the conference host country. Costs above the bursary are met by you, and we
warmly encourage scholars to seek local investment or sponsorship to extend what their scholarship can achieve. You
can request the balance of your bursary at any time from the Nuffield International CFO.
Choosing your study topic
I'm not sure what to research — does my topic have to be perfect to apply?
No — and this is the question we hear most often. You do not need a fully formed, final topic to apply. Choose
something you are genuinely curious about and that will benefit your industry. A few things that help:
- Pick a subject you care about. Your passion will carry you through two years of work.
- Think about a problem or opportunity in your industry that you would love to understand better.
- Keep it broad enough to explore in several countries, but specific enough to be meaningful.
- Don't worry about getting it exactly right now — almost every scholar's topic evolves as they travel and meet
people. That is normal and encouraged.
If you are stuck, look at the published reports of
past scholars on the Nuffield website for inspiration, or talk to your country
executive. The selection panel is interested in your thinking and curiosity, not a finished research plan.
Applying
When do applications open and close?
Applications for the 2027 intake open on 13 July 2026 and close on 31 October 2026. We encourage you to start
early — a strong application takes time to prepare.
How do I apply?
- Read the information on the Nuffield International website to understand the
scholarship and its commitments.
- Open the online application form and read all the questions first.
- Prepare your answers, your short introduction video, a high-resolution photo, and your two referees' details.
- Submit your completed application by the closing date, 31 October 2026.
Shortlisted applicants are invited to interview with a selection panel.
What makes a strong application?
From our selection panels, the applications and candidates that stand out tend to:
- Answer every question fully and specifically — give real examples rather than general statements.
- Show character: integrity, reliability and the ability to represent Nuffield and your industry well.
- Show drive and the potential to grow from the experience — what the panel calls the 'X factor'.
- Demonstrate community and industry involvement. This is highly regarded.
- Show how the topic fits your industry's priorities, and how you will share what you learn.
- Have a clear plan for keeping your business running while you are away.
Remember to contact your referees first, and choose people who know you well (not family, employees or employers).
Leadership experience and an outgoing personality help, but they are not essential. We are looking for potential,
not a finished leader.
Do I need to be a confident English writer?
No. We are interested in your ideas, your character and your potential — not your writing style. Short, clear
sentences are completely fine. Please answer in your own words.
Do I need to be a confident English speaker?
Yes. Your ideas matter more than perfect grammar, but your interview is conducted in English, and throughout the
program you will learn, travel and work alongside a global cohort in English. You need to be able to hold a
conversation, follow discussions and make yourself understood. Your spoken English forms part of the overall
assessment.
What happens after I submit?
Your written application is reviewed for eligibility and merit. Shortlisted applicants are invited to a 30–40
minute interview with a selection panel of Nuffield Scholars, board members, investors and the CEO. If a suitable
candidate is not available, a scholarship may not be awarded — we hold the standard high, because the quality of
our scholars is what makes Nuffield what it is.
