The John Innes Foundation (JIF) Undergraduate Bursary Scheme provides financial support, mentoring and industry experience to talented students pursuing a career in UK agriculture.
Established in 2017, the scheme has helped young people from a range of backgrounds access higher education and build successful careers within the agricultural sector. Through the bursary, students receive not only financial assistance but also invaluable support from industry leaders and opportunities to gain practical experience across the sector.
The bursary is administered by the Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT), the educational partner of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association (RNAA).
Following a recent review of the scheme, the John Innes Foundation has introduced significant changes to better reflect the challenges faced by students today.
The Foundation recognises that rising living costs are often a greater barrier to entering higher education than tuition fees alone. As a result, the bursary has been redesigned to provide support towards both tuition and living costs, helping students feel more financially secure as they embark on their studies and pursue a career in agriculture.
The bursary now covers:
In addition, bursary recipients benefit from:
Keith Norman, Trustee of the John Innes Foundation, said:
“Since launching the Agricultural Bursary in 2017, we have been delighted to see 11 talented young people benefit from the scheme, many of whom have gone on to build impressive careers within the industry.
However, our recent review highlighted an opportunity to make an even greater impact.
We recognised that by targeting support only once students had already embarked on their studies, we may have been missing capable individuals who chose not to pursue an agricultural degree in the first place because of financial concerns.
The changes we have introduced are designed to engage young people earlier, at the point when they are making decisions about university and their future careers. We hope this will encourage more talented students to consider agriculture as a realistic and rewarding option and help ensure the industry continues to attract the next generation of skilled professionals and leaders.”
Over the past eight years, the bursary has supported students at universities across the UK, helping them develop the skills, confidence and industry networks needed to succeed.
Daisy Readman, JIF Bursar 2024, Harper Adams University:
“As someone who is not from a farming background, I am extremely grateful to have been awarded the John Innes Foundation Bursary as it will be invaluable in allowing me to pursue my interest in agriculture. The bursary will provide me with both the financial support, and importantly the mentoring and contacts to gain the necessary agronomic and practical hands-on experience, which I otherwise might not have had access to. This will enable me to help farmers & growers adapt to the challenges in the future and hopefully have a meaningful impact on the industry.”
Barrie Fletcher, JIF Bursar 2023, Writtle University:
‘‘I’m thrilled to be awarded the bursary as it opens doors for me to forge valuable industry connections and deepen my knowledge. This opportunity is a stepping stone to both professional growth and expanding my network.’’
Kate Pritchard, JIF Bursar 2023, Newcastle University:
‘‘I am delighted and very grateful that the John Innes Foundation has supported me in my education and in my goal of having a successful career in British agriculture.’’
Charlie Rogers, JIF Bursar 2022, Royal Agricultural University:
‘This prestigious bursary has allowed me to further develop my connections with agricultural businesses and focus more of my finances on improving my practical skills in the land-based sector.’
Eligibility Criteria
The successful student will be shortlisted and selected through a combination of a written application and interview. To be eligible you must satisfy the following criteria:
Further Notes for Consideration
Please note that if shortlisted you will be required to provide evidence of financial need via a third-party financial audit assessment to justify the award of the bursary. Financial need is assessed and based on the amount of disposable income available in your household. Our current criteria is based on an annual household net income of £35,000 p/a or under.
The bursary will be paid at the beginning of each term and is discretionary on the student’s progress, tutor’s reports and attendance record. The bursary will cover 50% of the annual cost of tuition fees, and 50% of living fees* for full-time undergraduate students eligible for home fee status (UK nationals).
Living fees are provided to help cover accommodation costs and utility bills (gas, water and electricity) up to a maximum of £1,000 per term.
Applications for the 2027/28 academic year will open on 14 January 2027 and close on 19 April 2027.
The application form and full guidance notes will be available to download from this webpage when the application window opens. Students who are planning to begin their studies in autumn 2027, as well as eligible students already undertaking a qualifying degree, are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria in advance and prepare to apply.
Successful applicants will receive bursary support throughout their studies, subject to the terms and conditions of the scheme, beginning with the 2027/28 academic year.
For further information about the John Innes Foundation Undergraduate Bursary Scheme, please contact Keith Norman, Trustee of the John Innes Foundation.
The Food & Farming Discovery Trust (FFDT) is appointed by the John Innes Foundation trustees to help promote and administrate the JIF Undergraduate Bursary Award Scheme.
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