Frequently Asked Questions:

What qualifications do I need?

You must be actively engaged in farming, agri-forestry or some other agricultural related industry. You could be working in greenhouses, a winery, feed supplement, fertilizer, dairying or dairy processing business, teaching agriculture and so on.

Do I need a University degree?

No educational background is necessary.  However, an in-depth report is required at the end of your study and that knowledge must be passed on to others through the medium of public speaking and a series of publishable articles while you are on the scholarship and after your return.

How long does a scholarship last?

The scholarship lasts a lifetime.  Even after your return you continue to be a Member and you can participate in Nuffield conferences held around the world.  You are also tied into a dynamic group of people who meet at annual meetings and exchange ideas and views on a variety of subjects.  The actual time spent travelling can range from a total of two months and possibly longer.

How will my farm operate while I am gone?

That is part of the leadership training of the course.  If you are leadership material and you can't leave your farm then you will never be able to lead in the future.  That is part of the organizational skill required to earn a scholarship and become a Nuffield Scholar. 

Can my spouse come?

On the training sessions spouses are strictly prohibited.  We encourage scholars to begin their private study on their own with spouses joining near the end of the period to share in the experience.

Where do we travel to for the training session?

Until recently, the initial training session was conducted in England but with the increased participation of sister member countries, these sessions could be held in whichever one is chosen to host that year's program.

How are scholars selected?

A team of graduate Nuffield scholars and others prominent in agriculture interview prospective scholars and develop a short list from which a winner(s) is selected.

If I am chosen, what help can I expect?

If you are chosen, an Advisory Committee is appointed to help you.  This group will provide help based on their past Nuffield experience and may even suggest routes and new ideas.

How do Nuffield Scholars finance their study after being selected?

A scholarship is granted to the successful applicant(s). The current level of funding is €10,000 per scholarship. One of the ways that expenses can be reduced while travelling is through the hospitality of Nuffield Scholars living in the study area who provide free meals and lodging. Those who are selected are responsible for making all of their own travel and living arrangements – a "package" is not given to each student since this would partially defeat the objective of teaching leadership and independent thought.

How specific does my study need to be?

We need studies to be current and of interest to modern agriculture.  We prefer wide studies allowing freedom for the scholar to move about and to cover a broad field as opposed to being focused and missing some larger issues which are important.