Applications for the 2027 Nuffield Ireland Scholarships are now open.

A Nuffield Ireland Scholarship offers a unique opportunity to explore a topic of personal and professional importance, travel internationally, build a global network, and develop as a leader within the agri-food, farming, rural enterprise and related sectors.

Successful applicants join a worldwide community of forward-thinking individuals who are committed to shaping the future of agriculture and rural industries.

The Application Process

Applications are submitted online through the Nuffield Ireland application portal on this website. Before applying, prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to read the Scholarship Terms and Conditions carefully to ensure they understand the commitments involved in undertaking a Nuffield Scholarship.

Key Dates

• Applications open: 22 June 2026
• Application close: 21 August 2026
• First-round interviews: Thursday, 27 August 2026
• Final interviews: Wednesday 2 September 2026

All interviews will be conducted in person. Applicants shortlisted following the first-round interviews will be invited to attend the final interview stage.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants should:

• Be resident in the Republic of Ireland.
• Be actively involved in farming, food production, rural enterprise, or a related industry.
• Be in a position to contribute to and influence the future development of their sector.
• Demonstrate leadership potential, curiosity, initiative and a willingness to share knowledge with others.
• While the preferred age range is 25–45 years, applications from candidates outside this range will also be considered.
• There is no requirement for formal academic qualifications. Nuffield Ireland welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who have a passion for their industry and a desire to make a positive contribution to its future.
• Scholarships are not awarded to individuals in full-time education or to support academic research projects leading to formal qualifications.

What Does the Scholarship Involve?

A Nuffield Scholarship is a significant personal and professional development opportunity, but it also requires a substantial commitment of time and effort.

Over an approximately 18-month period, Scholars are required to participate in:

• Nuffield Ireland induction, training and briefing events.
• The one-week Contemporary Scholars Conference (CSC), hosted by one of the 16 Nuffield countries, when they will meet their year’s Scholars from all over the Nuffield world.
• The five-week Global Focus Programme (GFP), involving international travel alongside up to 12 fellow Scholars from around the world.
• A minimum of four additional weeks of independent international travel related to their chosen study topic.

Scholars are responsible for planning and undertaking their own study programme within the agreed timeframe. They will be paired with a Mentor and supported by the Nuffield network.

The Nuffield Ireland bursary, currently valued at €18,000, contributes towards travel and study costs. Applicants should be aware that additional personal investment may be required to complete the programme.

Scholarship Outcomes and Responsibilities

As part of the Scholarship, Scholars are expected to:

• Undertake and complete their approved programme of study.
• Report their findings and recommendations using a variety of methods and platforms as advised by the Nuffield Ireland Board and Mentors.
• Meet all reporting deadlines and programme requirements.
• Share insights and learning through a report, presentations, articles and engagement with the wider Nuffield network and industry stakeholders.
• Act as ambassadors for Nuffield Ireland and the Irish agri-food sector.

Following completion of the programme, Scholars become part of the Nuffield Ireland and international alumni network and are encouraged to remain actively involved in supporting future Scholars and the wider organisation.

Why Apply?

A Nuffield Ireland Scholarship provides an opportunity to:

• Explore a topic that matters to you and your sector.
• Travel internationally and learn from leading businesses, organisations and individuals.
• Develop leadership, communication, critical thinking and research skills.
• Build lifelong connections through a global network of more than 1,700 Nuffield Scholars in over 16 countries.
• Bring new ideas, knowledge and perspectives back to the wider industry in Ireland.

Speak to a Scholar

If you are considering applying, we encourage you to contact a Nuffield Ireland Scholar in your area. They can share their experiences, provide insight into the programme, and help you prepare for the application and interview process. If you do not know a Nuffield Ireland Scholar, contact us at exec@nuffield.ie.

Is a Nuffield Scholarship Right for You?

A Nuffield Scholarship is an exceptional opportunity for personal and professional growth, but it also requires a significant commitment of time, energy and enthusiasm.

Successful applicants should be prepared to:

• Commit to an approximately 18-month programme of study and development.
• Undertake a minimum of 10 weeks of international travel, including participation in the Contemporary Scholars Conference and Global Focus Programme.
• Take time away from work, business and family commitments to travel and conduct their study.
• Invest in their own learning and development through independent research and engagement with people and organisations around the world.
• Complete a written report and contribute articles, presentations and other activities that share learning with the wider industry.
• Act as ambassadors for Nuffield Ireland and the Irish agri-food sector throughout and beyond their Scholarship.

The Nuffield Ireland bursary, currently valued at €18,000, makes the programme possible for many Scholars. However, applicants should be aware that the bursary may not cover all costs associated with participation, and some personal financial contribution may be required.

The most successful Scholars are curious, open-minded individuals who are willing to challenge their own thinking, embrace new experiences, and share their learning for the benefit of their sector and wider community.

If you are passionate about the future of farming, food, rural enterprise or a related industry, and are willing to invest in your own development, a Nuffield Ireland Scholarship could be a life-changing opportunity.

What We Look For

There is no single profile of a successful Nuffield Scholar. Scholars come from a wide range of backgrounds across farming, food production, aquaculture, forestry, agribusiness, rural enterprise and related industries.

We are looking for individuals who demonstrate:

• Curiosity and a desire to learn – a willingness to explore new ideas, ask questions and seek out different perspectives.
• Leadership potential – the ability to influence, inspire or drive positive change within their business, organisation, community or sector.
• Community engagement – involvement in community, voluntary or civic activities beyond their professional role; a willingness to contribute time, energy and leadership for the benefit of others.
• Passion for their industry – a genuine interest in contributing to the future development of farming, food, rural enterprise or a related field.
• Strong communication skills – the ability to engage with others, share ideas and communicate learning effectively.
• Initiative and self-motivation – the drive to undertake independent travel, research and learning.
• A willingness to share knowledge – a commitment to bringing new ideas home and sharing insights with colleagues, communities and industry stakeholders.
• An open mind – the ability to challenge assumptions, embrace different viewpoints and learn from people and experiences around the world.

You do not need to hold formal academic qualifications or occupy a senior leadership position to be considered. What matters most is your potential, your commitment to learning, and your ability to make a positive contribution to your sector.

During the application and interview process, we are interested in understanding who you are, what motivates you, how you have demonstrated initiative and leadership, and how a Nuffield Scholarship could help you make a greater impact in your chosen field.

We encourage applications from individuals with diverse experiences and perspectives who are committed to contributing to the future of Irish agriculture, food, aquaculture, forestry, land management, rural enterprise and related industries.