Applications invited for dairy farm scholarship in New Zealand by 31 January

14/01/26 - News

The Rich Wigram NZ Farming Scholarship is inviting applicants from the young farming community (over 18yrs) to work on top dairy farms in New Zealand from June/July 2026 for up to 1 year.

They are offering return flights to NZ and help in finding paid work on suitable farms. In return, the successful applicant is expected to work for 8-12 months on that farm and provide regular updates on their experiences in NZ. There will then also be time to travel or seek other work.

This will be the Scholarship's 14^th year and previous recipients have found their time in NZ invaluable. Past winners have found that the experience and knowledge gained has allowed them to return to higher, more senior positions in the UK, or negotiate share farm agreements. Some have returned to NZ for further experience and, in some cases, to live.

Robbie who is currently working in the Canterbury Plains area just South of Christchurch said (in Sept 2025): “It has been an amazing opportunity to come to NZ for a year, in my 2 months so far, I have already learnt more than I could imagine. With the busy calving period almost over I can work more efficiently and independently while also being able to fill my time off with lots of fun including skiing, hiking and much more which I look forward too!”

Molly went out in 2024 as a gap year and is now heading back to NZ for a second season after finishing her degree: “My experience has been incredible, I have been here 3 months now and I have already learnt more than I could have ever imagined….. No matter your experience in agriculture, if you have an interest in the dairy industry, the scholarship is definitely worth applying for!”

The scholarship was set up in 2011 by the family and friends of Rich Wigram who tragically died on his farm in NZ in 2010 as the result of an accident.

To apply

Go to richwigramnzscholarship.org to download the application form.