Tertiary Scholarships
Gardiner Foundation has launched an expanded Tertiary Scholarship Program for 2026, creating new opportunities for talented students to pursue fields of study critical to the future of Victoria’s dairy industry and regional communities. This includes Priority Tertiary Scholarships supporting skills gaps in dairying communities and Regional Tertiary Scholarships supporting those to study locally. Gardiner is also working towards supporting access to TAFE and apprenticeship opportunities through further collaboration with industry partners.
Research has shown that students who study in regional areas are more likely to remain there, with place of origin and regional placements shaping long-term career pathways. The enhanced scholarships are designed to retain talent and skills within dairy communities by strengthening pathways into study, work and regional careers.
The scholarships are named in honour of dairy leaders Neil Black, Shirley Harlock, Jakob Malmo, Bill Pyle and Doug Weir, whose dedication and leadership helped shape the industry.
Since 2008, Gardiner has invested more than $1.9 million in 82 scholarships, with over 70 per cent of past scholars choosing to remain in, and contribute to, dairy communities.
Scholarship Streams
Priority Tertiary Scholarships
- Up to $80,000 over four years
- Plus an additional $10,000 after one year of post-graduate work in the dairy industry or dairying communities
- Open to students relocating from Victorian dairy regions for full-time study
- Eligible degrees: Agriculture, Agribusiness, Food Science & Nutrition, Engineering, Medicine, and Veterinary Science
- Up to five scholarships available
Regional Tertiary Scholarships
- Up to $30,000–$40,000 over three to four years
- Open to students commencing study at a regional university or regional college
- Eligible fields: Agriculture, Animal Science, Business, Engineering, Food Science & Nutrition, and Health
- Up to three scholarships available
Applications NOW OPEN and close 5:00pm Monday, 24 November 2025.
To apply please send your application and supporting documents to scholarships@gardinerfoundation.com.au