- ~$80,000 over 4 years (max)Maximum Award Value
- AustraliaStudy Location
- Founded 2008Program Start Year
- ~12 awards/year (est.)Annual Awards
- 2 streams availableScholarship Categories
- Over 90 scholars since 2008Total Scholars
At a glance
—
Funding
—
Max amount
Dec 31, 2027
Deadline
Australia
Country
Gardiner Foundation
Provider
The Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship Program is an initiative by the Gardiner Foundation designed to support students from Victorian dairy regions in Australia pursuing higher education. Established with the aim of bolstering the workforce in these vital areas, the program has expanded its focus to include a broader range of disciplines since 2025, addressing diverse workforce needs. It provides significant financial assistance to students commencing tertiary studies in 2027, with the goal of fostering their connection to regional dairy communities. Since its inception in 2008, the Gardiner Foundation has awarded over 90 tertiary scholarships, investing substantially in the future of Victoria's dairy regions. In 2026 alone, 12 tertiary scholarships were granted, representing an investment of $705,000. These scholarships are structured into two streams: Priority Tertiary Scholarships, which encourage study at local institutions, and Regional Tertiary Scholarships, open to students attending regional universities or colleges. Recipients receive support ranging from $30,000 to $80,000 over three to four years, depending on the scholarship stream. The program prioritizes fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, engineering, medicine, and veterinary science, crucial for the development and sustainability of regional Victoria. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Tuition Fees — Significant contribution towards university tuition costs.
- Living Expenses — Support for daily living costs, enabling students to focus on their studies.
- Study Materials — Assistance with the cost of textbooks, supplies, and other educational resources.
- Relocation Costs — Partial coverage for expenses related to moving to a tertiary institution.
- Total Scholarship Value — Up to ~AUD 80,000 for Priority Tertiary Scholarships or ~AUD 30,000 - 40,000 for Regional Tertiary Scholarships over three to four years.
How to apply
Applying for the Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship involves reviewing guidelines and submitting an application through the official Gardiner Foundation website.
- Review Scholarship Guidelines — Visit the official Gardiner Foundation website and carefully read the detailed scholarship guidelines to understand all eligibility criteria and requirements for the 2027 cycle.
- Prepare Application Materials — Gather all necessary documents, including academic transcripts, proof of residency in a Victorian dairy region, and any required essays or personal statements.
- Complete Online Application Form — Access the online application portal via gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-in-dairy/tertiary-scholarships and accurately fill in all sections of the application form.
- Submit Application — Ensure all required fields are completed and documents are uploaded before submitting your application by the stated deadline of November 23, 2026.
Eligibility
Residency/OriginMust be from a Victorian dairy region in Australia.
Study LevelCommencing undergraduate tertiary study in 2027.
Academic FocusPursuing studies in priority fields such as agriculture, agribusiness, food science, engineering, medicine, veterinary science, or animal science.
Scholarship StreamEligibility for Priority Tertiary Scholarships if studying at a local tertiary institution, or Regional Tertiary Scholarships if studying at a regional university or college.
Applicants must demonstrate a strong connection to a dairy community within Victoria. The program seeks to support students who will contribute to the future workforce of these regions.
Eligible countries
Australia
Deadlines
2027 Academic Year2026-11-23
Selection
Recipients are selected based on their connection to Victorian dairy regions, academic merit, and the relevance of their chosen field of study to the needs of the dairy industry and regional Victoria. The program prioritizes students who demonstrate a commitment to pursuing careers that will strengthen these communities. Consideration is also given to whether students choose to study at local or regional tertiary institutions.
Verified sources
- Gardiner Foundation opens 2027 scholarships for dairy studentscountrynews.com.auannouncement
- Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarshipsgardinerfoundation.com.auofficial
About the provider
The Gardiner Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation established in 1999, dedicated to enhancing the prosperity and sustainability of the Victorian dairy industry and its communities. It invests in research, development, and initiatives like scholarships to support the future workforce and regional vitality.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What is the Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship Program?
+
It is a scholarship program offered by the Gardiner Foundation to support students from Victorian dairy regions in Australia who are commencing tertiary study in 2027, with the aim of building the future workforce for these areas.
What does the scholarship cover?
+
The scholarship provides comprehensive financial support towards tuition fees, living expenses, and study materials, covering a substantial portion of the costs associated with tertiary education.
What is the value of the scholarship?
+
The scholarship offers varying amounts: up to ~AUD 80,000 over four years for Priority Tertiary Scholarships, and ~AUD 30,000 to ~AUD 40,000 over three to four years for Regional Tertiary Scholarships.
Who is eligible to apply for this scholarship?
+
Students commencing tertiary study in 2027 who are from Victorian dairy regions and intend to study in priority fields such as agriculture, engineering, or health sciences are eligible.
Which countries are eligible for this scholarship?
+
This scholarship is specifically for students from Victorian dairy regions in Australia, tenable only for study within Australia.
What study levels are supported by this scholarship?
+
The scholarship supports students commencing undergraduate (bachelors) tertiary study in 2027.
What is the application deadline for the 2027 academic year?
+
Applications for the 2027 academic year close on November 23, 2026.
How do I apply for the Gardiner Foundation Tertiary Scholarship?
+
You should review the scholarship guidelines and apply online through the official Gardiner Foundation website at gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-in-dairy/tertiary-scholarships.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents typically include academic transcripts, proof of residency in a Victorian dairy region, a personal statement, and evidence of tertiary institution admission or application for 2027.
How are scholarship recipients selected?
+
Recipients are selected based on their connection to Victorian dairy regions, academic merit, and the relevance of their chosen field of study to regional workforce needs, with a focus on local or regional study.
What is the duration of the scholarship and is it renewable?
+
The scholarships are awarded for the duration of the degree, typically three to four years, and ongoing support is subject to meeting program requirements.
Where can I confirm the most current details about this scholarship?
+
The most current details and application information can be confirmed on the official Gardiner Foundation website at gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-in-dairy/tertiary-scholarships.