Agriculture students heading back to college are encouraged to put themselves forward for this year’s Cornish Mutual Young Farmer Bursaries.
The South West rural insurer is once again offering financial support to agriculture students across the region, helping with the costs of studying and taking their first steps towards a career in the industry.
Open to students at Bicton, UCS Group, Duchy and Coastland Colleges, the bursaries recognise young people with a passion for agriculture and ambitions to play their part in its future.
Higher Education Bursaries of £750 are available to students studying an agriculture-based Level 5 or 6 course,alongside Further Education Bursaries of £500 for those studying agriculture-based Level 1, 2 or 3 courses. Students must be enrolled to study during the 2026-2027 academic year.
One bursary in each category will be awarded at participating colleges, with all recipients considered for the additional Cornish Mutual Agricultural Student of the Year award. The prize includes the opportunity to attend a leading farming event of their choice.
Cornish Mutual Chief Executive Officer Peter Beaumont said: “Farming’s future depends on attracting and developing talented young people who are enthusiastic about building careers in the industry.
“Our Young Farmer Bursaries are a practical way we can help them as they develop their skills and knowledge. It’s always encouraging to see the passion and ambition of the applicants, and we’re proud to support them as they take their next steps in agriculture.”
Previous recipients have used their bursaries to help meet the everyday costs associated with agricultural study.
Coastland College student Scarlett Hoskin received a Further Education bursary and planned to use it on a new computer: “A new computer would give me the independence I need to complete my assignments successfully. It would allow me to make the most of my time, reduce stress and get the best qualifications I can to get into my desired university.”
University Centre Somerset student Holly Sampson received a Higher Education Bursary and said: “Not only does it provide financial support, but it’s also recognition for the hard work you put into your education, which can really help when applying for jobs in the future.”
Several bursary winners have gone on to win further awards, encouraged by their initial success. On winning this year’s West Country Dairy Awards, bursary recipient Holly May said: “Winning the Higher Education Young Farmer Bursary genuinely gave me such a confidence boost. I really believe having that recognition and encouragement gave me the confidence to put myself forward believing that I could do it.
“It’s been such an exciting year for me, and I’m incredibly grateful Cornish Mutual has been part of it. Your support has meant a lot to me, and I can’t thank you enough.”
How to apply:
Applicants can submit a 500-word essay, 20-image photo essay or two-minute video or podcast responding to one of this year’s themes:
Higher Education: ‘How do you see the future of agriculture, and what role do you hope to play?’
Further Education: ‘Why I am studying agriculture’
Entries are open now and close at midnight on Friday 13 November 2026. For more information and to apply, visit: www.cornishmutual.co.uk.
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