Scholarships offered to Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture students

Scholarships to help agricultural science students pursue their passion of making a positive impact in Tasmania’s agriculture and food sector have been assigned to bright young students at the University of Tasmania.

Totalling $170,000, the scholarships will go to 11 students and directly benefit Tasmania’s agricultural industry which is increasingly relying on high-performing graduates to power its skilled jobs, to address challenges, and to underpin the sustainability of the industry.

 Stella Foster, originally from Tasmania’s Central Highlands and now studying the Bachelor of Agricultural Science in Hobart, has received the LR Buz Green AM Scholarship in Agricultural Science.

 “The LR Buz Green AM Scholarship has allowed me to be fully engaged in my studies. It’s helped reduce the travel and financial pressures associated with university,” Stella said.

 “Being able to be fully engaged in my studies ensures that I can pursue my passion in the agricultural sector, particularly through researching innovative and sustainable practices, with a particular interest in soil health and its role in sustainable food production.”

 The scholarship was established by alumnus Lawrence ‘Buz’ Green AM to provide assistance to a student who’s undertaking a Bachelor of Agricultural Science.

 First-year student Erin Kingston, from Hobart, is the recipient of the Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship, offered by TIA to encourage talented students to enrol.

 “After finishing school, I wasn’t certain whether or not university was the right pathway for me, which led me to take a year off to work on farms around Tasmania.

 Receiving this scholarship has reassured me that I’ve made the right choice to return to my studies, and I’m really enjoying it so far,” Erin said.

 “This scholarship has definitely supported me in my transition from being a full-time worker to a full-time student, taking some financial pressure off so that I can focus on my studies.

“I’m grateful for the support I have received and look forward to experiencing the opportunities that agricultural science has to offer.

Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture (TIA) director Professor Mike Rose said the scholarships will provide incredibly valuable support to students.

 “The allocation of scholarships are important for our students as they help to alleviate financial pressure and allow students to focus on their studies, and we’re very grateful to donors for their support,” Professor Rose said.

 “It’s vital that we strengthen the industry and high-quality graduates will help achieve that.”

Professor Rose said a degree in agricultural science can lead to diverse career opportunities and graduates are in high demand.

 Agricultural science courses at the University of Tasmania are taught by the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture at both Hobart and Launceston campuses.

 The agricultural science scholarship recipients for 2026 are: 

• Tyler Finney, David McEwan Scholarship in Agriculture (Tuross Head, NSW) 

• Dusten O’Neil, Robert Menary Tasmania University Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Kingston, Tas) 

• Kaitlyn Brockett, Tasmanian Beef Industry Trust Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Pipers Brook, Tas) 

• Chloe De Kievit, Neale Edwards Scholarship in Agricultural Science or Forestry (Kingston, Tas) 

• Erin Kingston, Agriculture and Food Systems Scholarship (Bellerive, Tas) • Poppy Loane, Costa Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Fingal, Tas) 

• Harrison Nield, Costa Honours Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Wesley Vale, Tas) 

• Joy Black, Professor George Wade Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Campania, Tas) • Stella Foster, LR Buz Green AM Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Carlton, Tas) 

• Maria Sofia Tedesco Williams - Lewis and Sons Bursary in Agricultural Science (Upper Stowport, Tas) 

• Charles Parnham, Graeme Tole Memorial Scholarship in Agricultural Science (Hobart, Tas)