The program was expanded in 2025 to respond to workforce needs across fields including healthcare, engineering, veterinary science, food technology, agriculture and agribusiness.
Gardiner awarded 12 tertiary scholarships in 2026, representing an investment of $705,000 in students from across Victoria’s dairy regions.
Since 2008, Gardiner has awarded more than 90 tertiary scholarships to students from Victorian dairy communities. More than 70 per cent of past scholars have remained in, or returned to, dairy regions.
The program offers two scholarship streams for students commencing tertiary study in 2027.
On offer are five Priority Tertiary Scholarships valued at up to $80,000 over four years and three Regional Tertiary Scholarships valued at up to $30,000 to $40,000 over three to four years.
Priority Tertiary Scholarships prioritise students who choose to study at their local tertiary institution. Meanwhile, Regional Tertiary Scholarships are open to students commencing study at a regional university or college.
Priority fields include agriculture, agribusiness, food science and nutrition, engineering, medicine and veterinary science and animal science.
Gardiner chief executive Allan Cameron said the scholarships helped young people access education while strengthening the future workforce of Victoria’s dairy regions.
“These scholarships back students from dairy communities to pursue their ambitions and develop skills that are needed across the dairy industry and regional Victoria,” Mr Cameron said.
“We know that where people come from, study and complete placements can influence where they ultimately build their careers. By supporting both metropolitan and regional study pathways, we want to help more young people maintain their connection to dairy communities and ultimately build their futures there.”
Applications are open and close on November 23. Students can review the scholarship guidelines and apply at gardinerfoundation.com.au/people-in-dairy/tertiary-scholarships.
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