The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust Centenary Award 2026

NFU Mutual has launched its 2026 Centenary Award - with this year's scheme now open for applications.

Our annual award scheme provides bursaries to pay up to 75% of course fees for selected students who are undertaking a postgraduate course in agriculture (master’s or PhD) within the UK. 

The Centenary Award was created by the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2010 to celebrate NFU Mutual’s 100th anniversary, with the objective of creating a legacy for the future. To date, 57 agricultural students have received bursaries to help further their studies.

The 2026 award is open to individuals who have gained, or are expected to gain, a 2:1 or above in agriculture or a related degree, and have been accepted or provisionally accepted on a master’s or PhD course in agriculture in the UK, during the 2026/2027 academic year.

The application closing date for the 2026 award is midnight 30th June. Below, you can find out more about the award and how to apply.

The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust has identified four areas of interest for eligible students. At least one of these areas must form part of the applicant’s postgraduate course:

• The application of science and innovative technologies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and profitability for UK farming businesses
• Building resilience and safeguarding the physical and mental wellbeing of those living and working in the UK agricultural industry
• Tackling the risks of climate change, whilst maintaining food security, to improve the sustainability of UK agriculture
  Classification: Public
• Identifying opportunities for supporting nature and biodiversity in the development of farming and land management practices in the UK

To select the award recipients, the judging panel will be looking for applicants who are not only excellent academic performers, but also have a real passion for UK agriculture and demonstrate potential to become a future industry leader.

Maeve Leith was selected to receive a ‘Centenary Award’ bursary from The NFU Mutual Charitable Trust in 2025. Focusing on Dartmoor National Park, Maeve’s research will explore the voices of farmers, conservationists and other stakeholders to understand how land use decisions are made. By exploring both conflict and common ground, she aims to help understand approaches that enable people and nature to thrive together. 

Maeve explained: “I grew up on Dartmoor and have a deep connection to the national park. My study will explore how different stakeholders define and interpret the concept of landscape ‘health’ in a protected upland landscape, and I am passionate about engaging with, listening to, and supporting the farmers who look after the land. I am very grateful for the opportunity to enhance my knowledge and advance my career position with the support of this prestigious award.” 

Talking about the scheme, Jim McLaren MBE, NFU Mutual Chairman, said: “NFU Mutual is proud to be committed to creating a positive and sustainable difference for those living and working in rural communities. Our Centenary Award champions research and innovation for UK agriculture, whilst also supporting outstanding individuals who have a drive to make a difference to the industry.” 

How to apply for the 2026 Centenary Award:

To apply for our award, download the award’s application guidelines and the award’s application form. Email your completed application form to centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk.

You will receive an automated reply from NFU Mutual’s Centenary Award mailbox to acknowledge receipt of your email.

The closing date for the 2026 award is midnight 30th June. If you have any queries regarding your eligibility, or your application, please contact centenary_award@nfumutual.co.uk.