Current Scholarships
Applications close on October 15, 2008, for the J.B. Fairfax Rural Journalism Scholarship, for study in 2009:
The JB Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism
The objective of The J.B. Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism is to encourage quality coverage of rural and regional affairs by Australian journalists. The Award has been established through a private donation by Mr. J.B. Fairfax, AM, and is managed by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW Foundation (RASF), in collaboration with Rural Press Agricultural Publishing.
As a range of existing awards are already available for professional practitioners of rural journalism, The J.B. Fairfax Award for Rural Journalism deliberately focuses on encouraging undergraduate or postgraduate students of studies relevant to rural affairs to consider a career in rural journalism upon graduation.
One award of $10,000 will be offered annually to an outstanding student enrolled in any undergraduate or postgraduate degree of relevance to rural affairs at an approved Australian education provider, to be used towards the costs of the student’s education.
Applicants for the award must:
- submit a feature article of up to 1,500 words, exploring a contemporary issue, trend or activity of interest to rural and regional communities, of publication standard; and
- demonstrate an active interest in rural affairs and a commitment to pursuing a career in rural journalism upon graduation.
The student whose application is judged as most meritorious will receive an award of $10,000 to be contributed towards the costs of their study. In addition, the student’s article will be published in a major Rural Press publication after the award is announced.
Articles submitted will be judged against the following criteria:
- appropriateness and significance of topic;
- use of quality resources;
- originality;
- clarity;
- accuracy; and
- grammar and writing style.
The selection panel will be comprised of Mr. J.B. Fairfax, AM, the Group Editor of Rural Press Agricultural Publishing and a representative of the Royal Agricultural Society Foundation.
Timeline
Applications for the inaugural award will close on 15 October 2008. Short-listed applicants will be interviewed in early November 2008, with the winner announced in February 2009. The winner will be invited to attend a presentation ceremony at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in March 2009.
What then?
Up to $10,000 will be made available to the successful recipient in the 2009 academic year, on receipt of formal documentation from their approved education provider confirming enrolment and indicative costs of course fees, required materials, college fees and/or other relevant educational costs. Funds will be made available direct to relevant business units of the recipient’s academic institution.
In addition to the $10,000 award, the recipient’s winning feature article will be published in a Rural Press publication, within three months of the conferral of the award. Award recipients will be invited to meet with the RASF on an annual basis for the duration of their degree and, upon completion, will be asked to make a short presentation to key stakeholders of the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW and Rural Press Agricultural Publishing.
How to apply
Applications for the 2008 have now closed. Information about the 2009 J.B. Fairfax Rural Journalism Scholarship will be available on this website early in 2009.
Eligibility
Applications are open to students enrolled, or intending to enroll, in an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in 2009 relevant to rural affairs. Evidence of current and/or proposed enrolment is required.
In future years, it is anticipated that rural journalism practitioner awards will also be awarded.
