The Oxford Farming Scholars 2027 programme gives young people an opportunity to connect with others, develop useful skills and experience one of the UK’s leading agricultural conferences. Importantly, applicants do not have to come from an agriculture background.
The programme welcomes peop
le from different sectors, academic backgrounds and geographical locations. In addition, applicants who have not studied agri-food subjects are also encouraged to apply.
What programme is this?
The Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) Scholars Programme 2027 is a hybrid development and networking programme. Scholars can attend the live conference in Oxford in January 2027, take part in two in-person events and join online sessions created for the cohort.
The programme is limited to 22 Scholar places, while a further eight Breaking Barriers places are fully funded by OFC and its partners.
Who is eligible for the Oxford Farming Scholars 2027?
The main Scholars Programme welcomes a wide range of applicants, including people from non-traditional sectors and backgrounds.
Applicants should:
- Be under 30 years old.
- Have not previously attended the Oxford Farming Conference.
- Be interested in developing their skills and networks.
- Be able to participate in the required programme activities.
You do not need to have studied agriculture or an agri-food subject.
Breaking Barriers eligibility
The Breaking Barriers Scholarship has separate requirements. Applicants must be 18 to 30 years old, live in the UK, be able to attend the full conference and participate in the complete Scholar Programme. They must also have faced barriers to entering the food, farming or agricultural sector.
Therefore, the Breaking Barriers route is not open to applicants living in Nigeria, because the source specifically requires UK residency.
What country or region is eligible?
For the general Scholars Programme, the source does not state a specific country-residency restriction. It says the programme welcomes people from a broad range of geographical and academic backgrounds.
However, Breaking Barriers is only available to UK residents.
What does it cover?
The Scholar package includes:
- Training sessions
- In-person activities
- Online sessions
- A full conference ticket
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Networking opportunities
- Attendance at the January 2027 conference
The programme also includes special events such as the Chair’s Welcome Reception, Oxford Union Debate and Christ Church dinner.
However, travel costs are not included in the stated Scholar cost. Sponsors are expected to arrange additional travel funding.
What are the academic requirements?
There are no specific academic qualifications stated for the general Scholars Programme.
In fact, OFC encourages applications from people who have not studied agriculture or agri-food subjects. This makes the opportunity relevant to applicants from other academic and professional backgrounds.
What documents are required?
The supplied information does not provide a detailed list of required documents.
For the general programme, the application must name the proposed Scholar and provide information about who they are and how they would benefit from the opportunity.
Therefore, applicants should check the official application form for the exact information requested before submitting.
When is the deadline for the Oxford Farming Scholars 2027?
The stated application deadline is 5pm on Friday, 16 October 2026. The programme schedule also confirms 16 October 2026 as the application closing date.
Applicants should apply early rather than waiting until the final day.
How do I apply for theOxford Farming Scholars 2027?
There are two routes.
For the general Scholars Programme, a sponsor, organisation or group applies on behalf of a proposed Scholar. The application is then reviewed by OFC Directors, who select 22 individuals.
For Breaking Barriers, individuals apply directly through OFC. No organisation, business or charity is required to submit the application on their behalf.
Where is the official application?
The official OFC application pages are available on the Oxford Farming Conference website:
General Scholars Programme:
Breaking Barriers Scholarship:
Applicants should use the official OFC website and application forms rather than relying on third-party application pages.
What are the benefits?
The Oxford Farming Scholars 2027 programme can provide valuable opportunities for professional development and networking.
Participants can gain:
- Peer-to-peer networking
- Skills development
- Exposure to the UK agricultural sector
- Access to the Oxford Farming Conference
- In-person professional connections
- Online learning sessions
- Opportunities to exchange ideas with other young people
The programme is designed to support future generations of agriculture and help develop emerging leaders.
For more scholarships, fellowships, internships and other opportunities, explore OpportunityLab.net.
