Mission of the Scholarship
Supporting the next generation of professionals within the horticultural industry to champion community engagement, biodiversity, sustainability, and planetary health.

Scholarship Overview
The Australian Institute of Horticulture Incorporated (AIH) , with the support of Berry Garden Club, NSW, are offering a $3,000 scholarship to support passionate students of horticulture and/or conservation nearing the completion of their studies. The scholarship enables emerging professionals to invest in practical experiences, further study or research, aligned with community engagement, sustainability, biodiversity, and planetary health.

Key Dates

• Applications Open:  May 1^st 2025
• Applications Close:  October 15^th 2025
• Shortlisted applicants: Notified October 31^st 2025 
• Winner Announced:  HortInsights Summer edition in December, 2025
• Studies Completed By:  Completed by Friday November 28^th 2025
• Funds Used By:  June 30^th 2027

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

• Conference, congress, workshops
• Horticultural shows and garden festivals 
• Other relevant educational or professional development experiences 
• Research project
• Approved travel and accommodation costs associated with these activities
• All activities must meet approval of the AIH Scholarship panel before expenditure.

See a few examples of eligible activities here: Chelsea Flower Show, MIFGS Melbourne,  Spoga-gafa Germany, AIH National conference, and the Australian Volunteers Program

Who Can Apply
Applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
• Be under 40 years of age as of December 31^st 2025.
• Be an AIH Student Member at time of application or a current AIH Graduate member.
• Be completing studies between November 2024 and November 28^th 2025
• Studies must be AQF Certificate III or higher qualification within the Training Package for Amenity Horticulture, Landscaping, or Conservation & Land Management — OR an industry-recognised equivalent.

Shortlisted Applicants must provide the following:

• Letter of commendation from a head teacher confirming your commitment to the industry, attendance, conduct, and course completion status.
• Evidence of industry experience (paid or volunteer), with contact details for verification.
• Referee report – personal or industry contact
• A proposed budget and key dates for your intended activity.

How to Apply

Complete the application form and respond to the following four questions (250–500 words each):

1. What activity do you plan to undertake (e.g., study, conference, congress, major horticultural or garden show, research), and what do you hope to learn?
2. What are your horticultural or conservation interests?
3. Can you describe a paid or volunteer project or activity you’ve participated in that supported the concept of ‘planetary health’?
4. Where do you see your professional horticultural career heading?

How to Submit

• Respond in writing (250 – 500 words per answer).
• Include relevant links for photos or videos to support your application.

What Happens Next

Shortlisted applicants will be invited in late October to a Zoom interview with the AIH panel. 

Use this opportunity to express your passion and ideas.

Winner Obligations

• Join AIH as a Graduate Member by December 31^st  2025
• Approve the use of your story and images for AIH promotional purposes
• Provide your final qualification transcript by December 31^st 2025
• Sign the AIH Code of Ethics and media release forms 
• Submit a 400-word (minimum) article and photos detailing your funded activity

Terms & Conditions

• The AIH Scholarship Panel’s decisions are final
• A mentor will be assigned to support the scholar
• Activities must be completed by June 30^th 2027
• Unused funds remain the property of AIH
• An AIH shirt must be worn at all approved events
• Only pre-approved travel and accommodation costs directly related to the scholarship will be reimbursed

Refer to the detailed Advice document to assist you in completing your application