Melplash Agricultural Society Scholarship

The Melplash Agricultural Society offers scholarships to local students aged 16 years and over who are planning to pursue courses in subjects connected to agriculture. Students of farming, horticulture, forestry or agricultural-related subjects, who live within a 12 mile radius of Melplash village church could be eligible for a scholarship up to £3,000 per annum. The Scholarship Scheme was established nineteen years ago to benefit West Dorset based students who wish to further their education in the field of agriculture, horticultural and related subject areas. Interviews are carried out in July and awards made in August each year and presented at the annual show. Financial support is extended throughout the successful student's course, provided that he/she receives a satisfactory annual report from his/her college or university. Since the scheme started in 2006, the society has awarded scholarships totalling £292,000 to 107 students. In 2023, the society introduced a Travel Bursary and welcomes applications from those who wish to broaden their farming experience with a planned overseas trip. In 2025, eighteen local students received awards totaling £32,500, including support for degree courses, diplomas, apprenticeships, and travel bursaries for working placements on farms in New Zealand.