The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 is an opportunity from the Oxford Farming Conference (OFC) that supports young people under 30 through a hybrid programme that combines in-person gatherings, online webinars, and a full ticket to OFC 2027.
In total, the programme offers 22 sponsor-funded scholar places and 8 fully funded Breaking Barriers scholarships. The conference will take place in Oxford from 6 to 8 January 2027, while additional programme activities will run in November and December 2026.
Application Deadline: Applications close Friday 16th October 2026 (Breaking Barriers places: 5pm on Friday 16th October 2026)
Eligible Countries: United Kingdom
To be taken at (country): United Kingdom
About this Scholarship
The Oxford Farming Conference Scholars Programme 2027 is designed for young people who want to engage with the food, farming, and wider agricultural sector. It offers a structured learning experience before and during the main conference.
The programme is hybrid. It includes in-person away days, bespoke online sessions, and attendance at the Oxford Farming Conference in January 2027. In addition, the Breaking Barriers cohort joins an extra programme day and introductory call.
Level of Study: Not specified – please see official page
Eligibility
- Scholars should be aged under 30 years and must not have previously attended the conference.
- Breaking Barriers applicants must be aged 18 to 30.
- Breaking Barriers applicants must be UK residents.
- Breaking Barriers applicants must be able to attend the full two-day conference in Oxford and the full Scholar Programme, including the additional Breaking Barriers day.
- Breaking Barriers applicants must describe barriers they have faced to entry into the sector.
- Applicants do not have to be working or studying in the agricultural sector.
Number of Awards: 22 sponsor-funded scholar places plus 8 Breaking Barriers fully funded places (30 places total)
Value of Award: £1000 ex VAT (cost for a Scholar place). Eight Breaking Barriers places fully funded by OFC, Severn Trent Water and M&S.
Duration of Award: Programme activities run from November–December 2026 (away days and webinars) with the conference 6–8 January 2027; Breaking Barriers cohort has an extra day on 24 November 2026.
Benefits
- Full OFC 2027 conference ticket
- Training, bespoke online sessions, and in-person gatherings
- Two nights accommodation
- Meals during included programme activities
- Chair’s Welcome Reception
- Oxford Union Debate
- Christ Church dinner
- Breaking Barriers scholars receive an additional introductory call
- Breaking Barriers scholars also receive an extra day with overnight stay on 24 November 2026
- Travel costs are not included for scholars and should be budgeted separately by sponsors
Required Documents
- Application must name the proposed Scholar
- Provide insight into who they are and how they will benefit from the opportunity
Award Provider: Oxford Farming Conference (OFC)
How to Apply
Apply through the official OFC application form before the deadline. Before you apply, review the programme expectations, dates, and attendance requirements carefully.
Because this is a hybrid programme, applicants should also confirm that they can join the required in-person and online activities. Breaking Barriers applicants should pay close attention to the extra eligibility and attendance conditions.
👉 Visit the Application Webpage for Details
