Meat Industry Association Scholarships

If you are interested in a future career in the red meat industry, you can apply to join the Meat Industry Association Scholarship programme. Up to 4 new scholarships, a mixture of undergraduate and postgraduate positions, are available.

Scholarship overview

Status: Closed

Key facts

Value: $5,000 p/a for undergraduate and $10,000 p/a for postgraduate
Duration: Up to three years duration
Type of study: Full-time, Part-time, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Masters
Of note: Assistance with obtaining study related projects / vacation work experience. An introduction to the red meat industry networking opportunities. Mentoring.

Application dates

Applications open: 8 October 2025
Closing date: 26 November 2025

Restrictions

Eligibility restrictions: New Zealand citizens or permanent residents.

The scholarship programme provides a pathway for undergraduate or graduate students into the New Zealand red meat processing industry.

Scholars will work part time or during vacation in the meat industry.

NEW ZEALAND’S RED MEAT INDUSTRY

  • A critical part of New Zealand’s economy, and the second largest goods exporter with exports over $11 billion
  • New Zealand’s largest manufacturing industry, employing some 25,000 people in about 60 processing plants, throughout New Zealand
  • One of the biggest trainers of New Zealand workers, with approximately 4,500 people undergoing NZQA accredited courses annually
  • Provides a significant range of opportunities for young people in a wide range of disciplines
  • A productive, innovative and progressive environment, offering competitive salaries and strong career pathways

Applications for the Scholarship programme can be made from October to Late November, when the Scholarship portal opens. For further details please, see our factsheet, visit the Scholarships page or look for announcements on the MIA website.

You can also contact Kaylene Larking Kaylene.Larking@mia.co.nz or 04 495 8378.

What you'll be studying

Undergraduate scholarships of $5,000 a year for each year of study for up to three years.

Post-graduate scholarships of $10,000 a year for each year of study for up to two years.

Eligibility criteria

  • The programme is for New Zealand citizens or permanent residents studying at a tertiary institution who are looking to contribute their skills to the red meat sector in the future, beyond the farm gate
  • Applications are welcome from across a wide range of fields of study, which applicants can show are relevant to meat processing, marketing or exporting. That includes food sciences, nutrition, engineering, process design, industrial innovation, environmental science and international marketing and policy.
  • We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and would like to support those who would struggle to get further education.

About the sponsor

Meat Industry Association

Meat Industry Association of New Zealand

We’re the voice of New Zealand’s red meat processors, marketers and exporters. The Association advocates on behalf of its members and provides advice on economic, trade policy, market access, sustainability and the environment, employment relations, business compliance costs and technical and regulatory issues facing the industry.

Learn more