NSW Farmers' Association Rural Affairs Committee Chair Sarah Thompson urges students to get their applications in quickly and not miss this wonderfully opportunity.

"Our scholarships, each worth $5000, are our way of helping to ease the financial burden that often comes with study, particularly for rural students," she said.

"We hope that the scholarship winners will return to country NSW following their studies and use the skills they have gained to strengthen rural communities.

"Previous winners have found these scholarships of great assistance to their study, and I urge people to not miss this chance," Ms Thompson said.

Applications are open to Association Members, partners of Members or children of Members, who are full-time students undertaking full time courses in their second or subsequent year of study at a recognised tertiary institution. The applicant, their partner or their parents must have been full Members of the Association for at least the past two years to qualify for a scholarship.

"Applicants will be judged on their academic record, leadership qualities, community involvement, communication skills and their commitment to making a lasting contribution to both agriculture and rural communities," Ms Thompson said.

Scholarships are funded by the Association and the Goobang Group, and the recipients will be announced at the Association's Annual Conference in July.

Application forms are available from the Association's website www.nswfarmers.org.au and must be received by post or fax at the Association by 5pm on Friday 26 February 2010.