The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) presented bursary and scholarship awards totaling more than £130,000 to higher education students. The awards support students in agriculture, equine, food and horticulture programmes at CAFRE campuses.

At Enniskillen Campus, the 2025-2026 Industry Support programme allocated £24,000 to sixteen equine management students pursuing certificate, foundation degree and honours degree courses validated by Ulster University. Businesses providing support include Coolmore Stud, Danske Bank, Derrinstown Stud, Downpatrick Racecourse, the Gerry Dilger Foundation, Godolphin, Horse Racing Ireland, Irish Thoroughbred Breeders Association, Juddmonte Ireland, Pearse Lyons Ace Foundation, Show Jumping Ireland, the Irish Field, the Vaughan Trust, Tinnakill House Stud, Tyrone Farming Society and Ulster Carpets.

Six of the equine bursaries fund student travel to equine businesses in Belgium. The equine programme ceremony occurred at the Cookstown campus.

A separate event at Loughry Campus awarded fifty-four bursaries worth £81,000 and ten scholarships worth £25,000 total to honours degree students across sectors. Scholarship recipients gain paid work placements with sponsors.

Agriculture bursary and scholarship providers include Abbey Autoline, ABP Food Group, AI Services, Bank of Ireland, Calor Gas Ltd, Dairy Council for NI, Dale Farm, Danske Bank, Fane Valley, Fane Valley Stores, Genus ABS, Gibson Trust, Irish Farmers Journal, John Thompson and Sons Ltd, Lakeland Dairies, Lantra, Livestock and Meat Commission, National Sheep Association NI, Pilgrim’s Europe, Tyrone Farming Society, Ulster Farmers' Union, Ulster Grassland Society and Yara.

Food bursary and scholarship supporters consist of Avondale Foods, Bank of Ireland, Dale Farm, Danske Bank, Dunbia, Fane Valley, Henderson Group, Kerry-Omagh, Lakeland Dairies, Leprino Foods, Mackle Petfoods, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Tyrone Farming Society and Water Technology. Horticulture backers are Bulrush, Gibson Trust, Idverde, Royal Ulster Agriculture Society and Ulster Farmers' Union.

Interim CAFRE Director Paul McHenry spoke at both events. He noted industry partners' contributions to student education in agriculture, equine, food and horticulture. McHenry stated the equine sector functions across the island and represents a growing economic area.