It paid for her new laptop following the demise of her old one.
"I had my laptop for a few years and the same time as I heard about winning the scholarship it stopped working.
"At university a laptop is your most prized possession so it worked out really perfect."
Originally from Wanaka, the 27-year-old is in her third year as a veterinary science student at Massey University, with another 18 months to go.
"This is my third attempt at a degree," she said.
"I won a scholarship from Mt Aspiring College to study music at the University of Otago.
"I did a year of the degree and found it was not for me, so I went to Lincoln University and completed an animal science degree."
She had always wanted to be a vet so two years later made the move to Massey University.
"I finally decided to give that a crack and am now in my eighth year of university."
Once she gains her degree she would like to find a job with a rural veterinary practice in the South Island, ideally one that looked after both large and companion animals.
In addition to studying, Ms Ruddenklau is a musician and, prior to the Covid-19 restrictions, entertained at functions and in pubs.
When not studying she spends time with her boyfriend, who is a stock manager on a Rakaia Gorge station.
"I just love being outside and working with animals and talking to farmers."
She enjoys riding her horses around the farm.
"I calved one of our Angus heifers yesterday and I have also been helping out on the lambing beat, all things vet students find more exciting than most."
She was delighted when she received the scholarship.
"I want to give a big thank you to the society.
"The scholarships go a long way when you are a student and it is awesome the society is supporting young people in the agricultural industry."
Upper Clutha A&P Society’s scholarship board member Chrissy Gibson said the society gave out three scholarships annually, each worth $1500.
Applications close on September 30 and a panel will shortlist applicants, who will then be interviewed. The decisions will be announced before Christmas.
The Youth Tertiary Scholarship is for applicants 18 years and under, and the Open Tertiary Scholarship is for students older than 18 who are enrolled in a full-time programme related to the primary industries or other related beneficial studies.
The third scholarship is for a personal development or sporting achievement.
