Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning Indigenous Scholarship

1. Background 

a. The University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning Indigenous Scholarship aims to increase access for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to Australian architecture, design and planning studies. It is to support the continuation or commencement of studies for Indigenous students at the University of Sydney. 

b. This scholarship is generously funded by the Collin Mort – Bequest.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must: 

I. be an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident,
II. identify as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person as defined in the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015,
III. qualify for entry into, have an unconditional offer of admission to, or be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework course within the Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.
b. Applicants, or students currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil) and Bachelor of Design in Architecture are not eligible to apply.

c. Recipients must enrol in the eligible degree the semester following award of this scholarship. Enrolment must be full-time. Recipients can undertake part-time study during their candidature only with prior approval of the Associate Dean, Indigenous Strategy and Services, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning. 

3. Selection Criteria 

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of: 

I. academic merit, based on
a) performance in the NSW HSC or equivalent, for a recent school leaver (i.e current school leavers or those who have taken 1 gap year), or
b) weighted average mark (WAM) or semester average mark (SAM) (if only one semester of tertiary studies completed), for a currently enrolled student,
II. a personal statement demonstrating the applicant’s interest and motivation in their chosen course, and
III. confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander identity as defined in the University of Sydney Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.

b. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. Interviewees have the option to present a portfolio at the interview.

c. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Dean, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, or their nominated delegates.

4. Value 

a. The Scholarship is valued at $10,000 per annum and is tenable for the duration of the full-time degree program, specifically:

I. up to three years full time plus one additional year if an honours year is undertaken, for an undergraduate degree,
II. up to two years, or the normal full-time duration for a postgraduate coursework course, or
III. up to five years for a recipient completing the Bachelor of Design in Architecture (Honours) and Master of Architecture degree.

b. Where part-time enrolment has been approved the value and duration will be adjusted accordingly, and the scholarship will be paid pro-rata as per clause 4.c. 

c. The Scholarship annual value will be paid in two instalments, after the census date of each semester. The semesterly payment will be paid pro-rata, based on the value of enrolled units of study in the current semester (relative to a full load of 24 credit points) less the value of enrolled units of study not successfully completed (at pass grade or above) in the previous semester.

d. If awarded to a currently enrolled student, the scholarship is tenable for the remaining candidature of the enrolled degree at application.

e. Deferral of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Dean, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university. 

f. The Scholarship may be suspended for up to one year only with the prior permission of the Dean, Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning.

g. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds. Subsequent offers in semester 2 may be made depending on unfilled places in semester 1 and subject to available funds

h. No other amount is payable. 

5. Ongoing eligibility 

a. Continuation of the scholarship is automatic, until the student either graduates or withdraws their candidature.

b. Students who suspend up to a maximum of 12 months of their candidature can continue their scholarship after returning from suspension.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course, or stream, or fails to enrol,
II. commences part-time study without prior approval,
III. is determined by the University to be guilty of serious misconduct, including, but not limited to, having provided false or misleading information as part of their Scholarship application,
IV. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave or suspension, or
V. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination. 

b. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to university error.

c. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.