Epoch Capital Top-up PhD Scholarship

1. Background

a. This Scholarship has been established to provide financial assistance to PhD students who are undertaking research in Mathematical Sciences within the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

b. This Scholarship is funded by Epoch Capital Pty Ltd.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the candidate having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled to study a PhD within the School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

b. Candidates must be a recipient of a primary scholarship from the University of Sydney that provides a stipend allowance.

c. Candidates must be nominated for the scholarship by their relevant research supervisor.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:
I. academic merit,
II. area of study and/or research proposal,
III. previous research experience, and
IV. curriculum vitae.

b. Candidates must provide evidence to substantiate the selection criteria a part of the nomination process. Failure to do so may lead to ineligibility for consideration.

c. Preference will be given to applicants undertaking research in the field of mathematical optimisation

d. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of Head of School, School of Mathematics and Statistics or their nominated delegate(s).

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of $20,000 per annum for up to 1 year, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. A part-time scholarship may be approved where the University is satisfied that there are special circumstances beyond the student’s control. For example, medical conditions, financial hardship and carer’s responsibilities. A part-time scholarship may have tax implications and recipients should seek tax advice from a registered tax agent.

c. Where part-time enrolment is approved the value and duration will be adjusted to a pro-rata basis.

d. The Scholarship is for commencement in relevant research period in which it is offered and cannot be deferred without prior approval from Head of School, School of Mathematics and Statistics or their nominated delegate(s).

e. The Scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research.

f. No other amount is payable.

g. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to attending and passing the annual progress evaluation.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship, excluding any additional sick leave and parental leave.

7. Research Overseas

b. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship.

8. Suspension

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. if the recipient ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis from research supervisor and Head of School, School of Mathematics and Statistics or their nominated delegate(s),
IV. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
V. on receipt of another supplementary stipend scholarship(s) that increases the overall supplementary amount paid to a student to more than 75% of the primary amount. In such circumstances, the supplementary stipend scholarship of the higher value prevails,
VI. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. if the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or
III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

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

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct 2023 (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Student Charter 2020 and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.