Postgraduate Research Excellence Award Tuition Fee Scholarship

1. Background

a. Funded by the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney, this Scholarships aims to support outstanding international students undertaking their PhD within the Faculty of Science.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission to commence study, full-time, in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) within the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney. An unconditional offer of admission is not required at time of application; but is a requirement when the Scholarship is awarded.

b. Applicants must not have previously commenced a degree at the University of Sydney.

c. Applicants must be an International Student, that is not an Australian Citizen, New Zealand Citizen, or Australian Permanent Resident.

d. Applicants must have the support letter, from their intended research supervisor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney to apply for an available project listed by that Supervisor as part of this Scholarship. Only projects listed available at time of application may only be considered.

e. Applicants must hold an international qualification completed overseas that is equivalent to an Australian standard bachelor’s degree with first class honours in Science or relevant discipline area, or equivalent.

f. Applicants may alternatively/or in addition hold an international qualification completed overseas that is equivalent to an Australian standard master’s degree with at least 25% of the final year being a research component.

g. Applicants must separately apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset and Stipend Scholarship at the University of Sydney.

h. Applicants cannot be in receipt of an alternative scholarship that also provides tuition support at the time of application.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit,

II. curriculum vitae,

III. area of study and research proposal,

IV. supporting letter from the PREA Project Supervisor,

V. two academic references which provide exceptional support for further research studies.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the Dean of the Faculty of Science, or their nominee, on the recommendation of the Associate Dean (Research Education), two Faculty of Science Postgraduate Coordinators and the Head, Research and Research Training.

4. Value

a. Academic course fees are provided for an initial 12 research periods, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. The recipient may apply for an extension of the academic course fees for up to 2 research periods.

c. The value of Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF) will be provided as part of the Scholarship for 12 research periods, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

d. The recipient may apply for an extension of SSAF for up to 2 research periods.

e. The Scholarship will also cover overseas health cover for the recipient (single cover only) for the normal full-time duration of their higher degree studies and the initial visa application fee required to commence their research studies at the University of Sydney.

f. Overseas health cover, the visa application and SSAF will be reimbursed to the student upon evidence of receipt.

g. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship, will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding the potential extension period.

h. The Scholarship is for commencement in relevant research period, prior to the census date for which it is offered.

i. The Scholarship can only be deferred for up to two research periods with the prior permission of the Associate Dean (Research Education). Deferment beyond two research periods can only be approved with the prior permission of the Dean of the Faculty of Science. The Scholarship cannot be transferred to another course, University school, faculty, schools or department within a faculty, supervisor, or university.

j. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to passing the annual progress review.

6. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

7. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of the Scholarship for any reason during the tenure of the Scholarship. Periods of Scholarship suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

8. 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, change of residency status 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 tuition fees.

b. Subject to satisfactory progress, Scholarship recipients who obtain Australian Permanent Residence status will be eligible to continue with the Scholarship, pending approval from the Dean of the Faculty of Science, or their nominee, on the recommendation of the Associate Dean (research Education) and the Head, Research and Research Training.

9. Termination

a. The Scholarship will terminate:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,

II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,

III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,

IV. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,

V. if the recipient receives an alternative tuition fee scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative tuition fee scholarship,

VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or

VII. If the student 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.

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

10. 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 (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 Code of Conduct for Students 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.