Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences Undergraduate Equity Scholarship

1. Background

a. Established in 2021 through the generous donation of the William Charles Watling – Bequest this scholarship provides financial support to low socio-economic students entering the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology degree/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Sydney.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must be Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.
b. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission and commencing full-time study in the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.
c. Applicants must be able to demonstrate low socio-economic status via the Educational Access Scheme (EAS).

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:
I. academic merit,
II. evidence of low socio-economic status, and
III. a personal statement detailing interests in studying the degree and how they hope to use the degree in rural veterinary practice post-graduation.

b. Preference may be given to students who demonstrate at least one of the following:
I. Low socio-economic status via the Educational Access Scheme (EAS).
II. Primary residential address is classified as a rural, regional, or remote area of Australia,
III. Identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Island person as defined by the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.

c. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Head of School of the School of Veterinary Sciences or their nominated delegates.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship is valued at $15,000 per annum for the first 3 years of the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree to support in academic course fees, books and other relevant course costs.

b. The Scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.
c. The Scholarship cannot be deferred, and it is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university.
d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.
e. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing Eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must maintain full-time enrolment and a minimum Semester Average Mark (SAM) of 65 each semester.

b. Recipients undertaking an exchange during the tenure of this Scholarship are required to have achieved a Satisfied Requirements grade (SR) to receive their next payment.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:
I. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,
II. commences part-time study without prior approval,
III. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance,
IV. 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,
V. accepts an alternative scholarship, administered by the University of Sydney, valued at $8,500 per annum or more for the same purpose as this Scholarship,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. 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.
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.

7. Report

a. Successful recipients will be asked to provide a report to the Sydney School of Veterinary Sciences, before the last scholarship instalment in the final year, detailing how the scholarship has assisted them with their studies and how they will apply the knowledge and skills learnt in the degree on their return to rural veterinary practice.