Shalom Gamarada Scholarship

1. Background

a. This Scholarship was established to provide assistance to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students studying full time at the University of Sydney with financial support for accommodation at Mandelbaum College or a living allowance stipend while residing at Mandelbaum College and receiving Abstudy Residential Cost Option accommodation support. 

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission at the University of Sydney. 

b. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent as defined in the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015.

c. Applicants are required to live on campus at Mandelbaum College.

d. Applicants must apply for Abstudy Residential Cost Option.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of a personal statement demonstrating 

I. their need for accommodation and 

II. how the scholarship will support their studies

III. how the applicants hopes to contribute to a diverse residential community in a Jewish College

b. Preference will be given to applicants:

IV. Who can demonstrate financial need

V. From a regional or rural area (as defined by the ASGS Remoteness Areas – 2016).

c. The Scholarship will be awarded by a selection committee consisting of: 

I. the Deputy Vice Chancellor - Indigenous Strategy and Services (DVC-ISS) (Chair)

II. at least one Associate Dean of Indigenous Strategy and Services (AD-ISS),

III. Director, Gadigal Centre (Chair),

IV. at least one other staff member of the Gadigal Centre. 

V. One of the co-founders of Shalom Gamarada (or their nominated delegate)

d. Scholarships at a residential college will require the applicant:

I. To have applied and received confirmation of an offer of place at Mandelbaum College (this is separate from the scholarship offer).

II. To have completed a college means-testing bursary/ scholarship application or to supply any other required information requested by the college to be considered for the Shalom Gamarada Scholarship. 

4. Value

a. The value of the scholarship will be either;

I. the cost of accommodation for a total of 42 weeks for the first year (including Gadigal Welcome Week and the University of Sydney Orientation Week) and 40 weeks in each subsequent year for up to 4 years if the applicant is unsuccessful in their application for Abstudy Residential Cost Option or;

II. be a cash payment of AUD$22,500 per year tenable for the published full-time duration of the recipient’s undergraduate (single or combined) degree up to a maximum total duration of 4 years full-time study if the applicant is successful in their application for Abstudy Residential Cost Option.

b. If the student is unsuccessful in their application for Abstudy Residential Cost Option the scholarship will be paid directly to the Mandelbaum College. 

c. The duration of the scholarship will be for three (4) years. Additional years of the scholarship will be considered on a case-by-case basis depending on degree duration, demonstrated  financial need and available funding.

d. The successful applicant will need to cover the cost of accommodation at Mandelbaum College if they choose to reside there over the end of year break.

e. Student will be required to pay all other costs including however not limited to guest meals, additional cleaning of rooms, lock out fees etc.

f. The scholarship is not transferable to another college. 

g. Deferral and/or suspension of the scholarship is not permitted unless approved by the DVC-ISS and CEO of Mandelbaum College due to extenuating circumstances.

h. The scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds. 

i. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the scholarship the recipient must immediately apply for Abstudy Residential Costs by contacting Services Australia on 132 490 on receipt of the conditional or unconditional offer of scholarship. More details are at this link. 

I. If the ABSTUDY Residential Costs are approved for the costs of the accommodation the student will receive a cash payment of AUD$22,500 per year tenable for the published full-time duration of the recipient’s undergraduate (single or combined) degree up to a maximum total duration of 4 years full-time study or part-time equivalent.

II. If the ABSTUDY Residential Costs are not approved the scholarships will cover the costs of accommodation for a total of 42 weeks for the first year (including Gadigal Welcome Week and the University of Sydney Orientation Week) and 40 weeks in each subsequent year for up to 4 years at Mandelbaum College.

III. The outcome of the application for Abstudy Residential Cost Option must be provided via email to DVCISS.Scholarships@sydney.edu.au and to Mandelbaum College.

b. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must also: 

I. Engage with the Gadigal Centre, and the Mentoring our Brothers and Sisters (MOBS) Program at the University of Sydney through the duration of their scholarship. 

II. Engage with the Indigenous Tutorial Assistance Scheme (ITAS) for at least the first year of their studies for at least one subject.

III. Maintain a minimum Semester Average Mark (SAM) of at least 50 each semester. 

IV. Adhere to the University of Sydney Student Charter 2020.

V. Attend at least one Sydney based donor event per year for a maximum of 2 hours.

VI. Provide a short donor report each year detailing how the scholarship has supported their studies.

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. Withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,

II. Does not receive an average semester average mark (SAM) of 50,

III. Commences part-time study, 

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. Does not adhere to the University of Sydney Student Charter 2020, or

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.