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Postgraduate Research Support Scheme
- Overview and funding
- Eligibility
- How to apply
Eligibility
COVID-19 update: changes to PRSS applications in 2020
The following Faculties and Schools will not be taking part in the PRSS application rounds in 2020:
- Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- The University of Sydney Law School
- The University of Sydney Business School
These faculties will still receive funding, but it will be automatically distributed equally among all currently enrolled students in that faculty that meet the eligibility criteria. If you are in one of these faculties or schools, you don’t need to apply through the application process. You will receive funding if you are eligible, after applications close and once your eligibility has been assessed.
If you receive funding you can also choose to opt out of your 2020 PRSS payment.
Faculties taking part in PRSS applications
If you are a student in the Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Sydney Conservatorium of Music or School of Architecture, Design and Planning, you will need to apply for PRSS funding through the usual application process. You can lodge one application in any PRSS round.
The eligibility requirements for 2020 PRSS funding differ depending on your faculty or school. Refer to your specific faculty/school guidelines for further details on eligibility.
To be eligible to apply you need to:
- Be currently enrolled
On the closing date your candidature cannot exceed the following full-time (or part-time equivalent) periods:- four years full time if you are a doctoral student
- two years full time if you are a master’s by research student.
- Have satisfactory progression
You need to have met or exceeded the standards on your most recent progress review and have not exceeded the normal period of candidature
In your application you will need to include:
- A justification statement
Include a brief statement justifying the need and planned use of the funds, and benefits to your candidature. - Evidence of research related achievement
Where possible, include evidence of your publications (in press or submitted), conference presentations, internal reports or other scholarly activities. This shows satisfactory progress through your previous achievements relative to opportunity and stage of candidature. - A letter of support from your supervisor
This can be an email or formal letter. You will need to upload a copy this letter during your application.
How many times can I apply?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may apply in any PRSS application round. If you are a Doctorate student, you are allowed three successful applications during your candidature (four full-time years). If you are a Master’s by research student, you can only be awarded PRSS once during your candidature (two full-time years).
If you convert to a doctorate, the number of successful PRSS applications allowed will increase to three for the period of your candidature. This will include any successful application during your master’s degree. The 2020 PRSS payment will be counted towards this limit.
Faculties not taking part in PRSS applications
If you're a student in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, The University of Sydney Law School or The University of Sydney Business School, you do not apply through the application process for PRSS funding. Instead, your faculty will receive funding and distribute it equally among enrolled students who meet the eligibility criteria.
Refer to your specific faculty/school guidelines for further details on eligibility.
You will be eligible to receive funding if:
- You are currently enrolled
On the closing date your candidature cannot exceed the following full-time (or part-time equivalent) periods:- four years full time if you are a doctoral student
- two years full time if you are a master’s by research student.
- Have satisfactory progression
You need to have met or exceeded the standards on your most recent progress review and have not exceeded the normal period of candidature
Opting out of receiving funding
If you are eligible to receive funding, you have the option to 'opt out' of 2020 PRSS if you would rather not receive the funding. Find out how to opt out.
Last updated: 21 May 2020
