Related links
Postgraduate Research Support Scheme
- Overview and funding
- Eligibility requirements
- How to apply
Eligibility requirements
Some faculties and schools will not be accepting applications in this round. For faculties and schools not accepting applications, the PRSS funding allocation will be distributed among all currently enrolled students who meet the eligibility requirements. Payments across all faculties and schools will not commence until the application round has closed and all applications have been assessed.
The University PRSS eligibility requirements apply to all students, but your faculty or school may specify additional, stricter eligibility requirements. You need to review these guidelines to ensure you understand all eligibility requirements.
Faculty and schools accepting applications
- Sydney Business School
- Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning
- Sydney Conservatorium of Music
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Science
Faculty and schools distributing funds equitably
- Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Medicine and Health
- Sydney Law School
University PRSS eligibility requirements
You need to meet the following requirements to be eligible to apply for and receive PRSS.
These are the minimum requirements to receive PRSS funding and many faculties and schools impose additional requirements in their PRSS guidelines. It is important that you review the specific guidelines as well as the minimum requirements below.
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 masters by research student.
- If you have currently suspended your studies, but are due to re-enrol before PRSS funds are allocated, you may submit an application in the research period immediately prior to your return to candidature. You need to have recommenced your enrolment in order to be considered eligible to receive funds. Some faculties or schools may impose stricter enrolment requirements and may not award funds to suspended students.
- If you are under examination, you are not eligible to apply for or receive PRSS funding.
Have satisfactory progression
- You must not have exceeded the normal period of candidature.
- At a minimum, you need to have completed preliminary appraisal activities (please refer to the PRSS Procedures 2019 and Schedule 1 of the Progress Planning and Review for Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015). Refer to your faculty or school guidelines for any additional eligibility criteria.
- You need to have received at least a ‘meets/exceeds’ outcome in your most recent progress review, if you have completed a progress evaluation meeting prior to applying for PRSS.
For faculties and schools accepting applications
- If you have not yet passed probation, you need to provide evidence that you have completed all required preliminary appraisal activities.
- If you commenced your candidature from January 2021 onwards, the preliminary appraisal milestone must be completed in RECS. A printout of this milestone completion (with approval from your lead supervisor) will be sufficient.
- If you commenced your candidature from July 2020 and have not had the opportunity to complete your probation (e.g. if you suspended your studies), a formal letter/email from your Lead Supervisor will be required to confirm you have completed the preliminary appraisal activities.
- Preliminary appraisal activities are outlined in Schedule 1 of the Progress Planning and Review of Higher Degree by Research Students Policy 2015.
For faculties and schools distributing funds equitably
- You are not required to submit any documentation.
- You need to have passed probation (in your first progress review) as outlined in your faculty/school guidelines. If you have not passed your probation review, then you are not eligible to receive funds in this round.
How many times can I receive PRSS funding?
If you are a doctoral student and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be awarded PRSS a maximum of three times (either from a successful application or allocation by your faculty or school) during your candidature (four full-time years).
If you are a masters by research student and meet the eligibility criteria, you may be awarded PRSS once during your candidature (two full-time years).
If you convert from a masters to a doctorate, the number of successful PRSS awards allowed will increase from one to three for the period of your candidature. This will include any award during your masters degree. The 2022 PRSS payment will be counted towards this limit.
Faculty and school PRSS guidelines
You need to review your faculty or school PRSS guidelines before you start your application.
Last updated: 11 April 2022
