Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Doctoral Research Travel Grant Scheme

1. Background

a. The Scholarship supports postgraduate research students in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney to undertake primary research outside of Sydney.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must:

I. be enrolled in a PhD doctoral degree or Professional Doctorate (Doctor of Arts or Doctor of Social Sciences) within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Sydney, and
II. have completed at least one year equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL) in their current degree by the scholarship application closing date.

b. Applicants must be applying for funding to undertake primary research that cannot be completed without significant travel outside of Sydney.

c. Applicants must demonstrate that travel is essential to the completion of their research.

d. Applicants must be applying for funding for expenses that they expect to incur during the next financial year.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicants and the amount awarded for the Scholarship will be determined on the basis of:

I. the number and quality of applicants,
II. a detailed budget including all relevant itemised costs,
III. a personal statement which demonstrates that travel outside Sydney is essential to the completion of their research, and
IV. a letter of support from their supervisor.

b. Priority may be given to applicants whose:

I. research requires them to reside outside of Sydney for a period of time, and/or
II. who are in their third year of candidature equivalent full-time student load (EFTSL).

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

I. Chair of the Research Education Committee or their nominated delegate, and
II. an academic staff representative from each of the Schools in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will have a maximum value of $3,500. The exact value of each Scholarship will be determined by the selection committee and outlined in the recipient’s scholarship offer letter.

b. The Scholarship value will be paid as a lump sum payment after receipt of the Scholarship Acceptance Form.

c. Where the University of Sydney Human Research Ethics Committee approval is necessary for the proposed research, evidence of such approval must be provided before this Scholarship will be paid.

d. This Scholarship will not fund expenses for conference travel.

e. Recipients may also hold awards under the University’s Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS). Expenses claimed under the PRSS cannot be claimed under this Scholarship.

f. The Scholarship cannot be deferred or suspended past the end of the next financial year without approval of the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

g. The Scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research without approval of the Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

h. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011,
IV. if the student does not undertake primary research outside of Sydney within the required time frame,
V. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VI. if the recipient 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.

6. 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 2023 (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 Student Charter 2020 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.

7. Other Requirements

a. Recipients are required to maintain receipts for up to one year for all costs incurred that are relevant to this Scholarship.

b. Recipients may be required to produce these receipts if requested by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.

c. All travel must comply with University guidelines.