The Frances Merenda Travelling Scholarship

1. Background

a. This scholarship has been established to support students studying at the University of Sydney who are spending a period of study in Italy.

b. This scholarship is funded by a donation by the late Ms Frances Merenda, MBE.

2. Eligibility

a. This Scholarship is offered subject to applicants being a:

I. Second or third year undergraduate student currently enrolled in an Italian Studies major at the University of Sydney, who is intending or taking up an exchange place at an Italian university that is to be credited towards their degree, or
II. Masters or PhD student enrolled in Italian Studies at the University of Sydney, who intend to travel to Italy to pursue further language and cultural studies or to conduct research in a relevant area of study as part of their degree program. 

b. Applicants must be intending to commence the approved exchange or program of study to Italy within the calendar year of the scholarship application closing date.

3. Selection Criteria

a. For undergraduate students, the Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:

I. academic merit,  
II. marks in both Italian language studies and cultural units, 
III. personal statement describing applicant’s reasons for their study in Italy and relevance of exchange to their future studies and/or career, and
IV. detailed budget of overseas travel costs.

b. For postgraduate students, the Scholarship will be awarded on the basis of:

I. academic merit, and
II. personal statement outlining applicant’s program of study, significance of proposed program of study and relevance of travel to their degree program.

c. Preference may be given to applicants who can demonstrate:

I. financial hardship, or
II. their intention to continue with Italian Honours (or joint Honours).

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

I. the Chair of Italian Studies or their nominated delegate, and
II. at least two other academics in Italian Studies.

4. Value

a. The of value each Scholarship will be determined by the selection committee and will have a maximum of $7,500. 

a. The Scholarship value will be paid as a one-off payment on receipt of the Scholarship Acceptance Form and evidence of approved exchange or program of study. 

b. Deferral and/or suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Head of School, School of Languages and Cultures.

c. The scholarship is not transferable to another school, faculty or university. 

d. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funds.

e. No other amount is payable.

5. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I. withdraws from an eligible course or major or fails to enrol,
II. does not go on the approved exchange to Italy,  
III. does not commence the approved exchange to Italy within the calendar year of the scholarship application closing date,
IV. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance, 
V. 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, or
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave.

b. For Masters by Research or PhD students, the Scholarship will also be terminated:

I. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
II. does not go on the approved program of study in Italy,
III. does not commence the approved program of study in Italy within the calendar year of the scholarship application closing date,
IV. upon the recipient having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy, or
V. if the recipient ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period of approved leave).

c. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error. 

d. 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.