University_

Sydney Quantum Academy Postgraduate Scholarship

A postgraduate research scholarship
This scholarship is available for a PhD student working in the field of quantum science and technology at one of the partner universities of the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA).

Highlights

Value Eligibility Open date Close date
Various
  • Full-time PhD student at a partner university of the SQA
  • Interested in a field related to quantum science and technology
23 August 2023 2 October 2023

How to apply

Apply via the Sydney Quantum Academy’s website here

Benefits

Both primary and top-up/supplementary scholarships are available to support full-time PhD candidates working in the field of quantum science and technology. They are subject to satisfactory academic performance.

Please refer to terms and conditions for more information.

Who's eligible

You must:

  • have an unconditional offer of admission or be currently enrolled in a full-time PhD in a field related to quantum science and technology at a partner university: 
    • The University of Sydney
    • University of New South Wales
    • University of Technology Sydney
    • Macquarie University

For primary scholarship applicants, you must:

  • not hold another primary stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship.

For top-up/supplementary scholarship applicants, you must:

  • hold a primary Stipend Scholarship eg, RTP or equivalent administered by one of the partner universities 
  • have started your PhD less than 1 year (full-time equivalent) before application
  • not hold a primary scholarship exceeding $33,000 per annum.

Background

The SQA scholarships foster research and recognise and encourage excellence amongst postgraduate candidates intending to undertake their research training in related fields of quantum science and technology. The scholarships provide successful candidates with a unique opportunity to work with researchers with industry linkages across Sydney’s foremost universities leading the way in the quantum field.

Terms and conditions

1. Background

a. This primary scholarship is funded by the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA), an unincorporated joint venture funded and managed in partnership between the NSW Government and The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and Macquarie University.

b. This scholarship is available for a PhD student working in the field of quantum science and technology at one of the partner universities of the Sydney Quantum Academy.

c. This scholarship recognises and fosters outstanding postgraduate research degree candidates.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in a full-time PhD in a field related to quantum science and technology at The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, or Macquarie University.

b. Successful applicants are expected to commence their Scholarship in the research period that the scholarship is awarded.

c. Applicants must separately apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset (International applicants only) and RTP Stipend Scholarship at the hosting partner university by the closing date of the SQA scholarship. Successful RTP applicants can also apply for the SQA PhD Supplementary and Primary Extension Scholarship.

d. Applicant must not hold another primary stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,
II. academic and professional expertise,
III. research potential and alignment with SQA objectives, and
IV. projects with potential for industry engagement.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the SQA Scholarship Selection Committee comprising internal and external assessors of the University of Sydney, attendees from SQA and chaired by a member of the SQA Quantum Group.

4. Value

a. Domestic Student:

I. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of AUD $35,000 per annum for up to four (4) years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. International student:

I. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of AUD $35,000 per annum for up to four (4) years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
II. Tuition fees are also provided for a successful international applicant for up to 16 research periods, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
III. For successful international recipients, the Scholarship will also cover the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the recipient (single cover only) for the normal full-time duration of their higher degree studies. The University may require repayment of the OSHC if the recipient requests a refund of this fee from the insurance provider.
IV. The scholarship will also provide reimbursement for the initial visa application fee required to commence their research studies at the University of Sydney upon evidence of visa approval.

c. Both domestic and international recipients will also have access to SQA career development funding which is managed at the University of Sydney at a School level.

d. Both domestic and international recipients will also receive entry to the SQA PhD Experience Program

e. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding any potential extension period.

f. The Scholarship is for commencement in the relevant research enrolment period in which it is offered. Recipients can defer the Scholarship for up to 6 months subject to SQA approval. Deferment of the Scholarship for more than 6 months may be granted by SQA in exceptional circumstances. Candidates wishing to delay their candidature for reasons of personal preference will be encouraged to reapply to future rounds.

g. The recipient must advise the SQA if there is a substantial change to their research direction or a change to their supervisory arrangements. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research without prior approval from SQA.

h. The recipient cannot transfer their Scholarship to another institution.

i. The recipient must declare any other scholarship or award they receive within 1 week of them becoming aware of it. If the recipient is in receipt of another scholarship or award, the SQA reserves the right to alter the Scholarship value.

j. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to the annual progress review being rated as satisfactory, meeting expectations or higher. The recipient must notify SQA within 1 week if the review cannot be completed or the outcome is not meeting expectations, unsatisfactory or marginal progress.

b. The successful applicant is expected to successfully participate in and complete the SQA PhD Experience Program. The recipient must raise any concerns about participation with the SQA for consideration of extenuating circumstances.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carer’s leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

8. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of the Scholarship for any reason during the tenure of the Scholarship. Periods of Scholarship suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, the Sydney Quantum Academy and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpayment.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,
IV. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship where it is of higher value,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. If the student 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.

11. 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 (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 Code of Conduct for Students 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.

12. Other Conditions

a. The recipient is expected to make reasonable effort to engage in the SQA community and respond to requests for information.

b. The recipient must acknowledge the SQA as a funder in all research publications and follow the SQA’s guidelines for acknowledgement.

c. Information provided by applicants will be used for the purposes of managing and assessing scholarship applications. For recipients, information will be used to administer Scholarships. This administration includes publishing the name of the Scholarship recipient in publicly accessible SQA and partner materials and channels. Recipient information (such as gender and country or origin) will also be included in SQA reports.

 

1. Background

a. This supplementary/top up scholarship is funded by the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) an unincorporated joint venture funded and managed in partnership between the NSW Government and The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and Macquarie University.

b. This scholarship is available for a PhD student working in the field of quantum science and technology at one of the partner universities of the Sydney Quantum Academy.

c. This scholarship recognises and fosters outstanding postgraduate research degree candidates.

2. Eligibility

a. The supplementary/top up scholarship is offered subject to the applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in a full-time PhD in a field related to quantum science and technology at The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, or Macquarie University.

b. Successful applicants are expected to commence their Scholarship in the research period that the scholarship is awarded.

c. Applicants must hold a primary stipend scholarship for e.g. Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or equivalent administered by one of the partner university.

d. The applicant should have started their PhD less than 1-year (full time equivalent) prior of application.

e. Applicant’s primary scholarship must not exceed a total of AUD $33,000 per annum.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,
II. academic and professional expertise,
III. research potential and alignment with SQA objectives, and
IV. projects with potential for industry engagement.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of the SQA Scholarship Selection Committee comprising internal and external assessors of the University of Sydney, attendees from SQA and chaired by a member of the SQA Quantum Group.

4. Value

a. The supplementary/top up Scholarship will cover the difference between the value of the applicant’s primary stipend scholarship(s) and the SQA Primary Scholarship stipend value of AUD $35,000 per annum for a maximum of up to four (4) years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

b. The value of the supplementary scholarship stipend should not exceed 75% of the primary stipend value.

c. For the period not covered by the recipient’s primary or additional scholarship(s), recipients will be eligible to receive an extension funding worth AUD $35,000 per annum pro-rata. This extension will become a primary scholarship.

d. The recipient will have access to SQA career development funding which is managed at the University of Sydney at a School level.

e. The recipient will also have entry to the SQA PhD Experience Program.

f. International students:

I. The scholarship will also cover the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the recipient (single cover only) for the normal full-time duration of their higher degree studies, and for up to AUD $3,300 (2021 rate). The University may require repayment of the OSHC if the recipient request a refund of this fee from the insurance provider.

II. The scholarship will also provide reimbursement for the initial student visa application fee required to commence their research studies at the University of Sydney upon evidence of visa approval.

III. Tuition fees may also be provided for international recipients for the period not covered by their primary scholarship and for up to 16 research periods, subject to satisfactory academic performance. Where this benefit is provided it will be indicated in the scholarship offer letter.

g. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding any potential extension period.

h. The Scholarship is for commencement in the relevant research enrolment period in which it is offered. Recipients can defer the Scholarship for up to 6 months subject to SQA approval. Deferment of the Scholarship for more than 6 months by be granted by SQA in exceptional circumstances. Candidates wishing to delay their candidature for reasons of personal preference will be encouraged to reapply to future rounds.

i. The recipient must advise the SQA if there is a substantial change to their research direction or a change to their supervisory arrangements. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research without prior approval from SQA.

j. The recipient cannot transfer their Scholarship to another institution.

k. The recipient must advise SQA of any change to their primary PhD stipend (or any additional scholarships) within 1 week of becoming aware of the change. The SQA reserves the right to alter or terminate the Scholarship if there are any changes to the recipient’s primary PhD stipend (or any additional scholarships).

l. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to the annual progress review being rated as. satisfactory, meeting expectations or higher. The recipient must notify SQA within 1 week if the review cannot be completed or the outcome is not meeting expectations, unsatisfactory or marginal progress

b. The successful applicant is expected to successfully participate in and complete the SQA PhD Experience Program. The recipient must raise any concerns about participation with the SQA for consideration of extenuating circumstances.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary stipend scholarship apart from any maternity or parental leave conditions.

7. Research Overseas

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary scholarship.

8. Suspension

a. The same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC), the Sydney Quantum Academy and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the candidate from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,
IV. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
V. on receipt of another supplementary/top-up scholarship that increases the overall non-SQA scholarship stipend amount to over AUD$33,000 per annum,
VI. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. If the student 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. Stipend payments 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.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a candidate engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the candidate’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds paid to the candidate, University may require the candidate to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the candidate 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 (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 Code of Conduct for Students 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 candidate consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the Sydney Quantum Academy to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

12. Other Conditions

a. The recipient is expected to make reasonable effort to engage in the SQA community and respond to requests for information.

b. The recipient must acknowledge the SQA as a funder in all research publications and follow the SQA’s guidelines for acknowledgement.

c. Information provided by applicants will be used for the purposes of managing and assessing scholarship applications. For recipients, information will be used to administer Scholarships. This administration includes publishing the name of the Scholarship recipient in publicly accessible SQA and partner materials and channels. Recipient information (such as gender and country or origin) will also be included in SQA reports.