The Alek Safarian Masters Scholarship

1. Background 

a. This Scholarship was established in 2023 to provide assistance to Pharmacy students undertaking a postgraduate degree in the Sydney Pharmacy School.

b. This Scholarship is funded by a donation from Alek Safarian.

2. Eligibility 

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant being enrolled in one of the following postgraduate degrees within Sydney School of Pharmacy at the University of Sydney:

 I.   Master of Science in Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development), or

II.   Master of Medicine (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development), or

 III.  Master of Science in Medicine (Advanced) (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development), or

  IV.  Master of Medicine (Advanced) (Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Development)

b. Applicants who are an employee of the University of Sydney or have the eligible degree tuition fees paid for by their employer are not eligible to apply.       

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. curriculum vitae,

II. two references, and

III. a personal statement.

b. Applicants may be required to attend an interview. 

c. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Head of School and Dean, the University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health or their nominated delegate(s). 

4. Value

a. The scholarship is valued $36,000 per annum for a recipient enrolled full-time for up to 1 year. 

b. The scholarship is valued at $18,000 per annum for a recipient enrolled part-time for up to 2 years. 

c. The scholarship annual value will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.

d. Deferral or suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of the Head of School and Dean, the University of Sydney School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health or their nominated delegate(s).

e. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another University school, faculty or university. 

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

g. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must maintain a minimum Semester Average Mark (SAM) of 70 each semester. 

b. Recipients undertaking an exchange during the tenure of this Scholarship are required to have achieved a Satisfied Requirements grade (SR) to receive their next payment. 

6. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated if the recipient:

I.  withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol,

II. does not maintain satisfactory academic performance

III. is paid to complete an eligible course by their employer,

IV. is employed by the University of Sydney,

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, 

VI. accepts an alternative scholarship, administered by the University of Sydney, valued at $8,000 per annum or more for a recipient enrolled full-time or $4,000 per annum or more for a recipient enrolled part-time for the same purpose as this Scholarship, or

VII. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave.

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

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.