Combined Master's in Veterinary Studies/Clinical Studies Scholarship

1. Background

a. The Sydney School of Veterinary Science offers a three-year combined Masters degree in Veterinary Studies and Veterinary Clinical Studies to provide advanced clinical training and research for qualified veterinarians in a specified veterinary area.

b. This scholarship is offered to the most outstanding applicants across the disciplines accepted into this clinical residency program.

2. Eligibility

a. Candidates must have an unconditional offer of admission to the Master of Veterinary Studies/Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies Program at the University of Sydney.

b. Candidates must be an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Resident.

c. Candidates must have graduated with a degree in veterinary science registrable in New South Wales and an honours or equivalent degree.

3. Selection Criteria

a. This scholarship is awarded to candidates who have been accepted for admission to the Master of Veterinary Students/Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies program at the University of Sydney on nomination of the relevant research supervisor in the Sydney School of Veterinary Science.

4. Value

a. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of $54,000 pa, paid every 2 weeks. The Scholarship is indexed at $500 per annum on 1 January. The Scholarship will be awarded for the duration of the student’s residency for up to three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance. No extension is possible.

b. An educational allowance of up to a maximum of $2,000 per annum is available to all Scholarship recipients, reimbursed against receipted claims. Claims are to be submitted only whilst enrolled in the program. Payment is directly managed by the Sydney School Veterinary Science.

c. Academic course fees for this program at the Commonwealth Support Place (CSP) student contribution amount rate will also be covered for up to six semesters, subject to satisfactory academic performance.

d. 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.

e. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is assessed every six months and is subject to passing the annual progress review.

b. For any coursework component, recipients must maintain a minimum WAM of 65. .

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 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 or tuition fees.

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 or tuition fee scholarship. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend 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 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.