Faculty of Science Completion Scholarship

1. Background

a. This Scholarship is established to support Higher Degree by Research students to complete their research studies in their field of research or research endeavour.

b. This Scholarship is funded by Faculty of Science and gift accounts.

2. Eligibility

a. Applicants must be currently enrolled in Higher Degree by Research course within Faculty of Science at the time of application.

b. The applicant must not currently hold another primary scholarship for the intended duration of this Scholarship.

c. At the time of application closing date, Master’s by Research applicants must have completed at least 1.5 Equivalent Full Time Student Load (EFTSL) of candidature, and PhD applicants must have completed at least 3 EFTSL of candidature.

d. Applicants must have a reasonable expectation of submitting their thesis within 6 months from the application closing date.

e. Applicants are expected to enrol full-time or part-time.
* A part-time scholarship may have tax implications and student should seek tax advice from registered tax agents.

f. Applicants who have submitted a thesis by the closing date of application are not eligible.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. A support letter by the supervisor confirming that the progress of the project has been impacted by significant unforeseen challenges and that the supervisor supports the continuation of the applicant’s candidature.

II. A personal statement describing:

a. explanation of significant unforeseen challenges impacting the ability to thesis completion,
b. project progress including evidence of research publications, conference presentations and any relevant publications during the candidature duration, and
c. specific barriers to thesis completion and/or financial hardship related to significant unforeseen challenges along with supporting documentation, such as a letter from the applicant’s supervisor or evidence of financial circumstances.

III. A recommendation from the school Postgraduate Research Coordinator or the Associate Head of Research Education on impact to thesis completion by significant unforeseen challenges.

b. Preference will be given to applicants who have not received this scholarship previously.

c. Only with prior approval from Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Researcher Training), this scholarship will be offered to an applicant who has already consumed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy at the time of application closing date.

d. The successful applicant will be awarded by the Dean of Science on recommendation of a Selection Committee comprised of members of the Faculty of Science Research Education Committee.

4. Value

a. Subject to satisfactory academic performance, the Scholarship would provide:

I. a one-off stipend allowance of $7,000 (full-time enrolment).
II. Academic tuition fee (international students only) for the research period(s) related to the award period(s) (one research period for full-time enrolment and 2 research period for part-time enrolment).
III. A recipient enrolled part-time will be provided with a stipend allowance of $3,500 for a period of 6 months, i.e. two instalments of $3,500 each.

b. The Scholarship cannot be deferred or transferred to another area of research.

c. Other costs associated with the degree are the responsibilities of the recipient.

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

5. Leave Arrangements

a. Leave of absence is not allowed.

6. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas during the tenure of this Scholarship.

7. Suspension
a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award except for extenuating circumstance.

b. Suspension must be approved by the Faculty of Science Associate Dean (Research Education).

8. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, Scholarships Office 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, (e.g. change from a PhD to an MPhil or vice versa). If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University may require repayment of any overpaid stipend.

9. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,
II. if the recipient suspends candidature and prior approval has not been obtained to suspend the Scholarship,
III. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
IV. if the recipient holds another scholarship administered by the university unless approval is granted.

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.

10. 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.

11. Other Requirements

a. The successful recipient may be required to comply with additional conditions related to gift accounts. Where applicable, it will be outlined in the scholarship offer letter.