Hugh Hughes Scholarship

1. Background

a. This Scholarship supports higher degree research students undertaking research in veterinary science.

b. Established in 1941 through a bequest from Hugh Hughes.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the candidate having an unconditional offer of admission or enrolled in full-time studies in a Masters by Research or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) within areas of Veterinary Science and Animal Production at the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney.

b. A candidate without an unconditional offer of admission may apply and be selected, however, no scholarship offer will be sent until the candidate has an unconditional offer of admission.

c. Candidates who have completed the Master of Veterinary Studies/Master of Veterinary Clinical Studies three-year program and are upgrading to the Master of Veterinary Studies/Doctor of Philosophy, within the Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney are also eligible.

d. Candidates must apply and be considered for the Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend Scholarships.

e. Candidates for the primary scholarship cannot be in receipt of an RTP or equivalent primary scholarship.

f. Candidates for the supplementary scholarship must hold an RTP or equivalent primary scholarship.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit,
II. area of study and research proposal.

b. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship by the nomination of the relevant delegated officer in the School of Veterinary Science.

4. Value

a. This scholarship may be awarded as either a primary or supplementary scholarship. The type and value of the scholarship will be indicated in the letter of offer.

b. Primary Scholarship will provide an annual stipend allowance equivalent to the University of Sydney RTP rate (indexed on January one each year) as per the below duration:

I. up to 1.75 years for a successful Masters by Research
II. up to 3 years for a successful PhD recipient

c. If the recipient is a current scholarship holder, this scholarship may also be awarded as a supplementary scholarship with a stipend allowance of $10,000 per annum as per the below duration:

I. up to 1.75 years for a successful Masters by Research
II. up to 3 years for a successful PhD recipient.

d. PhD recipients may apply for an extension up to six months for both primary and supplementary scholarship.

e. If the recipient of the primary scholarship is awarded an alternative primary scholarship of equal or higher value, this scholarship may be awarded as a supplementary scholarship on approval from the Postgraduate Coordinator, Sydney School of Veterinary Science. The value of the supplementary scholarship will be indicated in a new letter of offer. If the recipient of the primary scholarship is not approved to hold this scholarship as a supplementary, then Termination clause 10.a.v. applies.

f. 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 the potential extension period.

g. If the scholarship recipient converts from a Master’s by research to a PhD or vice-versa, the maximum duration of the Scholarship becomes that of the new candidature.

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

i. No other amount is payable.

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

5. Eligibility for Progression

a. Progression is subject to attending and passing the annual progress evaluation.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The primary 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 primary 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 carers leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

c. Successful recipients of the supplementary Scholarship will have the same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary scholarship excluding paid maternity or parental leave.

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.

c. 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.

d. Successful recipients of the supplementary Scholarship will have the same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary scholarship.

8. Suspension

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

b. The primary Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension for any reason during the tenure of their Scholarship. Periods of suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval to suspend must be given by both HDRAC and the head of the department concerned. Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

c. Successful recipients of the supplementary Scholarship will have the same conditions as indicated in the terms and conditions of the primary 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.

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 recipient 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 scholarship and has not been approved to hold this scholarship as supplementary scholarship as per clause Value 4e. In such circumstances this Scholarship will be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend scholarship where it is of higher value,
VI. where alternative supplementary stipend scholarship is awarded that results in the recipient obtaining an overall supplementary stipend amount of more than 75% of the value the primary stipend Scholarship. In such circumstances, if this Scholarship offer is the lesser supplementary amount, the supplementary component of this Scholarship will be terminated, or
VII. if the recipient does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave,
VIII. 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.