Carole Muller Award

1. Background

a. An opportunity is available for an outstanding PhD scholar to conduct research in the area of Balinese culture, art and history.

b. Established in 2019, this Scholarship had been generously donated by Carole Muller to support students undertaking postgraduate study and/or research in the field of Balinese culture, art and history.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicant having an unconditional offer of admission to study full-time in a PhD at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must be willing to undertake research in the field of Balinese culture, art and history.

c. Applicants must also hold an Honours degree (First Class or Second Class upper) or a Master's degree in a related field with a substantial research component, or equivalent.

d. Applicants must demonstrate the following:

I. an aptitude for fieldwork,

II. a background in a relevant discipline, and

III. proficiency in (or a strong desire to become proficient in) the Indonesian language.

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,

III. curriculum vitae,

IV. feedback from two academic referees, and

V. a personal statement which demonstrates their:

i. interest in Balinese culture, art and history,

ii. aptitude for fieldwork,

iii. background in a relevant discipline, and

iv. proficiency in (or a strong desire to become proficient in) the Indonesian language.

b. Preference will be given to applicants undertaking research in the field of Bali Aga (“Original Balinese”) people with particular attention to visual culture.

c. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the nomination of a selection committee consisting of the Chair of the Indonesian Department and two other relevant academics.

4. Value

a. A successful domestic PhD recipient will be provided with a stipend allowance of $35,000 per annum for up to 3 years, subject to satisfactory academic performance. The recipient may apply for an extension of up to 6 months.

b. A successful international PhD recipient will be provided academic course fees, for up to 12 research periods, subject to satisfactory performance. The recipient may apply for an extension of up to 2 research periods.

c. 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.

d. The Scholarship is for commencement in relevant research period in which it is offered. It can be deferred up to two research periods if approved in writing by the selection committee. It cannot be transferred to another area of research without prior approval.

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 subject to passing the annual progress review.

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 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.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will terminate:

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 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. 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 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 paid to the student, the University may require the student to repay stipend amounts and any other payments made to the student 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.