SEI Honours Scholarship in Indigenous Environmental Studies

1. Background

a. This scholarship was established in 2023 to provide assistance to Indigenous students undertaking an Honours program aligned with the Sydney Environment Institute’s research areas. 

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being current enrolled in an Honours degree at the University of Sydney.

b. Applicants must be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent as defined in the University of Sydney’s Confirmation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identity Policy 2015. 

c. Applicants must engage with the Sydney Environment Institute (SEI) during their Honours program and engage with one of SEI’s research themes: Transitioning Systems, Biocultural Diversities, Climate Disaster and Adaptation, Environmental Justices, Environmental Imaginaries and Storytelling.

3. Selection Criteria

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

I. academic merit, and

II. personal statement.

b. The Scholarship will be awarded by the Director, Sydney Environment Institute or their nominated delegate(s).

4. Value

a. A full-time enrolled recipient will receive the scholarship valued at up to $8,000 per annum for up to one year. This will include:

I. $5,000 cash payment. Scholarships Office will be responsible for processing the payment in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.

II. up to $3,000 for relocation and accommodation support upon submission of the written application detailing the reasons for their financial need to SEI and the required documentation to sei.info@sydney.edu.au. Upon approval, SEI will be responsible for processing the payment of $3,000 for relocation and accommodation expenses.

b. A part-time enrolled recipient will receive the scholarship valued at up to $4,000 per annum for up to two years. This will include:

I. $2,500 per annum cash payment. This will be paid in two equal instalments after the census date of each semester.

II. up to $1,500 for relocation and accommodation support upon submission of the written application detailing the reasons for their financial need to SEI and the required documentation to sei.info@sydney.edu.au. Upon approval, SEI will be responsible for processing the payment of $1,500 for relocation and accommodation expenses.

c. Deferral and/or suspension of the Scholarship is not permitted without the prior permission of Director of Sydney Environment Institute.

d. The Scholarship is not transferable to another University school, faculty or university. 

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

f. No other amount is payable.

5. Ongoing eligibility

a. To continue receipt of the Scholarship, the recipient must remain enrolled in their course.

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. fails to meet project milestones or agreed involvement with SEI,

IV. 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, or

V. 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. Where a student is found guilty of serious misconduct or the Scholarship is terminated under any instance in the Termination Clause of these terms and conditions, the University reserves the right to request that any Scholarship funds paid to the Scholarship recipient be reimbursed.