(1) This document outlines the Award for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships awarded (based on merit) to eligible domestic and international HDR candidates at Western Sydney University. (2) The aim of HDR Scholarships is to support research training and encourage highly qualified candidates to undertake Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees at Western Sydney University. (3) This policy is to be read in conjunction with: (4) From 1 January 2017 continuing students, supported by the previous Research Training Scheme, International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) or Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) will be transitioned to an Australian Government Research Training Policy (RTP) Scholarship without being disadvantaged. Support provided by the Australian Government RTP Scholarship will be, at least, equivalent to that provided under the previous Commonwealth Government funding. IPRS and APA recipients will be transferred to an Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship and an RTP Fees Offset. (5) A copy of the signed ‘Conditions of the Scholarship’ will be made available to recipients. (6) For the purpose of this policy: (7) The recipient of an RTPSS or Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Stipend Scholarship: (8) The recipient of a Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset: (9) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Master of Philosophy Stipend Scholarship: (10) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Master of Research Stipend Scholarship: (11) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Co-funded (Industry) Stipend Scholarship or a Western Sydney University Industry Stipend Scholarship: (12) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Stipend Scholarship: (13) Recipients of a Western Sydney University Fee Reduction Scholarship (international candidates only): (14) HDR scholarship recipients must continue to meet HDR Progression Milestones associated with their program: (15) All HDR Scholarships applicants will undergo a merit-based selection process. (16) Each application will be assessed, scored and ranked. The basis of merit will include but is not limited to: (17) A University HDR Scholarship Metric will be approved each year by the Research Studies Committee. (18) All HDR Scholarship applications must be submitted in the approved format and by the advertised date. Applications received after any communicated closing date will not be accepted, except where approval has been granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development. (19) Requirements for HDR Scholarship applications will be published and may include: (20) All applications will be reviewed by the University Research Scholarship Ranking Panel, except as detailed in Clause (22). (21) The University Research Scholarship Ranking Panel as appointed by the Research Studies Committee will provide a listing of recommended stipend and fee reduction scholarship recipients to the University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research, Enterprise and International for approval. (22) Where an HDR scholarship is a one-off single scholarship, such as an Industry Co-funded, applications will: (23) The University selection process is compliant with the fairness requirements contained in Subdivision 19-D of Part 2-1 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003. (24) The University will: (25) An RTPSS or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship will be provided for a maximum period of three years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Doctorate or for a maximum six years for a part-time Research Doctorate candidate. (26) An RTPSS or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship will be provided for a maximum period of two years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Masters or for a maximum four years for a part-time Research Masters candidate. (27) An RTP Fee Offset will be provided for a period of up to four years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Doctorate or up to eight years for a part-time Research Doctorate candidate. (28) An RTP Fee Offset will be provided for a period of up to two years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Masters or up to four years for a part-time Research Masters candidate. (29) The tenure for all HDR Scholarships in this policy is calculated from the agreed scholarship commencement date. (30) When a part-time HDR scholarship is converted to a full-time HDR scholarship, the remaining Scholarship period will be calculated by subtracting half of the part-time Scholarship period expended up to the conversion date, from the term of a full-time Scholarship. (31) When a full-time HDR scholarship is converted to a part-time HDR scholarship, the remaining Scholarship period will be calculated by doubling the period of full-time HDR scholarship time remaining. (32) The tenure of all HDR scholarships in this policy will be reduced by any period of study undertaken at another Australian university prior to the commencement of the Degree at Western Sydney University for a continuing research project. (33) Where the recipient seeks an extension of a Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship (Doctorate or Research Masters), the extension must be approved by the relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development, with evidence that: (34) Extensions are possible for both full-time and part-time Research Doctoral or Masters candidates and are limited to six (6) months in all cases. (35) The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development may approve part-time tenure of a Western Sydney University or RTP funded stipend scholarship for domestic HDR candidates only. The candidate must be able to provide evidence that they come from one or more of the University's defined equity personal disadvantaged groups which limits their capacity to undertake full-time study or can demonstrate circumstances that relate to significant caring commitments as per the University Disability Policy. (36) Part-time recipients are subject to restrictions on employment as detailed in this Policy. (37) Part-time recipients are expected to progress at half the rate of a full-time recipients. (38) Recipients approved to study part-time may revert to full-time study at any time with the approval of the School Dean or Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development. (39) HDR candidates must have any change in thesis title or topic approved by the Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development to ensure continuance of their HDR Scholarship. (40) Where an HDR candidate, during the course of a Research Master’s degree, has been approved to convert to a Doctorate, the University may also approve, via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development, the conversion of the HDR Scholarship. (41) Where an HDR candidate, during the course of a Doctorate degree, has been approved to convert to a Research Master’s degree, the University may also approve, via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development, the conversion of the HDR Scholarship. (42) An HDR candidate may change between a Research Master and Doctoral degree by written application to the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development, or by written invitation from the Research Studies Committee in accordance with the Doctorate Policy. (43) The maximum duration of a converted HDR scholarship becomes that of the approved candidature. (44) The maximum duration of a converted HDR scholarship will include candidature time leading up to the conversion. (45) Any RTP or Western Sydney University funded HDR scholarship cannot be transferred to another university. (46) For an HDR candidate transferring to Western Sydney University with an RTP stipend scholarship, the continuation of this scholarship provision by Western Sydney University must be approved by the School Dean or Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development, prior to candidate’s commencement date. (47) If a recipient is unable to pursue their program for a period longer than permitted by the relevant leave entitlements they must apply for their stipend scholarship to be suspended. (48) Stipend scholarships may be suspended for a maximum period of 12 months. (49) Stipend scholarship suspensions must be approved by the School Dean or Institute HDR Director. (50) Before stipend scholarships can be restored after a period of suspension, the recipient must receive approval from their Principal Supervisor and the School or Institute HDR Director to resume study. (51) If the recipient does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension, or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension, the stipend scholarship will be terminated. (52) The University will terminate an HDR scholarship: (53) Termination of an HDR scholarship must be approved by the University's Research Studies Committee. (54) The University must give the recipient notice of at least 14 days of the intention to terminate an HDR scholarship. (55) If an HDR scholarship is terminated, the termination may be appealed as outlined in the Research Higher Degree Appeals Procedures. (56) A recipient is required to give at least 14 days’ notice when voluntarily relinquishing an HDR scholarship. (57) If the University knows or has reason to believe that a recipient has provided false or misleading information to the University in relation to the HDR scholarship, the University must immediately: (58) A full-time stipend scholarship shall carry a tax-free stipend at the rate specified in the Conditions of Scholarship. (59) A part-time stipend scholarship shall carry a stipend that is 50% of the full-time rate. (60) Part-time stipend scholarships are not exempt from income tax. (61) Western Sydney University Scholarship Annual Stipends Rates will be reviewed annually in September and will be published on the University website each October. (62) RTP Fees Offset amounts (for both high-cost and low-cost degrees) are published online. (63) HDR scholarship holders are permitted to: (64) The University will facilitate the following types of support as a Scholarship or part of a Scholarship: (65) All HDR scholarships costs and time periods will be published in the Conditions of Scholarship. (66) The duration of HDR scholarships and candidature detailed in this Policy will be increased for any period of paid leave which is supported by evidence and approved by the relevant School or Director, Research Institute. (67) Recipients may take up to 20 working days paid recreation leave for each year of the stipend scholarship and this may be accrued over the life of the stipend scholarship. The Principal Supervisor's approval must be obtained in writing before recreation leave is taken. (68) Recipients may take up to 10 working days paid sick leave per year of the stipend scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the stipend scholarship. (69) Recipients may receive additional paid sick leave of up to a total of 60 working days during the life of the stipend scholarship for periods of illness, where the student has insufficient sick leave entitlements under Clause (68). The candidate must provide evidence (i.e. certification and/or medical documentation) and this request must be approved by the Principal Supervisor and the relevant HDR Director. (70) Sick leave entitlements (including additional sick leave) may also be used to cover leave for recipients with family caring responsibilities. (71) Any unused leave remaining on termination or completion of a Scholarship will be forfeited by the recipient. (72) Recipients who have undertaken 12 continuous months of their candidature and have been in receipt of a stipend scholarship stipend for 12 continuous months are entitled to a maximum of 60 working days paid parental (maternity or paternity) leave during the duration of the stipend scholarship tenure. (73) Paid parental leave may also be approved if the recipient adopts a child, other than a child who has been living with them continuously for 26 weeks or more. Adoption leave may commence immediately prior to the date of placement of the child being adopted. (74) The University will: (75) Stipend scholarship recipients should view their candidature as their main occupation and focus of their financial income. (76) An HDR candidate is only permitted to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment in a field that directly relates to the recipient research topic, whilst in receipt of a scholarship stipend. The limits apply to work undertaken from Monday to Friday and are equivalent to: (77) During non-standard work hours (i.e. Saturday or Sunday) as many hours per week of work may be undertaken, providing it does not prevent satisfactory progress and is unrelated to the recipient’s research topic. (78) International stipend scholarship recipients with a student visa may undertake work, given that the work is: (79) A candidate may appeal the terms of employment, as detailed in Clause (76) of this Policy, through the Academic Appeals Procedures. Any appeal must ensure compliance with Clause (7)b and (7)c of this Policy. (80) An HDR scholarship recipient may undertake a research internship of up to six months’ duration as approved via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Research Development and remain compliant with eligibility criteria. (81) An RTP Fees Offset recipient will have this component extended by the duration of the internship up to the maximum period. (82) A stipend scholarship may be available for the duration of industry research internships if: (83) Recipients undertaking an industry research internship are not eligible to have their HDR scholarships extended beyond the standard maximum periods. (84) Approval must be sought by the relevant HDR Director for a recipient to conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia and to continue to hold the HDR scholarship whilst overseas. Approval will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. (85) The HDR Director will approve overseas research where: (86) The recipient must return to Australia to complete the research program following the completion of the overseas research. (87) Applications should be made at least three months before the proposed date of departure and HDR recipients must not leave Australia before approval is given. (88) Unauthorised absence from Australia may result in the termination of the HDR scholarship. (89) If approval is given for a specific period of overseas research and for any reason the dates are altered (by a period greater than 20 working days), or if a recipient returns from a period overseas and intends to proceed to a subsequent period overseas, fresh approval must be sought. (90) All travel must comply with the Travel Policy of Western Sydney University. (91) HDR candidates have the right to appeal decisions on the awarding or termination of an RTP or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship; on termination of HDR candidature and on the implementation of stipend scholarship conditions as detailed in the University Research Higher Degree Appeals Procedures. (92) Western Sydney University HDR scholarship recipients should refer to the University Complaint Management Policy regarding process and principals for submitting grievances or complaints. (93) The relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute may approve an HDR scholarship recipient conducting research at organisations outside the higher education system. In such cases: (94) Oversight of HDR degrees will be in accordance with all University policies, rules and procedures. (95) The University will be fair and equitable in the use of its discretionary powers. (96) The University will pay the Candidate all entitlements under the HDR Scholarship. (97) A recipient must advise the University within 14 working days in writing if they: (98) Recipients must: (99) Nil. (100) Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.Research Higher Degree and Research Training Program Scholarship Policy
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Top of Page
Section 3 - Policy Statement
Part A - Eligibility Criteria
Progression
Scholarship Application Selection and Offer
Part B - Tenure of the HDR Scholarship
Extensions
Part-Time HDR Stipend Scholarships
Changes in Enrolment
Changing between Research Masters and Doctoral Studies
Transfer to/from another University
Suspension of Stipend Scholarships
Part C - Termination
Provision of False Information
Part D - Stipend and Allowances
Stipend
Part E - Leave Entitlements
Part F - Supervision and Resources
Part G - Employment
Part H - Industry Research Internships
Part I - Overseas Research
Part J - HDR Scholarship Appeals
Part K - Research at Other Institutions
Part L - The University's Obligations
Part M - Recipient Obligations
Top of PageSection 4 - Procedures
Section 5 - Guidelines
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the ‘Conditions of the Scholarship’ which includes stipend rates, specific terms, conditions and provisions that applies to a particular scholarship and is signed by the recipient and the University.
must be a domestic or international HDR candidate of Western Sydney University;
must not be receiving research related income (from any source) to support the candidates living costs where the income is greater than 75% of the stipend rate;
must be a domestic HDR candidate upon commencement of the scholarship; or
must be an international HDR candidate of Western Sydney University and have been awarded an RTPSS or Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Stipend Scholarship; and
must not be in receipt of an equivalent scholarship from the Commonwealth Government that is designed to offset HDR fees.
must be a domestic or international HDR candidate of the Western Sydney University;
must be enrolled as a full-time HDR candidate upon commencement of their scholarship;
must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave.
must be a domestic or international HDR candidate at Western Sydney University;
must be enrolled as a full-time candidate upon commencement of their Scholarship;
must reside in Australia for the duration of their studies, except for periods of approved leave; and
must have:
achieved a First Class Honours (H1) or High Distinction in Research Master’s degree;
have recognised and demonstrated research performance;
have a statement of endorsement from the potential supervisor panel; and
a research project which aligns with Western Sydney University Research Themes.
must be an international candidate enrolled in an HDR program at Western Sydney University;
must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave; and
must be enrolled as a full-time HDR candidate upon commencement of this fee reduction scholarship and continue to meet all conditions of their visa.
If the HDR candidate ceases to meet the associated Progression Milestones (without prior approval from the relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute) the University may exercise its right to terminate the scholarship as outlined in this policy.
All HDR Scholarship terminations must be endorsed by the Western Sydney University Research Studies Committee.
a research proposal;
a completed application form;
detailed curriculum vitae;
certified copies of academic transcripts;
written evidence of research experience;
any additional research skill or knowledge criteria as deemed necessary and approved by the University's Research Studies Committee;
Statement of endorsement from the potential supervisory panel.
ensure offers are in writing and advise the recipient of the assistance they are entitled to and define all terms and conditions of the HDR scholarship.
the HDR candidate is making satisfactory progress;
the circumstances that underpin the grounds for the extension request relate to the research and are beyond the control of the HDR candidate and not of a personal nature; and,
the circumstances that led to the delay have been documented by the HDR candidate and supervisor throughout the HDR candidature by way of reporting milestones (including but not limited to Confirmation of Candidature and Progress Reports).
if the program is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the offer of the HDR scholarship, and no suitable alternative arrangements can be made for continuation of the Research Higher Degree;
if the recipient is guilty of serious misconduct as per the Student Misconduct Rule, including, but not limited to, the provision of false or misleading information;
when the recipient ceases to be a full-time HDR candidate and when approval has not been obtained to hold the HDR scholarship on a part-time basis;
on completion of the program;
on the death, incapacity, resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their HDR candidature;
if the recipient does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension;
if the recipient accepts another stipend scholarship to undertake their Research Higher Degree providing a benefit greater than 75% of the base scholarship stipend rate and the recipient does not suspend the stipend for the period of the concurrent HDR scholarship;
if the recipient ceases to meet the Progression Milestones as outlined in the Conditions of Scholarship other than during a period in which the HDR scholarship has been suspended; and,
if the recipient fails to maintain their enrolment in the HDR program aligned with their HDR scholarship.
re-assess the recipient’s entitlement to the HDR scholarship; and
notify the relevant funding body of the suspected offence if the stipend scholarship is funded by an external agency, e.g. the Department of Education.
For a full-time candidate, 520 hours over a calendar year or approximately 10 hours per week;
For a part-time candidate, 1040 hours over a calendar year or approximately 20 hours per week;
Prior approval must be obtained from the Principal Supervisor;
Teaching work includes but is not limited to delivery of lectures, tutorials workshops, laboratory classes, seminars, practicum, clinical education and blended learning;
Clinical practice is considered for candidates with professional qualifications; and
Exceptions to work outside for the recipient's research topic are permitted for capable students with approval from the Principal Supervisor.
consistent with the conditions of their Student Visa;
complies with the conditions of this Policy.
the recipient receives adequate supervision whilst overseas;
the recipient remains enrolled and the work can be credited to their research.
leave Australia for reasons other than approved overseas study, approved suspension or approved leave;
discontinue HDR study;
are absent from the program for a period of 14 days or longer without prior approval; or
are granted another scholarship of value to the one awarded at the University from any other source.
diligently and to the best of their ability apply themselves to the successful completion of their degree;
abide by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, guidelines established by the Australian Government's Office of Gene Technology regulator, and rulings of the Work Health and Safety Committee, Animal Care and Ethics Committee, Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee and Human Research Ethics Committee of the University;
submit regular progress reports and meet milestones as required by the University;
conform to all of the policies and regulations (including disciplinary provisions) of the University;
ensure that the Commonwealth’s contribution is acknowledged in all material such as books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works that relate to the research project carried out by the recipient of an RTP Scholarship. This acknowledgment must be in a prominent place and in an appropriate form. The acknowledgment must include the mention of the student’s support through an “Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship”; and
not engage in any academic program leading to a qualification that is not an essential part of their research program unless approved by their School HDR Director on recommendation of their Principal Supervisor. This may include the Graduate Certificate in Researcher Engagement, Development and Impact offered by Western Sydney University.