AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM (AGRTP) SCHOLARSHIP

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1 RESEARCH OFFICE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RESEARCH TRAINING PROGRAM (AGRTP) SCHOLARSHIP Table of Contents DRAFT CONDITIONS OF AWARD 2018 (CSU reserves the right to make changes to the conditions prior to scholarship offers being made) Section 1 - Eligibility:... 1 Section 2 - Selection:... 2 Section 3 - Financial entitlements under the Award... 2 Section 4 - Leave Entitlements:... 3 Section 5 - Duration of Award:... 4 Section 6 - Termination of an AGRTP... 4 Section 7 - Variations to the Award... 5 Section 8 Other Information:... 6 OVERVIEW On behalf of the Commonwealth Government, and in accordance with the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, Charles Sturt University (CSU) is a provider and administers the allocated Australian Government Research Training Program (AGRTP). These Conditions of Award provide information about the conditions, as they apply at CSU, particularly clarifying CSU s position where discretion is afforded in the legislation. In the event of an inconsistency between this document and the prevailing legislation, the legislation necessarily applies. Australian Government Research Training Program scholarships are awarded to candidates of exceptional research potential undertaking a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) (Masters by Research degree, Doctor of Philosophy or Research Doctorate). AGRTPs are provided to assist with general living costs. Section 1 - Eligibility Candidates must meet and continue to meet the following eligibility criteria: Enrolment Enrolment Load Concurrent Enrolment Academic Record Previous scholarship tenure Must be undertaking a Higher Degree by Research course or applying for the same at CSU Candidates will normally be required to enrol on a full time basis. Part time candidacy is available under very specific circumstances and only with the approval of CSU. Candidates will not normally be allowed to enrol concurrently in any other program while enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research unless: It is essential to the success of the HDR. Exceptional circumstances exist. Where approval is sought, it can only be granted with the express written permission of the Research Committee (RC). Candidates must have completed a Bachelor Degree with Honours or be regarded by CSU as having an equivalent level of attainment. This may include but is not limited to consideration of previous study, relevant work experience, research publications, referee reports and/or other research experience. Candidates must not be receiving another Commonwealth-funded postgraduate research scholarship. Candidates holding an AGRTP from another institution can be considered for transfer to CSU.

2 Income Employment Candidates must not be receiving an equivalent award, scholarship or salary providing a benefit greater than 75% of the AGRTP stipend rate to undertake the HDR. Income earned from sources unrelated to the course of study is not subject to the 75% rule. An award holder, with the approval of the Supervisory Team and the Head of School, may undertake up to a total of 50 hours paid employment per month, provided that such employment does not interfere with the progress of the study program. Employment means paid work undertaken within the University as well as paid work undertaken external to the University. Any paid employment beyond the above mentioned figure must have approval from the Director Research. Contravention of this condition regarding paid employment will result in the scholarship being cancelled. CSU cannot require a candidate to undertake employment within the University. Information and Disclosure As required by legislation CSU advises candidates that giving false or misleading information is a serious offence. Candidates are required to provide full and complete information and may risk cancellation or reduction of their scholarship at any time during their candidature. Section 2 - Selection CSU is responsible for the application, selection and offer processes and must make information about the processes, policies and conditions of scholarship readily and publicly available. The process is a competitive process that is administered in rounds on dates as determined and advertised by CSU. To be considered applicants must have submitted the following by the due date:- Prescribed application complete and correct Supporting documentation to substantiate their application. Applicants will normally be notified four to eight weeks after the application closing date of their success or otherwise in this process. All applicants will be notified in writing with the successful applicants receiving information regarding assistance and entitlements with their offer. Section 3 - Financial entitlements under the Award Candidates in receipt of an AGRTP will be entitled to the following: Stipend Full Time Stipend Part Time Other Fees The stipend is $27,082 (2018 rate). It is payable in fortnightly instalments to a nominated Australian bank account. Note: Whilst every effort has been made to comply with Section 51-10, Item 2.1A Income Tax Act (1997) so that the stipend is not taxable in the hands of recipient, no further guarantee can be given by CSU. It is the responsibility of individual candidates to seek their own taxation advice. If a part time candidacy is approved the stipend is payable at a reduced rate and without the benefit of the tax free status. The 2018 rate is $13,541. Candidates are responsible for miscellaneous charges but are exempt from tuition fees for a period equivalent to three (3) years (six sessions) for PhD/Research Doctorate OR two (2) years (four sessions) for Research Masters at full time study. This period may be reduced on a pro rata basis in accordance with section 5 (2). Page 2 of 7

3 Operating Funds (Resource Allowance) Relocation Allowance Provided candidates are not receiving operating funds or other financial support from another source, CSU will allocate an allowance per session of enrolment to assist with the reimbursement of costs associated with the candidate s research. The allowance is paid to an account attached to the School in which the candidate is studying and can be accessed, in accordance with the guidelines, after consulting with the Principal Supervisor and obtaining the approval of the Head of School. The allocation is made on a sessional basis usually in the four (4) weeks after each census date April and August. A candidate who relocates to a CSU campus to take up the award may receive a relocation allowance for the following:- Economy airfare from the place of residence to campus of study for themselves, spouse (x1) and dependents (x2). Removal expenses for possessions at a rate of $505 per adult and $255 per child, to a maximum of $1,520 in total. Reimbursement will be made by forwarding original receipts to the Research Office within six (6) months of relocation. The maximum amount that can be paid for relocation allowance is $5,000, including the $1,520 removal expenses. Section 4 - Leave Entitlements The expectation of HDR candidates is that they will be actively studying in their program for forty eight (48) weeks of the year which allows for four (4) weeks annual leave. All absences must be notified to the Research Office for recording purposes using the Application for Leave form. Annual Leave Sick Leave Additional Sick Leave Maternity Leave Parental Leave Twenty (20) working days per year. This may be accrued but unused leave will be forfeited when the AGRTP is terminated, i.e. leave cannot be taken at the end of tenure to extend the award. The Principal Supervisor s support must be obtained before annual leave is taken. Ten (10) working days per year. This may be accrued but unused leave will be forfeited when the scholarship ceases. Absences of three (3) days or greater must be supported by a medical certificate. This may be used to cover leave for candidates with family caring responsibilities. This sick leave does not extend the tenure of the scholarship. Candidates are entitled to receive additional paid sick leave of up to a total of twelve (12) weeks during the duration of the AGRTP for periods of illness lasting longer than ten (10) days for which a medical certificate has been provided. This may be used to cover leave for candidates with family caring responsibilities. Where additional sick leave is accessed the tenure of the AGRTP will be extended by an equivalent period. Candidates who have completed twelve (12) months of their AGRTP are entitled to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks paid maternity leave during the duration of the AGRTP. Paid leave may also be approved if the candidate is adopting a child. Where paid maternity leave is accessed the tenure of the AGRTP will be extended by an equivalent period. Candidates who have completed twelve (12) months of their award may be entitled to ten (10) days paid parental leave if:- They are the partner of the woman giving birth. They are adopting a child or children. This leave does not extend the tenure of the scholarship. Page 3 of 7

4 Special Leave Extended Leave Special leave may be approved as paid leave up to a maximum of five (5) days in any calendar year for situations that are not covered by other forms of leave. This leave does not accrue. With prior approval, special leave is available to scholarship holders to cover the following family related circumstances:- Emergency family situations Attendance at the funeral of a close relative Attendance at compulsory interviews prior to adoption of a child. This leave does not extend the tenure of the scholarship If longer periods of absence are required, the Research Office must be contacted and a suspension of award may be arranged. Section 5 - Duration of Award (1) The duration of a full-time AGRTP is three (3) years for a candidate undertaking Research Doctorate studies, and two (2) years for a candidate undertaking Research Masters studies subject to satisfactory progress. The duration of a part-time AGRTP is six (6) years for Research Doctorate studies and four (4) years for Research Masters studies. (2) The duration of an AGRTP will be reduced by any periods of HDR study undertaken: (a) Towards the degree prior to the commencement of the AGRTP; or (b) Towards the degree during suspension of the AGRTP (unless the study was undertaken as part of an Commonwealth Government financially supported international postgraduate research scholarship or award); or (c) Previously while receiving an Australian Postgraduate Coursework Award. (3) The duration of an AGRTP will only be increased by any periods of approved paid maternity leave and / or additional sick leave. (4) CSU may also approve an extension to the duration of an AGRTP for a Research Doctorate candidate of up to six (6) months provided the candidate is making satisfactory progress and the grounds for the extension relate to the study and are beyond the control of the candidate. CSU cannot approve an extension to the duration of an AGRTP for a Research Masters student. (5) Scholarships should be taken up by the census date of session 1 of the year for which the Offer of Scholarship is made and no later than the census date for session 3 of that year. The Offer of Scholarship will be withdrawn if not taken up by the census date of session 3 of the year for which it is awarded. Section 6 - Termination of an AGRTP CSU must terminate an AGRTP: (1) If the candidate ceases to meet the eligibility criteria specified above, other than during a period in which the AGRTP has been suspended or during a period of leave (2) When the candidate ceases to be a full-time student and approval has not been obtained from the Director - Research to hold the AGRTP on a part-time basis; or (3) When the candidate completes the course of study, unless completing a Research Masters degree and converting to a Research Doctorate degree, in accordance with the conversion clause below. (4) When the candidate submits their thesis for examination. (5) If CSU determines that a. The course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence in accordance with the offer of the AGRTP; or Page 4 of 7

5 b. The candidate has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress; or c. The candidate has committed serious misconduct, including, but not limited to the provision of false or misleading information in their scholarship application or subsequently. (6) If the candidate does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension, or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension. (7) If the candidate accepts another equivalent award, scholarship or salary to undertake their HDR providing a benefit greater than 75% of the base AGRTP stipend rate; or the scholarship is suspended for the period of the concurrent award, scholarship or salary and the period of study undertaken towards the HDR during suspension of the scholarship is deducted from the maximum period of its tenure. If an AGRTP scholarship is terminated, it cannot be re-activated unless the termination occurred in error Section 7 - Variations to the Award 7.1 Approval of a Part-time AGRTP (1) CSU may approve a part-time AGRTP for a candidate only if the candidate has exceptional circumstances. (2) CSU must be satisfied that the exceptional circumstances relate to significant caring commitments of a dependent or a medical condition, disability or other circumstances which limits the student s capacity to undertake full-time study. (3) A candidate who has a part-time AGRTP may revert to full-time study at any time with the approval of CSU. 7.2 Research Overseas: To be eligible to conduct research overseas whilst in receipt of an AGRTP the following conditions must be met and formally approved by the Director-Research. (1) The Principal Supervisor and the Head of School certify that it is necessary for a candidate to conduct their research or fieldwork overseas in order to complete the research program, the candidate may apply for permission to allow the scholarship to be tenable overseas for up to twelve (12) months, or eighteen (18) months for special cases. (2) Adequate supervision of the HDR must be maintained. (3) The candidate shall give a written undertaking to return to Australia immediately following the completion of the overseas research or fieldwork, to complete the HDR. (4) The award holder will not normally be allowed to undertake approved study overseas in the first six (6) months of scholarship tenure. Candidature undertaken prior to accepting the scholarship will be taken into account in determining the earliest date on which the candidate may depart. (5) The candidate shall remain enrolled full-time at Charles Sturt University whilst conducting their research or fieldwork overseas. 7.3 Research at Other Organisations CSU may approve a candidate conducting research at organisations outside the higher education system. Application should be made well in advance to the Research Committee through the relevant Head of School and the Faculty Sub\ Page 5 of 7

6 Dean (Graduate Studies) who is required to certify that the proposed arrangement will afford adequate support supervision, training and research freedom for the candidate. 7.4 Suspensions Candidates may apply to CSU for a suspension of their AGRTP for a maximum of twelve (12) months. Extensions of greater than twelve (12) months must be approved by the Research Committee. Suspension may be granted:- To enable the candidate to pursue a period of paid employment in excess of the allowable 50 hours per month. In conjunction with a period of leave of absence from candidature, excluding annual or sick leave. During an approved suspension the candidate will not be entitled to any benefits from the award. Failure to resume studies after a period of suspension will result in the award being terminated. If study has continued during the period of suspension, the period of study will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the scholarship. 7.5 Transfer to another Higher Education Provider Candidates who transfer to another provider may continue to receive their AGRTP only if their new provider agrees to its continuation and subject to the new provider having sufficient AGRTP grant amounts of its own available. The new provider will ensure that it has received information from CSU on any AGRTP payment the candidate has received and the duration of the AGRTP already consumed. 7.6 Conversion of Degrees (1) Candidates may convert from a Research Masters degree to a Research Doctorate degree or from a Research Doctorate degree to a Research Masters degree, and continue to receive their AGRTP. (2) A candidate who completes a Research Masters degree may continue to receive their AGRTP for a Research Doctorate degree provided there is no interval between the completion of the Research Masters and the commencement of the Research Doctorate degree, or that such an interval is covered by suspension of the AGRTP. (3) The maximum duration of a converted AGRTP becomes that for the new research degree minus periods of study undertaken towards the related degree prior to the conversion. Section 8 Other Information 8.1 Provision of False or Misleading Information (1) If CSU knows or has reason to believe that a candidate in receipt of an AGRTP has provided false or misleading information to CSU in relation to the AGRTP, CSU is required under the legislation to immediately: (a) Re-assess the candidate s entitlement to the AGRTP; and (b) Notify the relevant commonwealth government department of the suspected offence and provide a copy of the student s application and any other relevant information requested by that department. This may occur before, during or after the application process or at any time during candidature. 8.2 Supervision, Facilities and Support CSU must: Page 6 of 7

7 (1) Ensure that adequate facilities and appropriate supervision are available for each candidate undertaking a HDR (2) Establish, make publicly available, and abide by, a code of supervisory practice for candidates undertaking a HDR. (3) Facilitate, via the Research Office, the process of 6 monthly Progress Reports including review of candidate and supervisor sections, candidate comments in response to supervisory assessment and recommendations, clarification of points of difference and resolution of those differences in consultation with relevant parties. As a result of the review the Research Office will administer the determinations of the Research Advisory Committee with regard to continuation of candidature, termination of candidature or other actions as requested. 8.3 Candidate Obligations: (1) Candidates shall diligently and to the best of their ability apply themselves to the successful completion of their degree. (2) Candidates shall have regular and frequent consultations with supervisors that must be initiated by the candidate. (3) Particularly when human subjects or animal experimentation is involved, the candidate must seek and abide by the Ethics Approvals granted by CSU, any relevant Australian governmental regulatory authorities, any host organisation and governmental regulatory authority of a country or countries in which research is being undertaken. In addition candidates must seek information and abide by the Codes, Policies, Guidelines and rulings of any of these authorities. (4) Candidates must participate fully in the Progress Report process. (5) Candidates are to abide by all academic regulations of CSU. (6) Candidates must acknowledge receipt of funding support under the Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship within the thesis submitted and any research publications arising from the research project under taken while in receipt of the scholarship. 8.4 Right of Appeal Candidates shall have the right to appeal against decisions made in relation to the tenure of the award. Such mechanisms are in place and candidates should consult with their supervisor, Head of School or Faculty Sub/Associate Dean (Graduate Studies) in the first instance. 8.5 Amendments CSU reserves the right to amend these conditions. Candidates will be notified of any changes. Page 7 of 7