Koori Tertiary Scholarships GUIDELINES An initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement Intake commencing Semester One of the official academic year of 2014 Page 1 of 11
CONTENTS General Information 3 Eligibility 4 Persons ineligible for a scholarship 5 Types of courses 5 Study load requirements Diploma/Undergraduate/Postgraduate 5 Past academic results 5 Scholarship entitlements 6 Accreditation of courses 6 Work placement 6 Employment 7 Additional scholarship assistance 7 Overseas and interstate study 7 Scholarship requirements 7 Confirmation of Aboriginality declaration 8 Academic reference (for Postgraduate study) 8 ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY 8 Further information and application forms 8 Closing date for applications 8 Lodgement of applications 8 Advertising and promotion of scholarships 9 Taxation 9 Assessment of applications 9 Glossary 10-11 Page 2 of 11
Guidelines for all applicants KOORI TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM 1. General Information (a) The Koori Tertiary Scholarship Program is an initiative of the Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement s (Agreement), Koori Employment Strategy (KES). The Agreement is a joint initiative developed by the Victorian government and the Koori community. (b) The department is targeting the following areas of study in Semester 1 of the academic year of 2014: law criminology para-legal psychology psychiatry social work mental health Other justice related fields of study may apply. (c) Scholarships for study at diploma and advanced diploma level offered at TAFE Institutes within Victoria and in the streams of justice are listed below: Diploma of Justice Advanced Diploma of Justice Advanced Diploma of Business (Legal Practice). (d) Prospective students interested in undertaking the above TAFE courses will need to check with the respective institutions to ascertain the requirements of lodging an application and the closing date for courses. A point of reference for all courses is the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) Guide. (e) Scholarships will be awarded on the merit principle, taking into account applicants: eligibility; past academic results; course of study; ability to complete course of study; and competitiveness against other scholarship applicants. Page 3 of 11
2. Eligibility To be eligible for a scholarship, an applicant must: (a) meet the following four requirements: be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; identify as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; are accepted by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community in which she/he lives or has lived, have completed an Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration Form before an authorised witness (Declaration form attached). (b) have resided in Victoria on a full-time basis for a minimum five-year period immediately preceding lodgement of application. Residency details are requested on the Application form. Additional supporting documentation may be requested after the closing dates. (c) not earn in excess of $20,000 gross per annum from employment undertaken throughout the duration of the scholarship (the maximum increases to $10,000 per annum additional for each dependent), (d) not have received a scholarship offering financial assistance for study purposes by the Victorian State Government, which exceeded $20,000, over the past five years; (e) be undertaking their studies at an approved Victorian education institution as follows: have successfully gained entry into a diploma or advanced diploma course in the specific courses as stated in these guidelines; or have successfully completed the first year of an under-graduate degree course in the discipline for which the application is being made; or have successfully gained entry into a post-graduate course for which the scholarship application is being made. Undergraduate (f) for undergraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have successfully completed all units of a full-time workload within one year, as determined by the educational institute at which they are studying, in the previous three years, and be: undertaking a full time work load, as determined by the educational institution where they are studying; or be enrolled to undertake a full time work load, as determined by the educational institution where they are studying; or undertaking study, through course work, to satisfy the formal component an Articled Clerkship at an approved institution. For example: Students who have completed all units of a full time workload, as determined by the education institution at which they are studying, in the immediate previous two semesters; or who have completed all units of a full time workload, as determined by the education institution at which they are studying in 2013, have deferred their studies in 2013 and are enrolled to re-commence all units of a full time workload in 2014 meet this criteria. Page 4 of 11
Diploma (h) Applications for a scholarship while studying a diploma level course will be assessed on previous study undertaken e.g. secondary or other academic level. 3. Persons ineligible for a scholarship Persons deemed ineligible to receive a scholarship are individuals who are: currently completing a sentence through non-custodial means (eg. parole) on bail or on remand in custody in lawful custody for committing an offence in a youth training centre as defined under the Children & Young Persons Act 1989, or imprisoned in an adult correctional facility within Australia 4. Types of courses The Scholarship Program will provide eligible students with a fortnightly study allowance to study full-time to: complete up to a maximum of two years of a diploma level course; or complete the last two years of a three year, or last three years of a four year, undergraduate course; or complete up to a maximum of two years of a post graduate course. A scholarship will not be approved until the applicant is formally accepted into the course of study, as detailed in their scholarship application. Evidence required will be written advice from the educational institution. 5. Study load requirements diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level of study. (a) To be eligible for a scholarship, applicants undertaking study at the diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate or postgraduate level, must be undertaking a full-time workload as determined by the institute at which they are studying. (b) Applicants are required to provide the department with written confirmation of full-time workload status of their course of study from the educational institute at which they will be studying. 6. Past academic results An essential element in assessing an applicant s ability to complete their course of study within the duration of the scholarship is their past academic results. Diploma level study, applicants will be assessed on previous study undertaken e.g. secondary or other academic level. Undergraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have successfully completed a full-time workload of all units of study within one year in the previous three years in the discipline for which a scholarship application is being made. Postgraduate applicants to be eligible for a scholarship, they will need to have successfully gained entry into a postgraduate course. Page 5 of 11
7. Scholarship entitlements (a) The scholarship provides a fortnightly study allowance, which is equivalent to the gross base range of a Victorian Public Service (VPS), Grade 1 role ($39479.00) per annum. (b) All Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) fees associated with an applicant s study will be required to be met by the applicant. NOTE: HECS fees will not included in Scholarship entitlements. (c) Some additional costs may also be considered to meet expenses associated with short-term undergraduate studies, i.e. in the field of law to undertake part-time coursework of an Articled Clerkship. (d) This consideration will be in lieu of any application for study allowances. In such instances, the selection panel will consider each individual application on its merit. (e) Scholarship recipients will receive their first fortnightly study allowance payment on the nearest State Government VPS pay date after the signing of the scholarship contract by both parties. 8. Accreditation of courses (a) It is important to note that the course for which an applicant is seeking a scholarship must be nationally accredited. (b) University courses will be those which are accredited through the university and complying with the Australian Qualifications Framework. (c) Diploma and advanced diploma courses will be those that are accredited through the Victorian Qualification Authority and complying with the Australian Qualifications Framework. (d) The exception to this rule is for part-time study at a non-victorian educational institution, for the formal component of an Articled Clerkship by coursework i.e. at the College of Law in Sydney, N.S.W. 9. Work placement (a) Scholarship recipients will be expected to participate in practical work placement within the Department of Justice or its related agencies, designated service providers or other approved organisations. Whilst it is not a mandatory requirement of the scholarship, the work placement can offer students the opportunity to establish valuable networks within government departments and industry service providers. The work placement also has the potential to present employment opportunities for the recipient at the end of their study. (b) It is recommended that the work placement take place during the long semester break, from the end of one academic year to the commencement of the next academic year. Duration of the work placement will be negotiable between the business unit or agency providing the placement, the scholarship recipient and the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer. (c) Scholarship recipients undertaking a work placement may be required to undertake a Police Record Check prior to the commencement of the placement. Some work experience placements may also be subject to a Working with Children Check. Page 6 of 11
(d) Scholarship work placements within organisations outside of the Department of Justice and related agencies must also comply with the respective organisation s policy on security and other employment associated legislation and guidelines. (e) If a work placement is undertaken, Scholarship recipients are encouraged to have a recreational break prior to their return to study. (f) If the scholarship holder is experiencing difficulty securing a work placement with a designated service provider over the major semester break, the Department s Koori Scholarship Contact Officer may be able to provide assistance in securing a placement. (g) Should the scholarship holder need assistance securing a work placement at least 6 8 weeks notification should be given to the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer by the student. 10. Employment At the end of the scholarship every effort will be made by the KET to assist with career options within the Justice Portfolio and funded service providers. Note: There is no guarantee of employment at the end of the Scholarship. 11. Additional scholarship assistance Scholarship holders are required to complete the proposed course of study within the duration of the scholarship contract. Failure of any subject throughout the scholarship could result in the scholarship being cancelled. Scholarship holders are encouraged to discuss any concerns regarding their studies with the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer. Additional assistance to complete an extended course of study is unlikely to be approved. 12. Overseas and interstate study Scholarship applications for overseas and interstate study will not be considered. However, applications may be considered from students undertaking short-term study interstate, such as the formal component of an Articled Clerkship at the College of Law- Sydney. In such instances, the applicant will need to identify, in their application, why the study cannot be undertaken in Victoria. 13. Scholarship requirements Scholarship holders will be required to: perform to a satisfactory standard throughout the duration of the scholarship for both the academic and work placement, if undertaken; and provide proof of enrolment at the commencement of each academic year; and provide proof of enrolment and course of study at the commencement of each semester. Such documentation must endorsed by the educational institution; and provide official results at the end of each semester to the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer; and provide their Tax File Number to the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer, and attend one on one meetings with the KET at a minimum of three times throughout the academic year, and provide the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer with information on your progress as requested, or any plans to vary your study; and provide the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer in writing, within fourteen days, of any change to their workload or contact details i.e. address and telephone number. Page 7 of 11
14. Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration Each applicant is to provide a Confirmation of Aboriginality Declaration Form. This Declaration and the list of authorised witnesses for the signing of this Declaration is Attachment A of the Application Form for Semester 1, 2014. 15. Academic reference (for postgraduate study only) Each postgraduate applicant is required to provide, as part of their application, an academic reference from a nominated referee who can provide an appraisal of their academic performance and ability. 16. ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY It is the responsibility of each scholarship recipient in receipt of ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY to advise Centrelink that they have been successful in securing a Scholarship. Scholarship recipients must contact ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY regarding any possible liabilities or benefits available. 17. For further information or to receive an application form: (a) Please contact the Department of Justice Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer, Mr Jeffrey Gray, on telephone (03) 86841751 or alternatively email: jeffrey.gray@justice.vic.gov.au (b) All applications must be submitted on the official DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE KOORI TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP application form. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted. Please contact the Koori Tertiary Scholarship contract officer for any assistance with this application form on the details provide in section (a). (c) It is the responsibility of applicants to ensure all documentation, including reference documents, are provided by the due date. 18. Closing date for applications The closing date for applications for the intake of semester one of the official academic year of 2014 is 5.00 pm Friday 28 February 2014. 19. Lodgement of application forms Please forward your Department of Justice Koori Tertiary Scholarship application form by post to: Jeffrey Gray Administration Officer Koori Employment Team Department of Justice GPO Box 123 Melbourne VIC. 3001 Please contact the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Contact Officer prior to the closing date to confirm your application has been received. Page 8 of 11
20. Advertising and promotion of scholarships Advertising and promotion of the Koori Tertiary Scholarship Program will be through the following areas: Koori Mail newspaper Victorian Aboriginal community organisations Koori Units based at Victorian education institutions 21. Taxation The Department has sought interpretative advice from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) in relation to the income taxation status of the scholarship program. In accordance with the advice from the ATO, the scholarship program meets the requirements of an income tax exempt study allowance. However, it is the responsibility of the successful applicant to apply to the Australian Taxation Office for an individual private ruling for an exemption from income tax in relation to the Scholarship. 22. Assessment of applications The Selection Panel will comprise of at least three members. The selection of successful applications will be assessed on: meeting eligibility criteria; the competitiveness of the applicant against other applicants; the funds available for the Koori Tertiary Scholarships Program under the Koori Employment Strategy, and Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit, with consideration in part given to: the relevance of the proposed course of study to the Department s priorities in providing services to the Koori community. Targeted areas of study for 2014 include applicants studying law, criminology, para-legal, psychology, psychiatry, social work and mental health. Other justice related fields of study are still encouraged to apply. previous Scholarship assistance received for study purposes, excluding (ABSTUDY/AUSTUDY) and the student s past academic results and achievements and their ability to complete their studies. Should a Scholarship recipient receive any other offer of financial study assistance they must notify the Scholarships Contact Officer immediately. Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend for an interview to further expand on their application. Page 9 of 11
GLOSSARY ABSTUDY A Commonwealth Government Aboriginal Study Assistance Scheme which offers financial assistance to students for schooling and further studies. Department Accredited Course A course accredited through the educational institution or the Victorian Qualifications Authority and which complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework policy. Agreement The Victorian Aboriginal Justice Agreement. An incorporated Koori community based organisation A Koori organisation established to represent the local Koori community and registered under the State Co-operatives Act 1996 or the Association Incorporation Act 1981. Approved institution An education institution as recognised under the Victorian Tertiary Education Act 1993 and/or the Vocational Education and Training Act 1990. AUSTUDY/ABSTUDY A Commonwealth Government initiative offering study allowance to Australians for further studies. Department Department of Justice. Justice Portfolio Koori The Justice Portfolio (Portfolio) comprises four separate portfolio responsibilities (Attorney-General, Consumer Affairs, Police and Emergency Services, and Corrections). The Department of Justice (Department), as the central co-ordination agency for the portfolio, provides the primary organisational, policy and management focus for the four ministerial responsibilities and the various agencies that comprise the Justice Portfolio. Term generally used to describe Indigenous inhabitants of southeast Australia. Page 10 of 11
Designated Service Provider Arrangement with the Department of Justice and its agencies, which provides a service to the community in accordance with agreed terms. Selection Panel A group of people who will assess each application in accordance with selection criteria pertaining to the eligibility criteria and guidelines of the Koori Tertiary Scholarships. Strategy Koori Employment Strategy. Victorian Public Service Comprises Departments and Administrative Offices of the Victorian Government as described in the Public Sector Management and Employment Act 1998. Page 11 of 11