Designated officer: Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Council approval: C01/12, 12 February 2002

Last amended: 9 August 2004 (Vice-Chancellor)

Related policies:

• Award of Chancellor's Medal Policy
• Award of University Medals Policy

Overview

The following Policy sets out the types of scholarships, bursaries, prizes and other support for students funded from external sources other than the State and Commonwealth Governments that may be accepted by the University, the minimum level of support for each type, and responsibilities concerning the establishment and acceptance of these awards.

Policy

1. Types of support for students

The following types of support may be awarded to students of the University of the Sunshine Coast.

1.1 A Scholarship may be awarded to an undergraduate or postgraduate student based on academic merit. Financial need and leadership in extra-curricular or community activities may also be taken into consideration. A Scholarship will not be less than $3,500 per award and normally will be established for a minimum of three years.

1.2 A Postgraduate Research Scholarship may be awarded to a higher degree by research candidate and will be based on research potential and academic performance. A Postgraduate Research Scholarship will not normally be less than the value of an Australian Postgraduate Award.

1.3 A Bursary may be awarded to an undergraduate or postgraduate student of good academic standing and will be based on financial need. A Bursary will not be less than $500 per award per year and will normally be established for a minimum of three years.

1.4 A Prize may be awarded to an undergraduate or postgraduate student to recognise specific academic achievement. Normally a Prize will be established for a minimum of three years and will not be less than $250 per award per year.

1.5 The University will also provide support for student-related activities from external funds received by the University Foundation. This will include:

1.5.1 the establishment of a Conference Travel Fund, from which grants may be awarded to students to enable them to present their research results at a national or international conference; and

1.5.2 the establishment of a Research Fund, from which grants may be awarded to support the conduct of higher degree research projects.

2. Offers of scholarships, bursaries and prizes

2.1 A formal proposal for a scholarship, bursary or prize must include:

2.1.1 the number of scholarships, bursaries or prizes to be awarded annually

2.1.2 if a scholarship, the period of tenure of the scholarship

2.1.3 the value and the nature of the scholarship, bursary or prize

2.1.4 the eligibility criteria

2.1.5 the basis on which the scholarship, bursary or prize would be awarded

2.1.6 the process for selection of the recipient

2.1.7 the conditions under which the scholarship, bursary or prize could be withdrawn or terminated or not awarded

2.1.8 any other relevant matters.

2.2 The Office of the University Foundation and the Scholarships Officer, Student Affairs must be notified of the receipt of an offer of a scholarship, bursary or prize.

3. Endowed scholarships, bursaries or prizes

3.1 A proposal for an endowed scholarship, bursary, prize or other form of support should vest discretionary powers in the University which enables it to alter the conditions of the scholarship, bursary or prize to the extent that such alteration is necessary to meet the original conditions as nearly as possible.

3.2 The amount of an endowed scholarship, bursary, prize or other form of support shall not exceed the funds available.

4. Acceptance of an offer of a scholarship, bursary or prize

4.1 The acceptance of scholarships, bursaries and prizes to the value of and including $5,000 per award may be approved by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor or delegate.

4.2 The acceptance of scholarships, bursaries and prizes above the value of $5,000 per award will be approved by the Academic Board.