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The Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) 2008Please note: these scholarships are now closed for 2008. Applications for the 2009 scholarships will open in approximate September 2008. The main objectives of the Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (IPRS) program are to:
The Endeavour IPRS program provides approximately 330 new scholarships each year and enables international students to undertake a postgraduate research qualification in Australia and gain experience with leading Australian researchers. (As specified by the Department of Education, Science and Training) Endeavour IPRS scholarships are available for international Masters by Research or Doctorate (PhD) degree students (except New Zealand) who will undertake quality research in RMIT’s areas of research specialisation. RMIT University has particular expertise in these areas, has concentrated research resources and attracts grants from outside sources. Successful applicants usually become members of a research team working under the direction of senior researchers. Important: All applicants wishing to apply for an Endeavour International Postgraduate Research (IPRS) Scholarship 2008 must have received an offer letter for an RMIT postgraduate by research program.
EligibilityCitizenshipApplicants who are citizens of all overseas countries, except Australia and New Zealand. VisaApplicants who meet international student visa requirements as specified by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) including the requirement to purchase and maintain a standard Overseas Student Health Cover policy approved by the Commonwealth Government of Health and Ageing. As defined under Paragraph 4.10.1 in the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships, (1 January 2007) Currently enrolled students, who meet the criteria stated below, must be holders of Visa Subclass 574. For visa information, please refer to the RMIT International’s Visa Information Webpage CommencementApplicants must be commencing full-time enrolment in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program in Australia in 2008 at RMIT University under section 46-28 of the Act. The normal duration of a program is two years for a Masters by research degree or three years for a Doctorate by research degree. RMIT University may also consider:
Endeavour IPRS 2008 awardees must commence their studies by 30th August 2008. The Endeavour IPRS 2008 award cannot be deferred to another year. If a candidate is unable to take up an Endeavour IPRS award, the candidate must apply again for the award in the following year. AcademicApplicants must have received a Firm Offer or Conditional Offer of a place for entry in a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at RMIT University, to commence in Semester 1 or Semester 2 2008. The offers must be granted no later than 26th October 2007. Sponsorship/Scholarship historyApplicants who are applying for or have received external funding for living allowance are eligible to apply. English language requirementsApplicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency prior to the 26th October 2007. As a guide, RMIT University requires the following English language requirements for entry into research programs:
The IELTS/TOEFL/RMIT English test result must be current or have been taken no more than 12 months before the commencement of the research program. Note: Some programs have higher English language requirements. Non-EligibilityIf any of the following circumstances apply, an applicant is deemed ineligible for the award:
Value of an Endeavour IPRS 2008 AwardProvision by Australian GovernmentThe Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will provide:
As specified under Paragraph 4.20.1 of the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships (1 January 2007) Provision by RMIT UniversityRMIT University will provide:
Endeavour IPRS recipients who transfer from another provider, should refer to the Transfer to another Provider section below. An Endeavour IPRS does not provide for living allowances, travel, medical costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa, thesis expenses, the cost of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), or costs associated with overseas fieldwork. Selection CriteriaThe following selection criteria will apply:
As specified under Paragraph 4.28.1 in the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships (1 January 2007)
As specified under Paragraph 4.10.1 in the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships (1 January 2007) RMIT University has identified the following as their research concentrations for 2008. Science, Engineering and Technology Portfolio
Business Portfolio
Design and Social Context
Duration of an Endeavour IPRSThe duration of an Endeavour IPRS is three years for Research Doctorate degrees and two years for Research Masters degrees. As specified in Paragraph 4.20.10 Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships (1 January 2007) The duration of an Endeavour IPRS will be reduced in the following situations:
As specified in Para 4.20.10 Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships (1 January 2007) 2008 RMIT International Student Scholarships Conditions of AwardPurpose of the scholarshipsEndeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships The Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (Endeavour IPRS) program was established the Australian Federal Government to maintain and develop international research linkages and specifically aims to:
RMIT University International Research Scholarships The RMIT University International Research Scholarships (RUIRS) was established to further enhance RMIT’s research activities, strengthening and deepening its areas of research strength through international student participation. Value of the scholarshipsFor Endeavour IPRS 2008 awardees The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) will provide:
As specified under Paragraph 4.20.1 of the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships. The Endeavour IPRS 2008 award does not provide for living allowances, travel, medical costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa, thesis expenses, the cost of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), or costs associated with overseas fieldwork. Total value for a Masters (2 year program) is approximately A$40,000 and for a Doctorate (3 year program) is approximately A$60,000 For RUIRS 2008 awardees RMIT University will provide:
The RUIRS award does not provide for travel, visa processing fees, medical costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa, thesis expenses, the cost of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), or costs associated with overseas fieldwork. Total value for a Masters (2 year program) is approximately A$80,000 and for a Doctorate (3 year program) is approximately A$120,000 Scholarship/AwardThe Scholarship is awarded for the program, duration and value specified on the offer letter. DurationThe fees and living allowances (where awarded) will cover study for the normal duration of the program as specified on the offer letter. CommencementAwards must be taken up in 2008, commencing in either Semester 1 2008 or Semester 2 2008 as specified in the offer letter. The award cannot be deferred to a later year. If the candidate is unable to take up the award, the candidate must apply again for the award in the following year. Certificate of AwardAll enrolled awardees will receive a Certificate to officially recognise this Award. Change of programRMIT University may approve an awardee’s request to change from the research area indicated in the original placement or scholarship offer, providing:
The change must be approved by the awardee’s School or Portfolio, and the awardee must then advise the Manager, Research and Client Relations, International Services of the change. A new offer letter for both the place and the scholarship will be provided to the awardee. Converting the degreeAwardees can apply to change their award from a Masters to PhD or from PhD to Masters. Students must apply to their School or Portfolio to convert their level of award. Once the academic conversion has been approved the student must apply to the Manager, Research and Client Relations, International Services, to convert the scholarship and must also approach International Services to receive a new offer and address any visa issues. The length of the program will be calculated as the minimum length of time of the new program less time spent on the previous program. Program completion timeAll scholarship awardees are expected to complete their program within the established minimum time limit, three years for Doctoral programs, two years for Research Masters programs, except in exceptional circumstances as agreed to by RMIT University. For research masters, there are no extensions to the scholarship, for doctoral programs, RMIT may grant up to two extensions of no more than three months duration for each extension (i.e. a total of 6 months) to the scholarship. Applications for extensions to the scholarship are separate from applications for extensions to the research program. When the School or Portfolio has approved the extension to the candidature, the awardee’s School or Portfolio will apply to the Manager, Research and Client Relations, International Services, to an extension to the scholarship on behalf of the awardee. Leave of absence (LOA)All applications for LOA should be recorded through the Manager, Research and Client Relations, International Services and the relevant Research Office. LOA involves an amendment to the candidate's visa status. Neither the living allowance nor tuition fees will be paid during a candidate's LOA. LOA has implications for the awardee’s visa status. Please refer to International Services before applying for LOA. Unsatisfactory academic performanceIn the case of poor academic performance the University reserves the right to withdraw the scholarship. International Services will request regular reports regarding the academic progress of all awardees. Visa requirementAll awardees must hold visas that define them as International students for the purposes of Australian Government regulations. For visa information, please refer to the International Services Visa Information Webpage Awardees must ensure that they are always compliant with the visa requirements including maintaining a full time enrolment. Extension of stay in AustraliaIt is the responsibility of each awardee to ensure that they hold a valid student visa while in Australia. If the visa expires, the student may be required to leave Australia. Where a student is granted an extension to their award, they will be required to apply for a further visa extension in order to extend their stay in Australia. Under current arrangements, international students are required to have a medical check-up before applying for renewal of their visa. The compulsory medical examination and X-ray are administered through Health Services Australia (HSA). Further details can be obtained from HSA website at http://www.healthoz.com.au Neither the Endeavour IPRS or, RUIRS award covers any medical costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa. Change of visa statusIn cases where an awardee obtains Australian Permanent Residency (PR status), or makes any other change in visa status, and is therefore no longer a full fee international student for the purposes of the Australian Government regulations, the scholarship will be immediately ceased. Failure to disclose, in a timely manner, changes in visa status may result in the loss of a place at RMIT University. Tuition fees and living allowance paid after the change of residency status must be repaid to the University by the recipient. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)The award covers the cost of a standard OSHC policy for the awardee and their spouse and/or dependants. A standard OSHC policy covers the costs of medical and hospital care in Australia, most prescription drugs, and emergency ambulance transport. Awardees may wish to purchase extra OSHC if they require cover for ancillary services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy. The award does not cover the costs of extra OSHC. For detailed information on OSHC provisions, please refer to the Department of Health and Ageing web site at: http://www.health.gov.au/privatehealth/providers/oscover.htm EmploymentAwardees may work within the limitations specified for their visa. Awardees must seek permission to work outside of their research program. Outside work commitments will not be accepted as a reason for an extension. After you have commenced your studies at RMIT, you can apply for an International Student work permit at the cost of A$60. This enables you to work for up to 20 hours consistent with the conditions of the student visa. For information on how to apply for a work permit, please refer to the International Services Visa Information Webpage RMIT University must be satisfied that any approved part-time work does not interfere with the student’s study program which must be full-time. Part-time work commitments cannot be accepted as grounds of extension of the scholarship. Intellectual propertyRMIT University must adhere to an intellectual property policy, approved by our governing body. Further information regarding RMIT University’s intellectual property policy and guidelines can be viewed at RMIT Intellectual Property Contracts Website Change of addressRMIT must be notified of any changes to your contact details. Changes be notified at any of The Hubs (please refer to the Student Diary for details). TerminationThe Scholarship will be terminated when the awardee:
ContactFor all correspondence on the above please contact: International Scholarships Office For Endeavour IPRS awardees onlyWaiver of visa application feesThe Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) provides a form titled “990i –Charges” to students applying for a visa. This form states that approved schemes have a nil charge for lodging a visa application. The Endeavour IPRS is an approved Australian Government-funded scholarship scheme for this purpose and Endeavour IPRS students are not required to pay for visa application fees for themselves or their dependants. To gain exemption from the application fees, Endeavour IPRS students must provide DIAC with evidence of their scholarship, such as written notification from RMIT University of their scholarship offer. Child Care Benefits (CCB)Endeavour IPRS holders may be eligible to claim Child Care benefits (CCB) which assist families with the cost of their child care. CCB is a means tested payment and is paid through the Family Assistance Office in Centrelink. Any payment received will depend on the recipient’s family income. Although the payment is usually restricted to Australian residents, people who are receiving direct financial assistance from the Australian Government (such as Endeavour IPRS holders) may also be eligible. Further information on how to apply for CCB can be obtained by contacting the Family Assistance Office on the Centrelink free call number 13 61 50. The Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) Guidelines in relation to the 2007 Endeavour IPRS award are available at the following URL. Please refer to these as required (chapter 4 of the guidelines). http://www.backingaustraliasfuture.gov.au/guidelines/csg_guide.htm How to applyPlease note: these scholarships are now closed for 2008. Applications for the 2009 scholarships will open in approximate September 2008. Closing date: Complete submissions must be received by 5.00 pm Eastern Standard Time, Friday 26th October 2007. Late applications or late submission of documentation will NOT be considered. Note: Applicants must have an RMIT University offer letter prior to lodging your application. Applicants wishing to be considered for an Endeavour IPRS 2008 award must submit the following (which constitutes a complete application):
For Art & Design related programs (if applicable), please also include
Certified copiesCertified copies' are copies authorised, or stamped as being true copies of the originals, by a person or agency recognised by the law of the country in which they are certified. Documents submittedPlease note that all documents submitted remain the property of RMIT University. Requests for documents to be returned will not be approved. Frequently Asked QuestionsDo I need to have achieved an IELTS overall band score of 6.5 or TOEFL (Paper based: 580+; Computer-based: 237+ (minimum TWE of 4.5) when I apply for scholarships? Yes. Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency prior to the 26th October 2007. Who does not have to provide an IELTS or TOEFL test? Applicants who have received a Firm Offer or Applicants with a Conditional Offer that does not stipulate the English pre-requisite, are exempt from providing the IELTS or TOEFL test or Applicants who are currently enrolled in a Bachelor program at an Australian education provider. Should the scholarship application and documents be posted or can I email or fax the documents? Scholarship applications and documents must be submitted by post. Faxed and emailed documents WILL not be accepted. What will I need for my scholarship application? All applicants must provide all the documents listed on the checklist.
For Art & Design related programs (if applicable), please also include
What are Certified copies of documents? Certified copies' are copies authorised, or stamped as being true copies of the originals, by a person or agency recognised by the law of the country in which they are certified. How can I apply for the scholarship/s? Application forms for 2009 will be available late August Early September. All documents must be mailed to: Attention: Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships RMIT University Or RMIT University I have lodged my Research application but I have not received an Offer yet, can I still apply for the scholarship/s? You are welcome to lodge both your Research and Scholarship (note they are separate applications) concurrently, so that you do not lose any time. You need to have received either a Firm or Conditional offer of a place in a Research program by closing date of Australian time 5:00 pm, Friday 26th October 2007. In the event that you do not receive a place in a Research program by Friday 26th October 2007, your scholarship application will not be submitted to the Selection Committee. For currently enrolled students, do I need to submit my Research Topic Proposal that is approved by the School’s Higher Degrees Research Committee (HDRC)? No, you only need to submit your Research Topic proposal that you submitted to apply for a place in a Research program. However, you are welcome to provide the amended Research topic proposal that was approved by your supervisor. I have already submitted my academic transcripts and other items listed in the checklist when I applied for a place in the program, do I have to submit the same documents for my scholarship application? Yes, all scholarship applications and items on the checklist will be submitted to the Selection Committee. This is a different process from applying for a place in the program. In addition, you may wish to provide extra documents to support your scholarship application and it is your responsibility to provide the documents. After the closing date of 26th October 2007, we will not be requesting for documents that were not submitted. Incomplete applications will NOT be submitted to the Selection Committee. If you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate in contacting
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