Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines Amendment No. 1 (Cth)
APPENDIX A
Commonwealth of Australia
Higher Education Support Act 2003
GUIDELINES FOR COMMONWEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS
Amendment of Guidelines pursuant to section 238-10 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003
I, JULIE BISHOP, Minister for Education, Science and Training, pursuant to section 238-10 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 ("the Act"), make the attached amendment to the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships for the purposes of Part 2-4 of the Act.
Dated this....................30th.................................day of........................October.................2006.
_________________________________________
JULIE BISHOP
Minister for Education, Science and Training
COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA
Higher Education Support Act 2003
Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships
(i) CITATION
These Guidelines may be cited as Amendment No. 1 to the Guidelines for Commonwealth Scholarships.
(ii) AUTHORITY
These guidelines are made under subsection 238-10(1) of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (the Act).
(iii) DATE OF EFFECT
These guidelines shall come into effect on the day after the day on which they are registered on the Federal Register of Legislative Instruments.
ITEM 1
Repeal the table of contents and substitute:
TABLE OF CONTENTS page
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION1
1.1 PURPOSE1
1.5 INTERPRETATION1
CHAPTER 2 COMMONWEALTH LEARNING SCHOLARSHIPS3
2.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES3
2.1.1 Description of Scholarships3
2.1.5 Class of Commonwealth Scholarship3
2.5 GRANTS3
2.5.1 Total Programme Grant Amounts and Indexation3
2.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined3
2.5.10 How the Allocation of CLS to a Provider will be Determined3
2.10 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS4
2.10.1 Basic Eligibility Requirements4
2.10.5 Low Socio-Economic Status Requirements5
2.10.10 Full-time Student Requirements5
2.10.15 Additional CAS Eligibility Requirements5
2.15 APPLICATION, SELECTION AND OFFER PROCESSES AND POLICIES6
2.15.1 Applications6
2.15.5 Selection Policy7
2.15.10 Offer Process7
2.20 PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS7
2.20.1 Value of Scholarships and Indexation Arrangements8
2.20.5 Payment Arrangements8
2.25 CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP8
2.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility Requirements8
2.25.5 Suspension of a CLS8
2.25.10 Maximum Duration of a CLS8
2.25.15 Termination of a CLS8
2.25.20 Provision of False or Misleading Information
CHAPTER 3 AUSTRALIAN POSTGRADUATE AWARDS10
3.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES10
3.1.1 Description of Scholarship10
3.1.5 Class of Commonwealth Scholarship10
3.5 GRANTS10
3.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation10
3.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined10
3.10 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS11
3.10.1 Basic Eligibility Requirements11
3.10.5 Equivalent Attainment to a Bachelor Degree with First Class Honours11
3.10.10 Approval of a Part-time APA11
3.15 APPLICATION, SELECTION AND OFFER PROCESSES AND POLICIES11
3.15.5 Selection Policy12
3.15.10 Offer Process12
3.20 PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS12
3.20.1 Value of Scholarships and Indexation Arrangements12
3.20.5 Relocation Allowance13
3.20.10 Thesis Allowance13
3.20.15 Duration of an APA13
3.25 CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP13
3.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility13
3.25.5 Suspensions13
3.25.10 Transfer to another Provider14
3.25.15 Conversion of Degrees14
3.25.20 Leave Entitlements14
3.25.25 Work14
3.25.30 Termination of an APA14
3.25.35 Provision of False or Misleading Information15
3.30 MISCELLANEOUS15
3.30.1 Supervision and Facilities15
CHAPTER 4 ENDEAVOUR INTERNATIONAL POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH SCHOLARSHIPS16
4.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES16
4.1.1 Description of Scholarship16
4.1.5 Class of Commonwealth Scholarship16
4.5 GRANTS16
4.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation
4.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined
4.10 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS17
4.15 APPLICATION, SELECTION AND OFFER PROCESSES AND POLICIES17
4.15.1 Applications17
4.15.5 Selection Policy18
4.15.10 Offer Process18
4.20 USING THE GRANT AMOUNTS18
4.20.1 Value of Scholarship18
4.20.5 Non-commencements and Withdrawals
4.20.10 Duration of an Endeavour IPRS19
4.25 CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP19
4.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility19
4.25.5 Suspension of an Endeavour IPRS19
4.25.10 Transfer to another Provider19
4.25.15 Conversion of Degrees19
4.25.20 Change of Research Area19
4.25.25 Work20
4.25.30 Termination of an Endeavour IPRS20
4.25.35 Provision of False or Misleading Information20
4.30 MISCELLANEOUS20
4.30.1 Supervision and Facilities20
CHAPTER 5 INDIGENOUS STAFF SCHOLARSHIPS21
5.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES21
5.1.1 Description of Scholarship21
5.1.5 Class of Commonwealth Scholarship21
5.5 GRANTS21
5.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation
5.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined
5.10 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS21
5.10.1 Basic Eligibility Requirements21
5.15 APPLICATION, SELECTION AND OFFER PROCESSES AND POLICIES22
5.15.1 Application Process22
5.15.5 Selection Policy22
5.15.10 Offer Process22
5.20 CONDITION OF GRANTS TO ELIGIBLE PROVIDERS22
5.20.1 Payments to Administering Providers22
5.20.5 Payment of Stipend to Students22
5.20.10 Payment of tuition fees and/or student contribution amounts23
5.20.15 Recovery of Funds on Termination or Transfer of ISS23
5.20.20 Administering Provider Reporting and Notice Requirements23
5.25 CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP23
5.25.1 Value of the ISS24
5.25.5 Duration of the ISS24
5.25.10 Commencement of the ISS24
5.25.15 Suspension of the ISS24
5.25.20 Withdrawal from Course24
5.25.25 Change of Course of Study24
5.25.30 Transfer of a Scholarship24
5.25.35 Eligibility for Concurrent Scholarships or Awards24
5.25.40 Work24
5.25.45 Leave24
5.25.50 Student Reporting Requirements24
5.25.55 Termination25
ITEM 2
Amend paragraph 1.5.5 to:
-delete the definitions for:
oASGC Remoteness Areas
oCoE
oCRICOS
oDIMIA
oInternal student
-Insert the following new definitions:
oASGC Remoteness Areas means the Australian Standard Geographical Classification Remoteness Areas as described in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2004 publication, ‘Rural, Regional and Remote Health: A Guide to Remoteness Classifications’
oDIMA means the Australian Government Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs.
oInternal student means a student who, for the majority of units of study in which they are enrolled in the scholarship period, is required to attend on a regular basis the campus of the eligible scholarship provider or a host provider approved by the eligible scholarship provider through a cross-institutional arrangement
ITEM 3
Delete paragraph 2.1 and substitute:
“2.1 PROGRAMME OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the Commonwealth Learning Scholarships (CLS) Programme are to facilitate choice in higher education and to increase higher education participation by students from low socio-economic backgrounds, particularly Indigenous students and students from regional and remote areas.
2.1.1 Description of Scholarships
(1) The CLS Programme consists of:
(a) Commonwealth Education Costs Scholarships (CECS) to assist with general education costs; and
(b) Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships (CAS) to assist with accommodation costs.
2.1.5 Class of Commonwealth Scholarship
CLS are standard scholarships, in accordance with paragraph 46-10(a) of the Act.”
ITEM 4
Delete paragraph 2.5.1 and substitute:
“2.5.1 Total Programme Grant Amounts and Indexation
The total grant amount for CLS in 2007 will be $95.228 million. This will consist of $37.478 million for CECS and $57.750 million for CAS. These amounts will be indexed for subsequent years in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.”
ITEM 5
Delete paragraph 2.5.10 and substitute:
“2.5.10 How the Allocation of CLS to a Provider will be Determined
(1) The number of CECS allocated to an eligible scholarship provider will be determined as follows:
Number of CECS to be allocated to the provider =
Number of CECS allocated to the provider over the previous three years +
Total number of new CECS x (Ax30% + Bx50% + Cx20%)
Where: A is the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full-time, undergraduate students who are enrolled at all eligible scholarship providers;
B is the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full-time undergraduate students from a low socio-economic background who are enrolled at all eligible scholarship providers; and
C is the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full-time undergraduate, Indigenous students who are enrolled at all eligible scholarship providers.
(2) The number of CAS allocated to an eligible scholarship provider will be determined as follows:
Number of CAS to be allocated to the provider =
Number of CAS allocated to the provider over the previous three years +
Total number of new CAS x (Ax30% + Bx50% + Cx20%)
Where: A is the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full‑time, undergraduate students who are enrolled internally at all eligible scholarship providers;
Bis the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full‑time, undergraduate students with a low socio-economic background, from regional and remote areas who are enrolled internally at all eligible scholarship providers; and
Cis the average over the most recent two years for which data are available of the provider’s proportion of all Commonwealth supported, full-time, undergraduate, Indigenous students who are enrolled internally at all eligible scholarship providers.
(3) Where the data referred to in paragraphs (1) or (2), above, is not available in relation to a provider that is not a Table A provider, the Minister will determine the number of CECS and/or CAS to be allocated to the provider.”
ITEM 6
Delete paragraph 2.10.1 and substitute:
“2.10.1 Basic Eligibility Requirements
(1) A student is not eligible for a CECS if they have already received a CECS for the maximum duration, as defined in paragraph 2.25.10 of these Guidelines.
(2) A student is not eligible for a CAS if they have already received a CAS for the maximum duration, as defined in paragraph 2.25.10 of these Guidelines.
(3) To be eligible for a CLS, a student must, by the first census date (as determined in accordance with section 169-25 of the Act) of the scholarship period:
(a) be an Australian citizen or the holder of a permanent humanitarian visa; and
(b) be enrolled with the eligible scholarship provider as a Commonwealth supported student, as defined in the Act; and
(c) be enrolled with the eligible scholarship provider in an undergraduate course of study or a graduate diploma (or equivalent postgraduate course of study) in an area of National Priority required for initial registration to practice in the chosen National Priority area; and
(d) where the eligible scholarship provider is not a Table A provider, be undertaking the course of study as a National Priority Student; and
(e) meet the low socio-economic status requirements specified in paragraph 2.10.5 of these Guidelines; and
(f) meet the full-time student requirements specified in paragraph 2.10.10 of these Guidelines; and
(g) not already have completed the requirements of a course of study (with any provider) regarded by the eligible scholarship provider to be equivalent to or higher than an Australian bachelor’s award, unless each such award is a prerequisite to their current undergraduate course of study or graduate diploma (or equivalent postgraduate course of study) in an area of National Priority required for initial registration and there is no alternative pathway into that course of study at that eligible scholarship provider. Note: CLS are intended primarily for students undertaking an initial qualification.”
ITEM 7
Delete paragraph 2.10.5(1)(b) and substitute:
“on the basis of a comprehensive assessment conducted by or on behalf of the eligible scholarship provider.”
ITEM 8
Delete paragraph 2.10.10(3) and substitute:
“A student whose course load falls below a full-time student load must have their eligibility status reviewed, in accordance with the ongoing eligibility requirements under paragraph 2.25.1 of these Guidelines and will be ineligible to retain their CLS unless the eligible scholarship provider determines that there are exceptional circumstances which prevent the student from continuing to study on a full-time basis.”
ITEM 9
Delete paragraph 2.10.15 and substitute:
“2.10.15 Additional CAS Eligibility Requirements
(1) In addition to the eligibility requirements defined in paragraph 2.10 of these Guidelines and, where applicable, any further criteria specified by the eligible scholarship provider under paragraph 2.15.5(4), for a student to be eligible for a CAS, the eligible scholarship provider must be satisfied that:
(a) within the four years immediately preceding the commencement of the current higher education course of study:
(i) the student has lived in a regional or remote area of Australia for a total of at least three years; or
(ii) the student completed the final two years of schooling in a high school or college in a regional or remote area; or
(iii) it was necessary for the student to live away from their regional or remote home to complete the whole or the majority of their secondary schooling at a high school or college in a major city; and
(b) it was necessary for the student to move from the regional or remote area in order to undertake higher education study; and
(c) as a result of (b), the student will incur additional accommodation costs; and
(d) the student is enrolled as an internal student in units of study that form part of the course of study the student is undertaking unless the student can demonstrate the need to move, in accordance with paragraph 2.10.15(5).
(2) Students who undertake a component of their course:
(a) overseas, or
(b) with a host provider approved by the eligible scholarship provider through a cross-institutional arrangement
will not be precluded from accessing the scholarship, if it is approved by their eligible scholarship provider, and will count towards the course requirements in which the student is enrolled.
(3) For the sake of clarity, a student who is eligible for a CAS under subsection 2.10.15(2)(a) will not be precluded from accessing the scholarship while studying overseas.
) In determining a student’s eligibility for a CAS, the eligible scholarship provider must determine whether the student has lived in a regional or remote area consistent with paragraph (1)(a)(i), (ii) or (iii) above. Providers should be guided by the ASGC Remoteness Areas classification as described in the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2004 publication, ‘Rural, Regional and Remote Health: A Guide to Remoteness Classifications’. The classifications are:
Major Cities of Australia (MC),
Inner Regional Australia (IR),
Outer Regional Australia (OR),
Remote Australia (R), and
Very Remote Australia (VR).
An eligible scholarship provider must deem a student ineligible if they have come from a locality belonging to the MC classification. The remaining classifications may assist in assessing students’ applications for CAS.
(5) For the purpose of determining under paragraph 2.10.15(1)(b) the necessity for the student to move, a student should normally be enrolled as an internal student to be deemed eligible for CAS unless the student can demonstrate that there are exceptional circumstances preventing them from doing so, including, but not limited to the following:
(a) the need for the student to attend classes or access other study related facilities on the campus at which the student is enrolled with the eligible scholarship provider or a host provider approved by the eligible scholarship provider through a cross-institutional arrangement;
(b) the distance from the student’s home to the relevant campus;
(c) the availability and quality of transport infrastructure between the student's home and the relevant campus; and
(d) limitations on the student’s mobility due to disability and/or carer responsibilities.”
ITEM 10
Delete paragraph 2.20 and substitute:
“2.20 PAYMENTS TO STUDENTS
(1) An eligible scholarship provider must pay the value of a CLS as specified at paragraph 2.20.1 of these Guidelines to a student who is awarded a CLS in accordance with these Guidelines.
(2) An eligible scholarship provider must spend CECS grant amounts only on the making of CECS payments to students awarded a CECS who are undertaking their undergraduate course of study or graduate diploma (or equivalent postgraduate course of study) in an area of National Priority required for initial registration to practice in the chosen National Priority area with the eligible scholarship provider.
(3) An eligible scholarship provider must spend CAS grant amounts only on CAS payments to students awarded a CAS who are undertaking their undergraduate course of study or graduate diploma (or equivalent postgraduate course of study) in an area of National Priority required for initial registration to practice in the chosen National Priority area with the eligible scholarship provider.
(4) CLS payments may only be made using funds from CLS grants.
2.20.1 Value of Scholarships and Indexation Arrangements
(1) The value of a CLS in 2007 is as follows:
(a) CECS - $2,120
(b) CAS - $4,240
(2) These amounts will be indexed in subsequent years in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.
2.20.5 Payment Arrangements
(1) Payments are to be made directly to students.
(2) The payments are to be made as follows for both CECS and/or CAS:
(a) For CLS offered to students before census date, one payment totalling 50% of the annual value of the CLS will be made in each six-month period as soon as practicable on or within six weeks after the student’s first census date, as determined in accordance with section 169‑25 of the Act, for study being undertaken in that scholarship period.
(b) For CLS offered to students on or after census date, one payment totalling 50% of the annual value of the CLS will be made within six weeks of the student accepting the CLS and one payment totalling 50% of the annual value of the CLS will be made in each six-month period as soon as practicable on or within six weeks after the student’s first census date, as determined in accordance with section 169‑25 of the Act, for study being undertaken in that scholarship period.”
ITEM 11
Delete paragraph 2.25.1 and substitute:
“2.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility Requirements
Each eligible scholarship provider is responsible for monitoring the ongoing eligibility of its students to ensure that each student continues to meet the eligibility requirements for a CLS as set out in paragraph 2.10 and, where applicable, any further selection criteria specified by the eligible scholarship provider under paragraph 2.15.5.(4) of these Guidelines. An eligible scholarship provider must confirm a student’s eligibility for a CLS prior to making a CLS payment.”
ITEM 12
Delete paragraph 2.25.15 and substitute:
“2.25.15 Termination of a CLS
(1) An eligible scholarship provider must terminate a CLS:
(a) if the student ceases to meet the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph 2.10 or, where applicable, any criteria specified by the eligible scholarship provider under paragraph 2.15.5(4) of these Guidelines, other than during a period of approved suspension; or
(b) once the maximum duration of the CLS has been reached; or
(c) if the eligible scholarship provider determines that the student:
(i) has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress; or
(ii) has committed serious misconduct including, but not limited to, the provision of false or misleading information in terms of paragraph 2.25.20.
(2) An eligible scholarship provider may not terminate a student’s CLS for any other reason.”
ITEM 13
Delete the heading for paragraph 2.25.20 and substitute:
“2.25.20 Provision of False or Misleading Information”
ITEM 14
After paragraph 2.25.20 insert:
“2.25.25 Unawarded CLS
(1) If an eligible scholarship provider cannot award a minimum of 75% of the number of CECS and/or CAS in a given year, DEST may do one of the following:
(a) permit the eligible scholarship provider to roll over the unawarded CECS and/or CAS to the next scholarship period; or
(b) require the eligible scholarship provider to return the unawarded CECS and/or CAS to the Department for redistribution in accordance with paragraph 2.25.25(2) of these Guidelines; or
(c) grant permission to the eligible scholarship provider to convert CAS to CECS or CECS to CAS.
(2) Where an eligible scholarship provider rolls over a significant amount of CLS grant amounts, at any time the provider may request that DEST grant permission to the eligible scholarship provider to convert CAS to CECS or CECS to CAS.
(3) If an eligible scholarship provider is required to return unawarded CECS and/or CAS to the Department, they will roll over the number of CECS and/or CAS in question to the next scholarship period. The Department will make the appropriate adjustment in the next year by deducting the number of unawarded CECS and/or CAS from the allocations made in accordance with paragraph 2.5.10 of these Guidelines.”
ITEM 15
Delete paragraph 3.5.1 and substitute:
“3.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation
The total amount available for APAs in 2007 will be $95.346 million. This amount will be indexed for subsequent years in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.”
ITEM 16
Delete paragraph 3.5.5 and substitute:
“3.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined
(1) The amount of APA grant payable to an eligible scholarship provider under section 46-15 of the Act for a year will be determined using the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for that year and the previous three years.
(2) The amount of APA grant paid to a provider for a year is the sum of the following amounts:
(a) the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for that year multiplied by [SR* + $375 (relocation component)];
(b) the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for the year prior to that year multiplied by (SR x 0.9);
(c) the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for the year two years prior to that year multiplied by (SR x 0.75); and
(d) the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for the year three years prior to that year multiplied by [(SR x 0.41) + $750 (thesis component)].
* SR is the stipend rate for a full-time student for the current year as specified in paragraph 3.20.1(a) of these Guidelines.
(3) For the purpose of (2)(a), the number of new APAs allocated to the provider is determined by applying the Research Training Scheme (RTS) formula (specified at The RTS formula gives a 50% weighting to HDR completions, a 40% weighting for research income, and a 10% weighting for research publications, each taken over the two most recent years for which data are available. For the purpose of the APA allocation, HDR completions are not weighted on the basis of the field of study.
(4) For the purpose of (2)(b), (c) and (d), the number of new APAs allocated to the provider for each of the three previous years is the number approved by the Minister for those years.
(5) Where the formula results in less than one but more than zero APAs for a provider, a default of one APA will be allocated to the provider.
The payment factor may be increased above 0.4 if the grant amounts calculated according to the formulae in paragraph 3.5.5 (2) equate to less than the total grant amount detailed in paragraph 3.5.1. The adjustment is to ensure that the total grant amount detailed in paragraph 3.5.1 is fully allocated.”
ITEM 17
Delete paragraph 3.10.10 and substitute:
“3.10.10 Approval of a Part-time APA
(1) A provider may approve a part-time APA for a student only if:
(a) the student has exceptional circumstances; or
(b) the student is undertaking Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS) training as specified in Chapter 8 of the Other Grants Guidelines concurrently with the HDR.
(2) For the purpose of paragraph 3.10.10(1)(a), the provider must be satisfied that the exceptional circumstances relate to significant caring commitments or a medical condition which limits the student’s capacity to undertake full-time study.
(3) A student who has a part-time APA may revert to full-time study at any time with the permission of the provider.”
ITEM 18
Delete paragraph 3.20.1(1) and substitute:
“The value of an APA stipend over the full year in 2007 is as follows:
(a) for a full-time APA: $19,616
(b) for a part-time APA: $10,480”
ITEM 19
Delete paragraph 3.25.1 and substitute:
“3.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility
The provider must monitor students’ ongoing eligibility to ensure that each student continues to meet the eligibility requirements set out in paragraph 3.10 of these Guidelines.”
ITEM 20
Delete paragraph 3.25.30(1)(a) and substitute:
“if the student ceases to meet the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph 3.10 of these guidelines, other than during a period in which the APA has been suspended or during a period of leave in accordance with paragraph 3.25.20 of these Guidelines”
ITEM 21
Delete paragraph 3.25.30(1)(d)(iii) and substitute:
“the student has committed serious misconduct, including, but not limited to the provision of false or misleading information in terms of paragraph 3.25.35.”
ITEM 22
Delete the heading for paragraph 3.25.35 and substitute:
“3.25.35 Provision of False or Misleading Information”
ITEM 23
Delete paragraph 4.5 and substitute:
“4.5 GRANTS
4.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation
The total amount available for Endeavour IPRS in 2007 will be $18.828 million. This amount will be indexed for subsequent years in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.
4.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined
(1) The formula used to allocate the notional number of Endeavour IPRS to providers gives a 50% weighting to HDR completions, a 40% weighting for research income and a 10% weighting for research publications, each taken over the two most recent years for which data are available.
(2) Where the formula results in less than one but more than zero Endeavour IPRS for a provider, a default of one Endeavour IPRS will be allocated to the provider.
(3) The amount of Endeavour IPRS grant paid to an eligible scholarship provider under subsection 46-15(2) of the Act for the year 2007 or any later year (the “new year”) will be determined in accordance with paragraphs 4.5.5(4) and 4.5.5(5).
(4) Subject to any adjustment that may be made under paragraph 4.5.5(5), the amount of Endeavour IPRS grant to be paid to a provider for any new year (a “New Year Grant Amount”) is equal to:
(A + B + C + D) x E / F
where:
A = number of notional Endeavour IPRS allocated to the provider for the new year multiplied by 0.925
B = number of notional Endeavour IPRS allocated to the provider for the year prior to the new year multiplied by 0.925
C = number of notional Endeavour IPRS allocated to the provider for the year two years prior to that year multiplied by 0.775
D = number of notional Endeavour IPRS allocated to the provider for the year three years prior to that year multiplied by 0.65
E = the total amount available for Endeavour IPRS in the new year, as specified in paragraph 4.5.1
F = sum of (A+B+C+D) for all providers
(5) For the purposes of this paragraph 4.5.5(5), a “Prior Year” is 2004, 2005 or 2006.
If, for any Prior Year, there was a difference between:
(a) the amount of Endeavour IPRS grant paid to a provider;
and
(b) the provider’s actual total cash expenditure on Endeavour IPRS payments;
then DEST may adjust the amount of any New Year Grant Amount, as calculated under paragraph 4.5.5(4), to account for that difference.
ITEM 24
Delete paragraph 4.10 and substitute:
“4.10 STUDENT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
(1) To be eligible for an Endeavour IPRS, a student must:
(a) be an overseas student as defined in the Act; and
(b) meet international student visa requirements as specified by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA), including the requirement to purchase and maintain a standard Overseas Student Health Cover policy approved by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing; and
(c) be commencing full-time enrolment for the first time in a HDR at an eligible scholarship provider in Australia under section 46‑15 of the Act; and
(d) be undertaking study in a subject area identified by the provider as one of its areas of research concentration; and
(e) not hold a research qualification regarded by the provider to be equivalent to an Australian Research Doctorate degree or, if undertaking a Research Masters degree, not hold a research qualification regarded by the provider to be equivalent to or higher than an Australian Research Masters degree; and
(f) not have held an Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) scholarship within the two years prior to commencing the Endeavour IPRS; and
(g) not be receiving a scholarship for which course tuition is a component under any other scholarship scheme to which the Australian Government makes a substantial contribution.
(2) For the sake of clarity, paragraph 4.10(1)(c) does not preclude students from undertaking a component of their course of study outside Australia. Notwithstanding that paragraph, the provider may also consider students who:
(a) commenced their HDR in the previous year but who, due to the timing of their applications and subsequent enrolment, were unable to apply for an Endeavour IPRS in that year; or
(b) commenced a HDR and terminated that enrolment within six months of commencement.”
ITEM 25
Delete paragraph 4.15 and substitute:
“4.15 APPLICATION, SELECTION AND OFFER PROCESS AND POLICIES
A provider is responsible for the IPRS application, selection and offer processes and must make information about the processes, policies and conditions of scholarship readily and publicly available.
4.15.1 Applications
(1) Eligible scholarship providers must conduct a competitive application process for awarding Endeavour IPRS.
(2) Applications for Endeavour IPRS must be submitted in the form approved by the date determined by the eligible scholarship provider.
(3) Eligible scholarship providers must include the following statement on the application form, immediately prior to the applicant’s signature block: “Giving false or misleading information is a serious offence under the Criminal Code (Commonwealth)”.
4.15.5 Selection Policy
A provider must maintain an Endeavour IPRS selection policy which is publicly available and which accords with these Guidelines and the fairness requirements in Subdivision 19‑D of Part 2‑1 of the Act. The provider must select students for an Endeavour IPRS in accordance with the policy.
4.15.10 Offer Process
(1) Subject to paragraph 4.15.10(3), a provider must offer as many Endeavour IPRS as it can support through its Endeavour IPRS grant, taking into account:
(a) any roll over of grant amounts made in accordance with section 46-35 of the Act; and
(b) liabilities arising from extensions and suspensions of Endeavour IPRS approved by the provider, and accepting students transferring from another provider as specified in paragraph 4.25.10.
(2) The provider is responsible for managing any liabilities arising under paragraph 4.15.10(1)(b) and DEST will not reimburse any over-expenditure on that account.
(3) A provider may only offer an Endeavour IPRS as a result of:
(a) an application lodged as part of a competitive application process; or
(b) the provider agreeing to continue an Endeavour IPRS for a student who is already in receipt of an Endeavour IPRS and:
(i) is transferring from another provider under paragraph 4.25.10 of these Guidelines; or
(ii) is converting their degree under paragraph 4.25.15 of these Guidelines; or
(iii) has completed a Research Masters degree and is immediately proceeding to a Research Doctorate degree in a related field.
(4) A provider must offer a scholarship to a student in writing and advise the student in writing of the benefits to which they are entitled and the conditions of the scholarship. Where a provider does not include the cost of any other compulsory fees in the cost of the course of study, the letter of offer must state that the prospective student will be responsible for the payment of these compulsory fees, unless the provider chooses to cover those fees for the student.”
ITEM 26
Delete paragraph 4.20 and substitute:
“4.20 USING THE GRANT AMOUNTS
A provider must use Endeavour IPRS grant amounts only on the making of Endeavour IPRS payments in respect of students awarded an Endeavour IPRS.
4.20.1 Value of Scholarship
(1) The maximum value of an Endeavour IPRS in a year is equal to:
(a) the estimated annual course cost, as determined by the provider in accordance with Chapter 11 of the Commonwealth Grant Scheme Guidelines (Fees in respect of overseas students), for the HDR being undertaken by the student; plus
(b) the cost of a standard Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) policy approved by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing and which covers the student and their spouse and dependants (if any) for the period of the Endeavour IPRS.
4.20.5 Non-commencements and Withdrawals
(1) A provider may apply its usual policies concerning:
(a) the non-refundability of course costs for students who withdraw after commencing study; and
(b) administrative charges for students who do not commence their study after having received an offer of place.
(2) A provider may use Endeavour IPRS grant amounts to:
(a) discharge course costs, where the course fee is not refundable to a withdrawing student; or
(b) pay administrative charges for a student who does not commence their study after receiving an offer of a place.
4.20.10 Duration of an Endeavour IPRS
(1) The duration of an Endeavour IPRS is three years for Research Doctorate degrees and two years for Research Masters degrees.
(2) The duration of an Endeavour IPRS will be reduced by any periods of study undertaken:
(a) towards the course of study prior to the commencement of the Endeavour IPRS; and
(b) during suspension of the Endeavour IPRS.
(3) A provider may approve extensions to the duration of an Endeavour IPRS, subject to paragraphs 4.15.10(1)(b), 4.25.10(4) and 4.25.20(1)(b).”
ITEM 27
Delete paragraph 4.25 and substitute:
“4.25 CONDITIONS OF SCHOLARSHIP
4.25.1 Ongoing Eligibility
A provider must monitor the ongoing eligibility of a student to ensure that the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements for an Endeavour IPRS as set out in paragraph 4.10 of these Guidelines.
4.25.5 Suspension of an Endeavour IPRS
A student may apply to the provider for a suspension of their Endeavour IPRS. The approval of suspensions will be at the discretion of the provider.
4.25.10 Transfer to another Provider
(1) If a student in receipt of an Endeavour IPRS transfers to another provider, the scholarship may be transferred with the student in exceptional circumstances only.
(2) Students may continue to receive an Endeavour IPRS only if the former provider supports the student’s transfer and the new eligible scholarship provider agrees to continue the Endeavour IPRS.
(3) The new provider must ensure that it receives information from the former provider on any Endeavour IPRS duration consumed by the student.
(4) Change of provider does not constitute sufficient grounds for a subsequent extension of the Endeavour IPRS.
4.25.15 Conversion of Degrees
(1) Students 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 Endeavour IPRS.
(2) The maximum duration of a converted Endeavour IPRS becomes that for the new research degree (minus periods of study undertaken towards the related degree prior to the conversion).
4.25.20 Change of Research Area
(1) A provider may approve a student's request to change from the research area indicated in the original placement or Endeavour IPRS offer, providing:
(a) the new research area is one of the provider’s areas of research concentration; and
(b) there will be no extension of the duration of the Endeavour IPRS arising from the change of research area beyond the period of the original placement or Endeavour IPRS offer, including any previously approved extensions. The only exception is where the change of research area results from circumstances relating to the research which are outside the control of the student and the provider.
4.25.25 Work
(1) Other than work that is specified as a course requirement, a student with a student visa may undertake work unrelated to their course requirements consistent with the conditions of the student visa. The student must obtain the approval of their provider prior to undertaking such work. A provider may not approve a student undertaking work unless it is satisfied that the work will not interfere with the student’s study programme. A provider may approve work subject to conditions determined by the provider.
(2) Work commitments cannot be accepted as grounds for an extension of the duration of the Endeavour IPRS.
4.25.30 Termination of an Endeavour IPRS
(1) A provider must terminate an Endeavour IPRS:
(a) if the student ceases to meet the eligibility criteria specified in paragraph 4.10 of these Guidelines other than during a period in which the Endeavour IPRS has been suspended; or
(b) once the maximum duration of the Endeavour IPRS has been reached; or
(c) on completion of the course of study; or
(d) if the provider determines that:
(i) the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence; or
(ii) the student has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress; or
(iii) the student has committed serious misconduct including, but not limited to the provision of false or misleading information in terms of paragraph 4.25.35.
4.25.35 Provision of False or Misleading Information
(1) If a provider knows or has reason to believe that a student in receipt of an Endeavour IPRS has provided false or misleading information to the provider in relation to the Endeavour IPRS, the provider must immediately:
(a) re-assess the student’s entitlement to the Endeavour IPRS; and
(b) notify DEST of the suspected offence and provide a copy of the student’s application and any other relevant information requested by DEST.”
ITEM 28
Delete paragraph 5.5 and substitute:
“5.5 GRANTS
5.5.1 Total Grant Amounts and Indexation
The total grant amounts allocated for ISS for 2007 will be up to $167,000. This amount will be indexed in subsequent years in accordance with Part 5-6 of the Act.
5.5.5 How Grant Amounts are to be Determined
The amount of grants to administering providers in 2007 for the ISS will be equal to the value of the stipend ($22,300) plus up to $11,100 for payment of the student’s tuition fees and/or student contribution amounts for each ISS student who is studying with the administering provider.”
ITEM 29
Delete paragraph 5.15.10 and substitute:
“5.15.10 Offer Process
(1) A Letter of Offer will be forwarded to successful applicants. The conditions in accepting the ISS are outlined in paragraph 5.25 of these Guidelines. In accepting an ISS, the applicant is agreeing to abide by the conditions of the ISS. A Letter of Acceptance must be received by the successful applicant before the ISS can commence (refer to paragraph 5.25.10(2)).
(2) An ISS offer is made on the condition that the successful applicant enrols in a full-time course of study leading to a higher education award with an eligible provider (administering provider). The Letter of Acceptance from the successful applicant must include evidence of being enrolled full-time.”
ITEM 30
Delete paragraph 5.20.5 and substitute:
“5.20.5 Payment of Stipend to Students
The stipend for 2007 of $22,300 (indexed annually) for each ISS must be paid in advance to students, each fortnight in 26 equal payments.”
ITEM 31
Delete paragraph 5.20.20(2)(c) and substitute:
“if the student no longer meets the eligibility requirements under paragraph 5.10.1 of these Guidelines.”
ITEM 32
Delete paragraph 5.25.1 and substitute:
“5.25.1 Value of the ISS
(1) Students will be paid a stipend of $22,300 in 2007 (indexed annually).
(2) Eligible scholarship providers will receive up to $11,100 in 2007 (indexed annually) to cover tuition fees and/or student contribution amounts for the course of study in which the student is enrolled.”
ITEM 33
Delete paragraph 5.25.10(1) and substitute:
“The ISS must begin the year following the acceptance of the ISS and the student must be enrolled in a full-time course of study with an eligible provider in that year.”
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