University Scholarships

Policy and Procedures

The following provisions shall apply to each of the scholarships¹ approved by University Council.

James Cook University encourages prospective students and continuing students to apply for scholarships appropriate to their needs from a wide range of scholarships that are offered by the University and its benefactors.

The primary purposes of a scholarship are to attract new students to JCU, in particular high calibre students, and to retain existing students. Other scholarships also serve to reward continuing students for maintaining or achieving required levels of academic performance.

The University has established Model Requirements² for scholarship schemes. One such requirement is that the target(s) of the Scholarship are to be clearly stated. The establishment of a new Scholarship is to be approved by the University Council on the advice of Academic Board. Council will determine whether, having regard to the circumstances, the proposed Scholarship is consistent with University objectives. Academic Board will propose only such schemes as conform with the Model Requirements. In exceptional circumstances, new scholarships may be approved by the Vice-Chancellor on the recommendation of the Chair of the Academic Board and amendments to existing scholarships may be approved by the Chair of Academic Board. Such scholarships to be noted by Council and Academic Board and amendments to be noted by Academic Board.

The award of scholarships within an established Scheme requires the approval of Academic Board. Academic Board will satisfy itself that the award requirements have been met.

The awarding of a scholarship is to be an open and transparent activity: each is established with its own Award Requirements and a written record of steps taken in reaching the decision will be required.

In order to achieve the primary purposes, the timing of promotion and awarding of scholarships for new students in particular, is critical. Promotion must occur as early as possible, but preferably no later than December of each year. The award of a Scholarship should be made by no later than the end of January.

A Scholarship is defined as an award of money or benefits in excess of $5,000 per annum provided to a student for support while undertaking a course of study at the University. A Scholarship is to be distinguished from a bursary, grant, fellowship, studentship or prize.

Responsibility for the administration and maintenance of Scholarships rests with the relevant discipline, school or faculty. Where the Scholarship is offered University-wide or across several faculties, the Scholarships Officer will be responsible. The Scholarships Officer will also be responsible for overseeing compliance with the Award Requirements for all Scholarships, maintaining the Scholarships website and the review and updating of the Model Requirements from time to time.

Applications for Scholarships shall be directed to the relevant area responsible for administering the Scholarship. All applications will be acknowledged in writing. All recipients and unsuccessful applicants will be formally notified and all successful applicants together with benefactors will receive publicity and official recognition by the University.

¹ Scholarships for the purpose of these guidelines exclude scholarships for project and stipend support of research higher degree students.

² Students should refer to the Scholarships website for details of scholarships currently offered by the University and the requirements attached to each.

Approval Details

Modification History