Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarship Policy

Intent

This Policy outlines the processes and conditions for the administration of the Research Training Program (RTP) Scholarships at James Cook University (JCU; the University). RTP Scholarships are funded by the Australian Government and support domestic and international Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates.

This Policy is guided by the Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017, which provide for Commonwealth Scholarships under Part 2-4 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

Scope

This Policy applies to all JCU HDR candidates enrolled at an Australian Campus.

Definitions

Terms mentioned in this document and not defined here are defined in the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Policy and the Policy Glossary.

Professional Doctorate - an AQF Level 10 Doctorate at JCU that is not a Doctor of Philosophy.

RTP Scholarship - a form of support awarded to a student in terms of support items which could include the following items:

Domestic Candidate - a HDR candidate who is an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, or an Australian Permanent Resident.

International Candidate - a HDR candidate who is not a domestic candidate.

Policy

1. Basic Information on RTP Scholarships

1.1 RTP Scholarships are available to domestic students and, on a competitive basis, to international students enrolled in an accredited HDR program at JCU. Eligibility is determined in accordance with admission standards and Commonwealth requirements.

1.2 RTP Scholarships may comprise the following components:

a. RTP Stipend to assist eligible HDR candidates with general living costs while undertaking a HDR;

b. RTP Fees Offset that removes the HDR candidate’s tuition fee liability

c. RTP Allowance to assist with ancillary costs incurred by a HDR candidate in undertaking a HDR, as determined by the University.

1.3 The minimum and maximum stipend rate is set annually by the Commonwealth. The University may offer stipend rates based on merit, equity, or strategic priorities.

1.4 The support period for RTP Scholarships is:

a. Doctorate: Minimum 3 years and maximum 4 years (FTE)

b. Masters by Research: Maximum 2 years (FTE)

1.5 receipt of a RTP scholarship does not make the HDR candidate an employee of JCU. The HDR candidate is not required to render services to the scholarship provider or JCU as a condition of receiving the scholarship.

2. Application, Selection and Offer Processes

2.1 RTP Scholarships are awarded through a transparent, merit-based, competitive process which is conducted at least annually and includes:

a. Establishment of clear selection criteria, such as academic merit, research potential, alignment with strategic priorities, equity;

b. Publication of scoring methodology and ranking process; and

c. Review and moderation of selection outcomes.

2.2 All RTP Scholarship offers must be formalised in writing and include:

a. Type of RTP support awarded;

b. Value and duration of the award; and

c. Conditions of the award, including eligibility maintenance requirements

3. Continuing HDR candidates

3.1 HDR candidates previously supported under former schemes such as the Australian Postgraduate Award, International Postgraduate Research Scholarship, or the Research Training Scheme were transitioned to RTP Scholarship support on 1 January 2017. Entitlements under RTP Scholarships match or exceed the previous arrangements.

Suspension Provisions

4.1 the HDR candidate may request suspension of their RTP Scholarship support for reasons including, but not limited to:

a. Personal illness or injury;

b. Carer responsibilities;

c. Approved industry internship or fieldwork; or

d. Financial or family hardship

4.2 Applications for suspension of RTP Scholarships must be supported by evidence and approved by the Dean, Graduate Research and Researcher Development (GRRD).

4.3 Approved suspension periods to not count toward the maximum RTP support durations.

5. Leave Provisions (applicable to RTP Stipend Scholarships)

5.1 HDR candidates receiving RTP Stipend Scholarships are entitled to:

a. Annual leave of 20 working days per year.

b. Sick leave of 10 working days per year, extendable up to 60 days per year with medical certificate.

c. Parental leave of up to 60 working days of paid maternity/adoption/partner leave after 12 months of continuous RTP Scholarship support.

5.2 All leave must be formally approved.

6. Employment During Candidature

6.1 Candidates in receipt of a full-time RTP Stipend Scholarship are expected to engage in research and study for the equivalent duration of a standard five-day full-time working week, for at least 48 weeks per year.

6.2 Employment must not adversely affect a HDR candidate’s research progress.

6.3 Approved industry internships may occur during the RTP offset scholarship period, with possible extension of the candidature period if within the allowed limits. Stipend availability during internships will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

7. Enrolment Changes

7.1 Changes in enrolment status that may affect RTP Scholarship entitlement must be approved through the Graduate Research School, and include:

a. Conversion from full-time to part-time EFTSL, or vice versa;

b. Transfers between PhD and Masters degrees, or vice versa.

8. Termination of RTP Scholarship support

8.1 RTP Scholarship support will be terminated upon written notification if:

a. The HDR candidate completes the program;

b. The HDR candidate breaches scholarship terms and conditions

9. RTP Stipend and/or Offset Scholarship holders must ensure that the Commonwealth’s contribution is acknowledged as per the Postgraduate Research Scholarship Conditions. The acknowledgement must include mention of the HDR candidate’s support through an “Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship”.

10. RTP Scholarship holders may raise a grievance or request review of University decisions  under the Student Complaints Policy, the HDR Candidature Progression Procedure, or via the Queensland Ombudsman.

Related policy instruments

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Policy

Student Code of Conduct

Student Complaints Policy

HDR Application, Admission, and Enrolment Procedure

HDR Candidature Management Procedure

HDR Advisory Procedure

HDR Minimum Standard of Resources, Facilities and Other Support Procedure

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History