J K O'Brien Scholarship for Health Sciences

If all the below statements describe you and your current situation, you can apply for this scholarship:

• I am a domestic student, i.e. Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa;
• I am a commencing student in the year the scholarship is to be awarded at Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus;
• I am experiencing financial hardship;
• I am enrolled in an undergraduate degree in the area of human health (this includes all disciplines under the College of Healthcare Sciences and College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, but excludes any non‐human sciences like Vet); and
• My primary residence for 3 out of the last 5 years has been in a remote or rural area of Queensland or Northern Territory as defined by the ASCG category (RA4 – RA5).

The value of the scholarship shall be $10,000 for one year, or such amount as the Selection Committee determine from time to time.  The payment will be made in two equal instalments after census date of Study Period 1 and Study Period 2 in the year of the award. Please allow up to 6 weeks after census date for payment.

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• A copy of your academic record from any other academic institution, including secondary school; and
• A written statement (no more than 500 words) containing a description of activities, events or other involvement in the local community of the applicants primary place of residence;
• a written reference from an official involved in the community event or activity;
• evidence of financial hardship (see Examples of supporting Documentation); and
• proof of primary residential address during 3 out of the last 5 years.

When applying for a scholarship it is very important that you answer all the questions and include all relevant documents.  Your application and relevant documents must be submitted before the closing date. If an application is incomplete, it will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquiries as to the applicant’s good character and suitability to receive the scholarship.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and you will receive an email confirmation it has been received. After the closing date it will be individually assessed and put forward to a selection committee who will rank your application against others who have applied. Applicants may be required to attend an interview as part of the selection process.

Introduction

This scholarship was established in 2016 in memory of the late Mr O’Brien and donated by his widow.  The scholarship is to support a student who is active within the community and would benefit from financial assistance to continue their involvement.

This scholarship is subject to the provisions of James Cook University’s Coursework Scholarships, Bursaries and Grants Policy.

Value and payment of the Scholarship

The value of the scholarship shall be $10,000 for one year, or such amount as the Selection Committee determine from time to time.  The payment will be made in two equal instalments after census date of Study Period 1 and Study Period 2 in the year of the award. Please allow up to 6 weeks after census date for payment.

Eligibility Criteria

The J.K. O’Brien Scholarship shall be open to competition among candidates who:

• Are a domestic student, i.e. Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and holders of a permanent visa;
• Are a commencing student in the year the scholarship is to be awarded at Townsville, Bebegu Yumba campus;
• Is experiencing financial hardship;
• Are enrolled full time in an undergraduate degree in the area of human health (this includes all disciplines under the College of Healthcare Sciences and College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, but excludes any non‐human sciences like Vet); and
• My primary residence for 3 out of the last 5 years has been in a remote or rural area of Queensland or Northern Territory as defined by the ASCG category (RA4 – RA5).

Selection Criteria

The Selection Criteria are:

• content of the written statement, identifying the extent and nature of community involvement;
• written reference (indicating their Community involvement);
• extent of financial circumstances (JCU Scholarship assessment);
• highest GPA/Academic achievement of candidates who meet criteria; and
• any other criteria that the Selection Committee deems appropriate.

Application Procedures

Applications must be submitted on the official application form no later than the date set by the Selection Committee for the year in which the award is to be made.

Applicants must submit with the official form, where appropriate:

• A copy of your academic record from any other academic institution, including secondary school; and
• a written statement (no more than 500 words) containing a description of activities, events or other involvement in the local community of the applicants primary place of residence;
• a written reference from an official involved in the community event or activity;
• evidence of financial hardship; and
• proof of primary residential address during 3 out of the last 5 years.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquiries as to the applicant’s good character and suitability to receive the scholarship.

Selection Process

The award of the scholarship shall be made in the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee, which shall comprise:

• Dean, College of Healthcare Sciences (CHAIR), or nominee,
• Dean, College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Sciences, or nominee,
• Director, Academic Program Quality, or nominee.
• **OR a pool of appropriate JCU representatives

The Selection Committee reserves the right not to award a Scholarship in any year if, in the opinion of the Selection Committee, there is no candidate of sufficient merit to warrant an award.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the Scholarship awardee.

Ongoing Eligibility

The recipient must be fully enrolled in Study Period 2 to receive their 2nd instalment.

Conditions of the Scholarship

At the end of the academic year, a written report must be submitted to the scholarships office, the template will be sent to you.

The recipient may defer their study by no more than one year to remain eligible for the award.

A student may lodge a request for review of decision in accordance with the provisions of the Student Appeals Policy..

The requirements of the Scholarship shall not make the awarding of the Scholarship conditional upon the recipient providing unremunerated services or products to the donor.

In the event that the recipient suspends their study for more than one year, the scholarship shall be suspended.

If the holder of an award fails to comply with any of these provisions or any provision relating to a particular award or with any conditions imposed under these provisions or the provisions relating to a particular award, the Selection Committee may terminate the award or withhold any further payments or take such action as it may deem necessary to enforce compliance with the provision or performance of the condition by the holder.

Administration of the Scholarship

The scholarship shall be administered by Scholarships Office, on behalf of the Selection Committee.

The funds of the scholarship shall be held in an account in the name of the University and shall be administered by the officer of the University charged with administering the scholarship.

Where there is a fund maintaining the award, the annual value of the award shall be approximately equal to the annual income from the fund.

Income from a fund not expended on the award which it maintains, shall be added to and become part of the fund.

Where an award provides some benefit to the recipient from a body external to the University, or an obligation upon a body external to the University, the University, its servants and agents, shall not be liable for that benefit or obligation.

Please refer to Glossary of Terms