AIMS@JCU Indigenous Undergraduate Scholarships

Introduction

AIMS@JCU Indigenous Undergraduate Scholarships

AIMS@JCU is a co-funded strategic partnership between two global leaders in tropical marine science - James Cook University (JCU) and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). It integrates their strengths, synergies, infrastructure & expertise for a net increase in world class tropical marine research capacity.

For 17 years, AIMS@JCU has unearthed and nurtured a wealth of young marine science talent with a high global profile and impact. The professional network continues to grow through the uptake of AIMS@JCU graduates into employment by many eminent national and international organisations.

This scholarship program is being established to support Indigenous undergraduate students studying marine sciences and related fields with a focus on the marine environment at JCU.

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 varies and will be determined by the selection committee. The maximum value of the scholarship per recipient can be up to $5,000. The minimum value per recipient can be $1,000. Payments are made in 1 lump sum upon awarding. Payments can take up to 6 weeks.

Eligibility Criteria

The AIMS@JCU Indigenous Undergraduate Scholarships are open for you to apply if you are:

• An Australian citizen or Australian permanent residents.
• Identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander in descent.
• Enrolled in an undergraduate Marine Science or related undergraduate marine degree at JCU. Including:
  • Bachelor of Marine Science,
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management,
  • Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Science with an eligible major. Eligible majors include - Aquaculture Science and Technology, Marine Biology, Zoology and Ecology, Earth Sciences, Environmental Earth Science and Geology.
  • Also, dual degrees that include one of the above degrees and appropriate major e.g.  Bachelor of Art – Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Law – Bachelor Science, or Bachelor of Engineering (HONS) – Bachelor Science.

• Are willing to join AIMS@JCU as student members.

Selection Criteria

The Selection Committee shall, in the exercise of its absolute discretion, afford consideration to the following criteria:

• Academic merit (20%).
• Written Statement (60%)
  • Passion for Marine Science (40%)
  • Incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge (20%)
• Other Scholarship funding (20%)

Application Procedures

Applicants wanting to apply for this scholarship must attach the following documents to their application form.

• JCU Academic transcript.
• Evidence of your ATAR score if commencing student.
• Written Statement of no more than 500 words outlining:
  • Why have you chosen to study marine science, or related marine degree, at JCU
  • What you hope to do with your degree.
  • Other skills and experience or background.
  • If applicable, what other scholarship funding are you receiving currently.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to make such enquires as to the applicant's good character and suitability to receive the scholarship, which includes authorization for the Selection Committee to examine the applicant's academic record and seek opinions from relevant members of the academic staff of this University or any other academic institution.

Selection Process

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

• JCU Pool of Representatives from IERC and Marine Sciences discipline at JCU.

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 may require applicants to undertake an interview as part of their application.

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

Conditions of the Scholarship

• Twice a year (July and December), a written report must be submitted to the scholarships office, the template will be sent to you.
• Content from these reports may be used in AIMS, JCU and AIMS@JCU social media, media releases, reports, publications and newsletters once full consent is sought from students involved.

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

Administration of the Scholarship

The scholarship shall be administered by Scholarships Office of the University, 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 Scholarship Office.

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