CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship

Introduction

CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) would like to support further engagement with the sciences for Indigenous Australians, by supporting JCU Indigenous STEM students to complete their studies.

Established in perpetuity, this scholarship supports Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework study in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) degree at JCU.  

This scholarship is also an opportunity to engage with the CSIRO and build a relationship and pathway into a career in the Sciences. The successful recipients may also be considered for a graduate position with the CSIRO and work opportunities at a CSIRO facility, which would be arranged directly with the donor and outside of the scholarship.

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

Value and Payment of the Scholarship

If you are a successful applicant of this scholarship you will receive $10,000 paid in two equal instalments of $5,000 after census dates of study period two and study period one the following year each year of award (please allow up to 6 weeks after census date for payment).

Eligibility Criteria

The CSIRO Indigenous STEM Scholarship is open for you to apply if you are:

• An Australian citizen or Australian permanent residents: and
• Identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in descent; and
• Enrolled full-time (minimum 9 credit points) per study period: and
• Enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate (coursework) degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM), Students studying medical sciences and healthcare sciences degrees may apply, but need to demonstrate how their studies relate to CSIRO research areas.
• Studying internally at the Cairns, Nguma-bada or Bebegu Yumba Townsville campus.

Selection Criteria

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

• Passion for STEM and future impact (40%).
• Academic history, pathways, progress and participation (40%)
• Demonstrated commitment to studies (20%)

Application Procedures

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

• If commencing student: Copy of ATAR and high school transcript;
• If current student: JCU academic transcript;
• A short-written application addressing:
• What drives your passion for pursuing a STEM career.
• How you envision making a positive impact in your chosen STEM field as well as your Indigenous community in the future.
• Your long-term goals, aspirations, and any relevant experiences that have shaped your decision to pursue a STEM career.

Applications submitted without the relevant documentation will not be considered.

The applicant authorises the Selection Committee to verify any information provided by the applicant.

Selection Process

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

• DVC Indigenous, JCU Indigenous Education & Research Centre; or nominees;
• Head, Indigenous Student Services; or nominee;
• CSIRO nominee.

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

Ongoing eligibility

To continue to receive payments, the ongoing eligibility must be met:

• The recipient must pass all core subjects.
• The recipient must remain enrolled full-time (minimum 9 credit points per semester).
• Successful applicants will be required to complete a student report on their experiences at the end each year.

Conditions of the Scholarship

• If the recipient defers their study, the recipient will no longer be eligible for the award.
• If the Scholarship Recipient takes an official leave of absence the award will be held for one academic year (2 semesters / 3 trimesters)
• If the holder of the award does not meet the ongoing eligibility requirements, the recipient is required to submit a statement of reasons to be reviewed by Selection Committee for consideration of scholarship extension. Committee may decide not extend scholarship.

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