JCU Elite Athlete Scholarship

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

• I am an Australian citizen or Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holder, or Australian Permanent Resident or New Zealand Citizen;
• I have demonstrated outstanding achievement in my chosen sport and meet the criteria as an Elite Athlete as defined in the James Cook University Elite Athlete Friendly University Policy.
• My home address is in the area of Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn, See Appendix A;
• I have applied through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and nominated a JCU course as my first or second preference; and
• I am likely to achieve, or have achieved, an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 85 or International Baccalaureate (IB) score equivalent (bonus rank points will not apply); and
• I am commencing JCU as a new student in the year the scholarship is awarded.

If you are a successful recipient of this scholarship you will receive up to $30,000 paid in instalments over the duration of your course.

Payments are made up to 6 weeks after census date of study period 1 and study period 2 each year, and based on meeting continuing eligibility.

Applicants for this scholarship must submit an application and upload the following documents:

• a typed personal statement of a maximum of 1000 words that outlines:
  • Sporting achievements including a timeline list of achievements and accolades, if possible verified by a sporting agency;
  • Career goals and aims; and
  • How this scholarship will enable you to achieve your career and sporting goals.
• Referee contact details or letters – including one referee (e.g. school principal, teacher, or other academic professional) who can comment on academic performance and one referee who can comment on sporting achievements and performance.
• Year 12 Semester 1 report card: and
• Copies of certificates, media articles or other correspondence that supports your application.

When applying for a scholarship it is very important that you ensure that you include all relevant documents as an incomplete application will not be considered.

Your application is checked for completeness and eligibility, and will be assessed by the Selection Committee.

Introduction

The JCU Elite Athlete Scholarship provides financial support to elite athletes from northern Queensland to enable them to complete a university qualification without compromising their sporting opportunities or leaving the region.  JCU is an “Elite Athlete Friendly University” and students may also be eligible for non-financial assistance under James Cook University Elite Athlete Friendly University Policy.

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

Nature of the Scholarship

The value of the scholarship will be up to $30,000 paid in instalments over the duration of the course.

Payments are made up to 6 weeks after census date of study period 1 and study period 2 each year, and based on meeting continuing eligibility.

Eligibility Criteria

The JCU Elite Athlete Scholarship shall be open to candidates who:

• Be an Australian Citizen or Australian Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holder, or Australian Permanent Resident or New Zealand Citizen;
• Have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen sport and meet the criteria as an Elite Athlete as defined in the James Cook University Elite Athlete Friendly University Policy.
• Have a home address in the area of Queensland north of the Tropic of Capricorn;
• Have applied through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and nominated a JCU course as their first or second preference;
• Be likely to achieve, or have achieved, an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking (ATAR) of 85 or International Baccalaureate (IB)  score equivalent (bonus rank points will not apply); and
• Be commencing a course as a new student at JCU in the year the scholarship is awarded.

Selection Criteria

In awarding the scholarship the Selection Committee will consider the following factors:

• The applicant’s standing and profile in their chosen sport;
• The applicant’s academic capability and potential to succeed in their chosen course
• The benefit the scholarship will bring in enabling the applicant to study at JCU and continue their sporting career in northern Queensland; and
• The personal qualities of the student, including their suitability to represent the University publicly.

Application Procedures

Applicants for this scholarship must submit an application and upload the following documents:

• A typed personal statement of a maximum of 1000 words that outlines:
  • Sporting achievements including a timeline list of achievements and accolades, if possible verified by a sporting agency;
  • Career goals and aims; and
  • How this scholarship will enable the applicant to achieve their career and sporting goals.
• Referee contact details or letters – including one referee (e.g. school principal, teacher, or other academic professional) who can comment on academic performance and one referee who can comment on sporting achievements and performance.
• Copies of certificates, media articles or other correspondence that supports your application.

When applying for a scholarship it is very important that you ensure that you include all relevant documents as an incomplete application 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 award, which includes authorisation 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 relevant institution.

Selection Process

The award of the Scholarship shall be made at the absolute discretion of the Selection Committee.

The Selection Committee shall comprise:

• Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education;
• Co-Ordinator, JCU Elite Athlete Program or Head, Sport and Exercise Science;
• College Dean with oversight of discipline area where a student has applied to study; and
• Any other members which the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education believes appropriate to make a decision regarding the application.

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 applicant of sufficient merit to warrant an award.

The Selection Committee will determine all matters relating to the selection of the scholarship recipients.

Payment

Payment of the scholarship will be made in two equal instalments after the census dates in Study Period 1 and Study Period 2 each year up to the maximum value of the scholarship.

The Maximum Value of the Scholarship will be determined by the DVC Education who may take into account the following factors:

• The status and achievements of the athlete in their chosen sport;
• The travel commitments of the athlete;
• The academic achievements of the athlete; and
• Any financial or other disadvantage facing the athlete.

Continuing Eligibility

To continue to receive payments, the recipient must:

• remain enrolled in an Undergraduate course at JCU.
• maintain a GPA of 4.0 in each Study Period to retain the scholarship.

Conditions of the Scholarship

The recipient must be enrolled as a JCU student for each Study Period  to which the benefit applies.

A recipient may change their undergraduate course without affecting their scholarship. However, the maximum period for which the scholarship benefit may be paid is limited to the balance of the scholarship benefit.

The scholarship may be prorated if the recipient enrols on a part-time basis during the scholarship period.

The recipient must maintain a GPA of 4.0 in each Study Period to retain the scholarship. Where the recipient fails to meet this requirement, the scholarship may be terminated.

If the recipient defers their study or takes a Leave of Absence in accordance with University policy, the scholarship will be suspended for a period of up to one year.

If the recipient is not enrolled and is not on an approved leave of absence the scholarship will be terminated.

Recipients are expected to maintain an appropriate status in their chosen sport and submit a performance report at the completion of Study Period 1 and 2 each year. Special dispensation may be provided in the case of injury or other extenuating circumstances.

If the recipient fails to comply with any of the conditions of this scholarship, the Scholarship may be suspended or terminated.

The Scholarship may also be terminated if the recipient is indicted for a criminal offence, is convicted of using drugs in a way not prescribed by any Sports Anti-Doping Authority, is suspended or banned from their chosen sport; engages in unsports-person-like behaviour, or defames JCU in any way.

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

Administration of the Scholarship

The Scholarship shall be managed by the Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Education.

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

Appendix A

Please refer to Glossary of Terms