11 June 2019: A new scholarship offered by the University of Canberra will provide funding and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Higher Degree by Research students.
The Indigenous Australian Higher Degree by Research Stipend Scholarship has been established for engaged and ambitious Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants to undertake a PhD or Master by Research course in any discipline at the University of Canberra.
The scholarship provides a tax-free living allowance of $30,000 per year for the duration of course, up to four years for a doctoral course and two years for a masters by research course. An additional $10,000 of research funding is available to be used for any cost related to the project.
The University of Canberra’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation, Professor Leigh Sullivan, said it was a very timely initiative.
“We are very pleased to be able to announce and offer this scholarship for Indigenous Higher Degree by Research students at the University of Canberra. I encourage potential applicants to learn more about this scholarship and discuss the opportunities available to them with our graduate research team,” Professor Sullivan said.
The scholarship also includes provisions for paid sick leave or family carers leave, paid maternity/parental leave and paid cultural leave.
Professor Peter Radoll, Dean Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy, said it was encouraging to see momentum towards the University’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan, particularly to build research capacity.
“By providing this scholarship we will not only attract outstanding Indigenous HDR candidates, but it also demonstrates a cultural shift in recognising the unique and valuable contribution that Indigenous people make to research and higher education,” Professor Radoll said.
Applications for this scholarship close on 30 September 2019, for award of the scholarship in Semester One 2020. More information is available here, and enquiries can be sent to GraduateResearch@canberra.edu.au.
