• Section 1 - Purpose and Context
• Section 2 - Definitions
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Part A - Eligibility  Criteria
• Part B - Tenure of the HDR Scholarship
• Part C - Termination
• Part D - Stipend and Allowances
• Part E - Leave Entitlements
• Part F - Supervision and Resources
• Part G - Employment
• Part H - Industry Research Internships
• Part I - Overseas Research
• Part J - HDR Scholarship Appeals
• Part K - Research at Other Institutions
• Part L - The University's Obligations
• Part M - Recipient Obligations
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Section 5 - Guidelines

Section 1 - Purpose and Context

(1) This document outlines the Award for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) scholarships awarded (based on merit) to eligible domestic and international HDR candidates at Western Sydney University.

(2) The aim of HDR Scholarships is to support research training and encourage highly qualified candidates to undertake Research Doctorate and Research Masters degrees at Western Sydney University.

(3) This policy is to be read in conjunction with:

1. the ‘Conditions of the Scholarship’ which includes stipend rates, specific terms, conditions and provisions that applies to a particular scholarship and is signed by the recipient and the University.
2. The Academic Appeals Procedures, Research Higher Degree Candidature Essential Resources Policy, Supervision of Research Candidates Policy, Doctorate Policy, Student Code of Conduct, Complaint Management Policy, Student Misconduct Rule and the Schedule of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Delegation.

(4) From 1 January 2017 continuing students, supported by the previous Research Training Scheme, International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) or Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) will be transitioned to an Australian Government Research Training Policy (RTP) Scholarship without being disadvantaged. Support provided by the Australian Government RTP Scholarship will be, at least, equivalent to that provided under the previous Commonwealth Government funding. IPRS and APA recipients will be transferred to an Australian Government RTP Stipend Scholarship and an RTP Fees Offset.

(5) A copy of the signed ‘Conditions of the Scholarship’ will be made available to recipients.

Section 2 - Definitions

(6) For the purpose of this policy:

1. HDR Scholarship means one or more of the following components:
   1. Research Training Program Stipend Scholarship (RTPSS);
   2. Research Training Program Fee Offset;
   3. Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Stipend Scholarship;
   4. Western Sydney University Master of Philosophy Stipend Scholarship;
   5. Western Sydney University Master of Research Stipend Scholarship (domestic candidates only);
   6. Western Sydney University Industry Co-funded Stipend Scholarship;
   7. Western Sydney University Industry Stipend Scholarship;
   8. Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Stipend Scholarship; and
   9. Western Sydney University Fee Reduction Scholarship (international candidates only).
2. The University means Western Sydney University.
3. Research Training Program (RTP) stipend scholarship is funded by the Commonwealth Government to assist students with their living costs while undertaking a Higher Degree Research program.
4. Research Training Program (RTP) Fees Offset means a scholarship component where the University is required to extinguish the liability of the student receiving the RTP Fees Offset to pay tuition fees. A student awarded an RTP Fees Offset therefore would not be charged a tuition fee for the period they are receiving this scholarship component.
5. A Stipend Scholarship means an allowance awarded for the sole purpose of assisting with living costs.
6. Western Sydney University Scholarships are stipends funded by the University.
7. The recipient means the person to whom the scholarship has been awarded.
8. HDR candidate means a student enrolled in an HDR program.
9. HDR program means a Higher Degree Research accredited Level 9 (Research Masters) or Level 10 (Research Doctorate) qualification, as described in the Australian Qualifications Framework Second Edition January 2013, where at least two thirds of the program will be focused to research, research training and independent study.
10. A Research Masters means either a Master of Philosophy program or a Master of Research (HDR component only) program.
11. Master of Research means the Bachelor of Research Studies program and a Higher Degree Research thesis program.
    1. Bachelor of Research Studies is a program meeting the learning outcomes of an accredited Level 8 (Bachelor Degree) qualification as described in the Australian Qualifications Framework Second Edition January 2013.
    2. A Higher Degree Research thesis is a Higher Degree Research accredited Level 9 (Research Masters) which requires the development of a 20,000-25,000 word thesis or similar major research project.
12. The Dean means the Dean of a University School.
13. The Director, Research Institute means the Director of a University Research Institute.
14. The HDR Director means the Higher Degree Research Director as determined by the Dean, or by the Director, Research Institute.
15. A Domestic HDR candidate means a student is
    1. an Australian Citizen;
    2. a New Zealand Citizen;
    3. the holder of an Australian Permanent Resident Visa; or
    4. the holder of a Humanitarian Visa (Refugee).
16. An International HDR candidate means a student who is not a domestic HDR Candidate.

Section 3 - Policy Statement

Part A - Eligibility  Criteria

(7) The recipient of an RTPSS or Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Stipend Scholarship:

1. must be a domestic or international HDR candidate of Western Sydney University;
2. must not be receiving research related income (from any source) to support the candidates living costs where the income is greater than 75% of the stipend rate;
3. the 75% rule will not apply to:
   1. income earned from sources unrelated to the research; and,
   2. income related to the research but not for the purpose of supporting general living costs.

(8) The recipient of a Research Training Program (RTP) Fee Offset:

1. must be a domestic HDR candidate upon commencement of the scholarship; or
2. must be an international HDR candidate of Western Sydney University and have been awarded an RTPSS or Western Sydney University Postgraduate Research Stipend Scholarship; and
3. must not be in receipt of an equivalent scholarship from the Commonwealth Government that is designed to offset HDR fees.

(9) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Master of Philosophy Stipend Scholarship:

1. must be a domestic or international HDR candidate of the Western Sydney University;
2. must be enrolled as a full-time HDR candidate upon commencement of their scholarship;
3. must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave.

(10) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Master of Research Stipend Scholarship:

1. must be a domestic candidate upon commencement of the scholarship; or
2. must be enrolled in the HDR thesis year in the Master of Research, upon commencement of the stipend scholarship;
3. must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave;
4. must not be in receipt of an equivalent scholarship from the Commonwealth Government designed to offset HDR fees, to be eligible for an RTP Fees Offset; and
5. must, in all cases, achieve the outlined schedule of academic standards and progression, as detailed in the Master of Research Conditions of Award.

(11) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Co-funded (Industry) Stipend Scholarship or a Western Sydney University Industry Stipend Scholarship:

1. must be a domestic or international HDR candidate of Western Sydney University;
2. must be enrolled as a full-time HDR candidate upon commencement of their scholarship;
3. must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave;
4. must meet specific HDR eligibility criteria detailed in any Western Sydney University Industry Agreement; and
5. must not be in receipt of an equivalent scholarship from the Commonwealth Government designed to offset HDR fees, to be eligible for any RTP Fees Offset component.

(12) The recipient of a Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Stipend Scholarship:

1. must be a domestic or international HDR candidate at Western Sydney University;
2. must be enrolled as a full-time candidate upon commencement of their Scholarship;
3. must reside in Australia for the duration of their studies, except for periods of approved leave; and
4. must have:
   1. achieved a First Class Honours (H1) or High Distinction in Research Master’s degree;
   2. have recognised and demonstrated research performance;
   3. have a statement of endorsement from the potential supervisor panel; and
   4. a research project which aligns with Western Sydney University Research Themes.

(13) Recipients of a Western Sydney University Fee Reduction Scholarship (international candidates only):

1. must be an international candidate enrolled in an HDR program at Western Sydney University;
2. must reside in Australia for the duration of their program, except for periods of approved leave; and
3. must be enrolled as a full-time HDR candidate upon commencement of this fee reduction scholarship and continue to meet all conditions of their visa.

Progression

(14) HDR scholarship recipients must continue to meet HDR Progression Milestones associated with their program:

1. If the HDR candidate ceases to meet the associated Progression Milestones (without prior approval from the relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute) the University may exercise its right to terminate the scholarship as outlined in this policy.
2. All HDR Scholarship terminations must be endorsed by the Western Sydney University Research Studies Committee.

Scholarship Application Selection and Offer

(15) All HDR Scholarships applicants will undergo a merit-based selection process.

(16) Each application will be assessed, scored and ranked. The basis of merit will include but is not limited to:

1. academic performance (Bachelor Honours, Research Masters or Postgraduate);
2. research output and/or research experience; and
3. alignment with the University Research Themes.

(17) A University HDR Scholarship Metric will be approved each year by the Research Studies Committee.

(18) All HDR Scholarship applications must be submitted in the approved format and by the advertised date. Applications received after any communicated closing date will not be accepted, except where approval has been granted by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development.

(19) Requirements for HDR Scholarship applications will be published and may include:

1. a research proposal;
2. a completed application form;
3. detailed curriculum vitae;
4. certified copies of academic transcripts;
5. written evidence of research experience; 
6. any additional research skill or knowledge criteria as deemed necessary and approved by the University's Research Studies Committee; 
7. Statement of endorsement from the potential supervisory panel.

(20) All applications will be reviewed by the University Research Scholarship Ranking Panel, except as detailed in Clause (22).

(21) The University Research Scholarship Ranking Panel as appointed by the Research Studies Committee will provide a listing of recommended stipend and fee reduction scholarship recipients to the University Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President, Research, Enterprise and International for approval.

(22) Where an HDR scholarship is a one-off single scholarship, such as an Industry Co-funded, applications will:

1. follow the selection process as per the University HDR Scholarship Selection Procedure;
2. be reviewed by a selection panel approved by the relevant School or Institute HDR Director. The panel will consist of both academic and industry representatives;
3. include interviews for all applicants deemed competitive by the selection panel; and,
4. the decision by the panel appointing the recipient must be by consensus.

(23) The University selection process is compliant with the fairness requirements contained in Subdivision 19-D of Part 2-1 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003.

(24) The University will:

1. only offer an HDR scholarship to a recipient who has been part of an application process (ranking or interview); and,

1. ensure offers are in writing and advise the recipient of the assistance they are entitled to and define all terms and conditions of the HDR scholarship.

Part B - Tenure of the HDR Scholarship

(25) An RTPSS or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship will be provided for a maximum period of three years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Doctorate or for a maximum six years for a part-time Research Doctorate candidate.

(26) An RTPSS or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship will be provided for a maximum period of two years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Masters or for a maximum four years for a part-time Research Masters candidate.

(27) An RTP Fee Offset will be provided for a period of up to four years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Doctorate or up to eight years for a part-time Research Doctorate candidate.

(28) An RTP Fee Offset will be provided for a period of up to two years for a full-time candidate undertaking a Research Masters or up to four years for a part-time Research Masters candidate.

(29) The tenure for all HDR Scholarships in this policy is calculated from the agreed scholarship commencement date.

(30) When a part-time HDR scholarship is converted to a full-time HDR scholarship, the remaining Scholarship period will be calculated by subtracting half of the part-time Scholarship period expended up to the conversion date, from the term of a full-time Scholarship.

(31) When a full-time HDR scholarship is converted to a part-time HDR scholarship, the remaining Scholarship period will be calculated by doubling the period of full-time HDR scholarship time remaining.

(32) The tenure of all HDR scholarships in this policy will be reduced by any period of study undertaken at another Australian university prior to the commencement of the Degree at Western Sydney University for a continuing research project.

Extensions

(33) Where the recipient seeks an extension of a Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship (Doctorate or Research Masters), the extension must be approved by the relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute, and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, with evidence that:

1. the HDR candidate is making satisfactory progress;
2. the circumstances that underpin the grounds for the extension request relate to the research and are beyond the control of the HDR candidate and not of a personal nature; and,
3. the circumstances that led to the delay have been documented by the HDR candidate and supervisor throughout the HDR candidature by way of reporting milestones (including but not limited to Confirmation of Candidature and Progress Reports).

(34) Extensions are possible for both full-time and part-time Research Doctoral or Masters candidates and are limited to six (6) months in all cases.

Part-Time HDR Stipend Scholarships

(35) The Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development may approve part-time tenure of a Western Sydney University or RTP funded stipend scholarship for domestic HDR candidates only. The candidate must be able to provide evidence that they come from one or more of the University's defined equity personal disadvantaged groups which limits their capacity to undertake full-time study or can demonstrate circumstances that relate to significant caring commitments as per the University Disability Policy.

(36)  Part-time recipients are subject to restrictions on employment as detailed in this Policy.

(37) Part-time recipients are expected to progress at half the rate of a full-time recipients.

(38) Recipients approved to study part-time may revert to full-time study at any time with the approval of the School Dean or Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development.

Changes in Enrolment

(39) HDR candidates must have any change in thesis title or topic approved by the Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development to ensure continuance of their HDR Scholarship.

Changing between Research Masters and Doctoral Studies

(40) Where an HDR candidate, during the course of a Research Master’s degree, has been approved to convert to a Doctorate, the University may also approve, via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, the conversion of the HDR Scholarship.

(41) Where an HDR candidate, during the course of a Doctorate degree, has been approved to convert to a Research Master’s degree, the University may also approve, via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, the conversion of the HDR Scholarship.

(42) An HDR candidate may change between a Research Master and Doctoral degree by written application to the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, or by written invitation from the Research Studies Committee in accordance with the Doctorate Policy.

(43) The maximum duration of a converted HDR scholarship becomes that of the approved candidature.

(44) The maximum duration of a converted HDR scholarship will include candidature time leading up to the conversion.

Transfer to/from another University

(45) Any RTP or Western Sydney University funded HDR scholarship cannot be transferred to another university.

(46) For an HDR candidate transferring to Western Sydney University with an RTP stipend scholarship, the continuation of this scholarship provision by Western Sydney University must be approved by the School Dean or Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development, prior to candidate’s commencement date.

Suspension of Stipend Scholarships 

(47) If a recipient is unable to pursue their program for a period longer than permitted by the relevant leave entitlements they must apply for their stipend scholarship to be suspended.

(48) Stipend scholarships may be suspended for a maximum period of 12 months.

(49) Stipend scholarship suspensions must be approved by the School Dean or Institute HDR Director.

(50) Before stipend scholarships can be restored after a period of suspension, the recipient must receive approval from their Principal Supervisor and the School or Institute HDR Director to resume study.

(51) If the recipient does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension, or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension, the stipend scholarship will be terminated.

Part C - Termination

(52) The University will terminate an HDR scholarship:

1. if the program is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the offer of the HDR scholarship, and no suitable alternative arrangements can be made for continuation of the Research Higher Degree;
2. if the recipient is guilty of serious misconduct as per the Student Misconduct Rule, including, but not limited to, the provision of false or misleading information;
3. when the recipient ceases to be a full-time HDR candidate and when approval has not been obtained to hold the HDR scholarship on a part-time basis;
4. on completion of the program;
5. on the death, incapacity, resignation or withdrawal of the recipient from their HDR candidature;
6. if the recipient does not resume study at the conclusion of a period of suspension or does not make arrangements to extend that period of suspension;
7. if the recipient accepts another stipend scholarship to undertake their Research Higher Degree providing a benefit greater than 75% of the base scholarship stipend rate and the recipient does not suspend the stipend for the period of the concurrent HDR scholarship;
8. if the recipient ceases to meet the Progression Milestones as outlined in the Conditions of Scholarship other than during a period in which the HDR scholarship has been suspended; and,
9. if the recipient fails to maintain their enrolment in the HDR program aligned with their HDR scholarship.

(53) Termination of an HDR scholarship must be approved by the University's Research Studies Committee.

(54) The University must give the recipient notice of at least 14 days of the intention to terminate an HDR scholarship.

(55) If an HDR scholarship is terminated, the termination may be appealed as outlined in the Academic Appeals Procedures.

(56) A recipient is required to give at least 14 days’ notice when voluntarily relinquishing an HDR scholarship.

Provision of False Information

(57) If the University knows or has reason to believe that a recipient has provided false or misleading information to the University in relation to the HDR scholarship, the University must immediately:

1. re-assess the recipient’s entitlement to the HDR scholarship; and
2. notify the relevant funding body of the suspected offence if the stipend scholarship is funded by an external agency, e.g. the Department of Education.

Part D - Stipend and Allowances

Stipend

(58) A full-time stipend scholarship shall carry a tax-free stipend at the rate specified in the Conditions of Scholarship.

(59) A part-time stipend scholarship shall carry a stipend that is 50% of the full-time rate.

(60) Part-time stipend scholarships are not exempt from income tax.

(61) Western Sydney University Scholarship Annual Stipends Rates will be reviewed annually in September and will be published on the University website each October.

(62) RTP Fees Offset amounts (for both high-cost and low-cost degrees) are published online.

(63) HDR scholarship holders are permitted to:

1. seek funds for fieldwork, equipment or other expenses not covered by the HDR scholarships; and,
2. seek funding for travel costs directly related to their research.

(64) The University will facilitate the following types of support as a Scholarship or part of a Scholarship:

1. An RTP Fees Offset is a component of the HDR scholarship which extinguishes the liability of the HDR candidate receiving the RTP Fees Offset to pay tuition fees. It applies to:
   1. all domestic research Doctorate candidates for a period no greater than four years for a full-time candidate or eight years for a part-time candidate from the commencement of their candidature;
   2. all domestic Research Masters candidates for a period no greater than two years for a full-time candidate and four years for a part-time candidate from the commencement of their candidature;
   3. international candidates who have undergone a merit based selection process and are a recipient of a stipend scholarship from the University.
2. An RTP Stipend Scholarship is paid by the Commonwealth Government to support a recipient’s general living costs. It applies only to HDR candidates (either domestic or international) who have undergone a merit based selection process and have been granted a stipend scholarship from the University.
   1. the amount received by international recipients of this scholarship will not exceed 10% of the total funding received by the University.
3. An RTP Allowance is an allowance paid by the Commonwealth Government, which assists the recipient with ancillary costs around their candidature, including but not limited to:
   1. international candidate’s Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC). This allowance will cover the cost of a standard, single level OSHC policy for the candidate. The University will arrange OSHC on behalf of the candidate;
   2. additional OSHC for the recipient’s family (that is, their children and spouse) which must be approved by the relevant School Dean, Director, Research Institute and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development.
4. A Western Sydney University scholarship is funded by the University to support the recipient’s general living expenses. It applies to both domestic and international HDR candidates who have undergone a merit based process and have been granted a stipend scholarship from the University;
5. A Western Sydney University Top-up Allowance is a University funded allowance which the recipient may use to support specific research activities or an increased general living expense stipend, as recommended by the HDR Director and as approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development. A Top-Up Allowance is capped and is not increased annually. Specific amounts are publishing on the Scholarships webpage;
6. A Western Sydney University Relocation Allowance is funded by the University and assists recipients who need to relocate their residence in order to take up the HDR scholarship. It is a claim for the cost of travel only. This allowance is payable only if detailed in the Conditions of Scholarship document, approved by the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, and with submitted documentation. The maximum value of a one-off relocation allowance is published on the Scholarships webpage.

(65) All HDR scholarships costs and time periods will be published in the Conditions of Scholarship.

Part E - Leave Entitlements

(66) The duration of HDR scholarships and candidature detailed in this Policy will be increased for any period of paid leave which is supported by evidence and approved by the relevant School or Director, Research Institute.

(67) Recipients may take up to 20 working days paid recreation leave for each year of the stipend scholarship and this may be accrued over the life of the stipend scholarship. The Principal Supervisor's approval must be obtained in writing before recreation leave is taken.

(68) Recipients may take up to 10 working days paid sick leave per year of the stipend scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the stipend scholarship.

(69) Recipients may receive additional paid sick leave of up to a total of 60 working days during the life of the stipend scholarship for periods of illness, where the student has insufficient sick leave entitlements under Clause (68). The candidate must provide evidence (i.e. certification and/or medical documentation) and this request must be approved by the Principal Supervisor and the relevant HDR Director.

(70) Sick leave entitlements (including additional sick leave) may also be used to cover leave for recipients with family caring responsibilities.

(71) Any unused leave remaining on termination or completion of a Scholarship will be forfeited by the recipient.

(72) Recipients who have undertaken 12 continuous months of their candidature and have been in receipt of a stipend scholarship stipend for 12 continuous months are entitled to a maximum of 60 working days paid parental (maternity or paternity) leave during the duration of the stipend scholarship tenure.

(73) Paid parental leave may also be approved if the recipient adopts a child, other than a child who has been living with them continuously for 26 weeks or more. Adoption leave may commence immediately prior to the date of placement of the child being adopted.

Part F - Supervision and Resources

(74) The University will:

1. Ensure that all HDR scholarship recipients have access to appropriate supervision throughout their candidature as outlined in the Supervision of Research Candidates Policy.
2. Ensure that all HDR scholarship recipients have access to appropriate research resources throughout their candidature as outlined in the Research Higher Degree Candidature Essential Resources Policy.

Part G - Employment

(75)  Stipend scholarship recipients should view their candidature as their main occupation and focus of their financial income.

(76) An HDR candidate is only permitted to undertake a strictly limited amount of paid employment in a field that directly relates to the recipient research topic, whilst in receipt of a scholarship stipend. The limits apply to work undertaken from Monday to Friday and are equivalent to:

1. For a full-time candidate, 520 hours over a calendar year or approximately 10 hours per week;
2. For a part-time candidate, 1040 hours over a calendar year or approximately 20 hours per week;
3. Prior approval must be obtained from the Principal Supervisor;
4. Teaching work includes but is not limited to delivery of lectures, tutorials workshops, laboratory classes, seminars, practicum, clinical education and blended learning;
5. Clinical practice is considered for candidates with professional qualifications; and
6. Exceptions to work outside for the recipient's research topic are permitted for capable students with approval from the Principal Supervisor.

(77) During non-standard work hours (i.e. Saturday or Sunday) as many hours per week of work may be undertaken, providing it does not prevent satisfactory progress and is unrelated to the recipient’s research topic.

(78) International stipend scholarship recipients with a student visa may undertake work, given that the work is:

1. consistent with the conditions of their Student Visa;
2. complies with the conditions of this Policy.

(79) A candidate may appeal the terms of employment, as detailed in Clause (76) of this Policy, through the Academic Appeals Procedures. Any appeal must ensure compliance with Clause (7)b and (7)c of this Policy.

Part H - Industry Research Internships

(80) An HDR scholarship recipient may undertake a research internship of up to six months’ duration as approved via the School Dean or the Director, Research Institute and the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research or Dean, Graduate Studies and Researcher Development and remain compliant with eligibility criteria.

(81) An RTP Fees Offset recipient will have this component extended by the duration of the internship up to the maximum period.

(82) A stipend scholarship may be available for the duration of industry research internships if:

1. the student already holds an RTP or University stipend scholarship;
2. there is no income associated with this internship and is compliant with eligibility criteria;
3. the maximum duration of the program has not been reached; and,
4. the thesis examination process has not been finalised.

(83) Recipients undertaking an industry research internship are not eligible to have their HDR scholarships extended beyond the standard maximum periods.

Part I - Overseas Research

(84) Approval must be sought by the relevant HDR Director for a recipient to conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia and to continue to hold the HDR scholarship whilst overseas. Approval will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree.

(85) The HDR Director will approve overseas research where:

1. the recipient receives adequate supervision whilst overseas;
2. the recipient remains enrolled and the work can be credited to their research.

(86) The recipient must return to Australia to complete the research program following the completion of the overseas research.

(87) Applications should be made at least three months before the proposed date of departure and HDR recipients must not leave Australia before approval is given.

(88) Unauthorised absence from Australia may result in the termination of the HDR scholarship.

(89) If approval is given for a specific period of overseas research and for any reason the dates are altered (by a period greater than 20 working days), or if a recipient returns from a period overseas and intends to proceed to a subsequent period overseas, fresh approval must be sought.

(90) All travel must comply with the Travel Policy of Western Sydney University.

Part J - HDR Scholarship Appeals

(91) HDR candidates have the right to appeal decisions on the awarding or termination of an RTP or Western Sydney University funded stipend scholarship; on termination of HDR candidature and on the implementation of stipend scholarship conditions as detailed in the University Academic Appeals Procedures.

(92) Western Sydney University HDR scholarship recipients should refer to the University Complaint Management Policy regarding process and principals for submitting grievances or complaints.

Part K - Research at Other Institutions

(93) The relevant School Dean or Director, Research Institute may approve an HDR scholarship recipient conducting research at organisations outside the higher education system. In such cases:

1. the University is still responsible for the recipient and must ensure adequate support, supervision, and training and research freedom for the recipient; and,
2. the external organisation is expected to meet all the obligations outlined in the University Supervision of Research Candidates Policy.

Part L - The University's Obligations

(94) Oversight of HDR degrees will be in accordance with all University policies, rules and procedures.

(95) The University will be fair and equitable in the use of its discretionary powers.

(96) The University will pay the Candidate all entitlements under the HDR Scholarship.

Part M - Recipient Obligations

(97) A recipient must advise the University within 14 working days in writing if they:

1. leave Australia for reasons other than approved overseas study, approved suspension or approved leave;
2. discontinue HDR study;
3. are absent from the program for a period of 14 days or longer without prior approval; or
4. are granted another scholarship of value to the one awarded at the University from any other source.

(98) Recipients must:

1. diligently and to the best of their ability apply themselves to the successful completion of their degree;
2. abide by the Australian Code of Practice for the Care and Use of Animals for Scientific Purposes and the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research, guidelines established by the Australian Government's Office of Gene Technology regulator, and rulings of the Work Health and Safety Committee, Animal Care and Ethics Committee, Biosafety and Radiation Safety Committee and Human Research Ethics Committee of the University;
3. submit regular progress reports and meet milestones as required by the University;
4. conform to all of the policies and regulations (including disciplinary provisions) of the University;
5. ensure that the Commonwealth’s contribution is acknowledged in all material such as books, articles, newsletters or other literary or artistic works that relate to the research project carried out by the recipient of an RTP Scholarship. This acknowledgment must be in a prominent place and in an appropriate form. The acknowledgment must include the mention of the student’s support through an “Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship”; and
6. not engage in any academic program leading to a qualification that is not an essential part of their research program unless approved by their School HDR Director on recommendation of their Principal Supervisor. This may include the Graduate Certificate in Researcher Engagement, Development and Impact offered by Western Sydney University.

Section 4 - Procedures

(99) Nil.

Section 5 - Guidelines

(100) Commonwealth Scholarships Guidelines (Research) 2017.