Assoc Prof Tony Patti (Associate Dean – Research Training) May 10 th 2012

1. Assoc Prof Tony Patti (Associate Dean – Research Training) May 10th 2012 Applying for postgraduate research scholarships for 2012

2. What types of scholarships are available? • 1. Monash University (‘central’) scholarships - Monash Research Graduate School > Applications are now open - Online > Deadline for applications is 31stMay 2012, 5 pm • 2. Monash Faculty of Science Scholarships • Offered by the Faculty of ScienceScholarships offered throughout the year • Must have H1 or H1E • Other conditions also apply, but EVERYONE IS ELIGIBLE if conditions are met. Applying for Central Scholarships automatically puts you into the Faculty Scholarship applicants list..

3. What types of scholarships are available? • 3. Scholarships offered by Schools - See individual School websites - Generally offered throughout the year • 4. Research Centre scholarships > Scholarships offered throughout the year

4. Why should I apply? • Get paid to do research in an area you like • Your first job which gives you additional qualifications – a PhD or Masters! • A PhD is an internationally recognised qualification…a “meal” ticket to the rest of the world • Opportunities to travel overseas during your higher degree – Conferences and stints in overseas labs or field-work • Open up other opportunities with the research skills gained – not exclusively for academic or research careers • Generally ensures higher salaries later in your career See Student profiles at: http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/index.html

5. 1. Monash University Central Scholarships… • Two main types of scholarships • Stipend scholarships (APA/MGS) > Pay a living allowance - May be topped up in some Schools and Research Centres • Tuition fee scholarships (IPRS/MIPRS) > Cover tuition fees for international students

6. Monash University stipend scholarships… • Main types • Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) • Monash Graduate Scholarship (MGS) • Benefits - Annual non-taxable allowance of $23,728 (2012 rate) > Up to 2 years for a research masters > Up to 3 years for a PhD

7. Monash University tuition fee scholarships… • Main types • Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) • Monash International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (MIPRS) • Benefits - Cover course tuition fees for international students ($31,740 per annum in 2012!) - Cover basic Overseas Student Health Care (OSHC) > Up to 2 years + 2 months for a research masters > Up to 4 years + 2 months for a PhD

8. Applying for Monash University scholarships • Eligibility requirements for central scholarships • Must be ‘H1’ or ‘H1 Equivalent’ > Evidence of research potential • Must meet Monash University minimum English language proficiency requirements • The Application Process • YOU NEED TO APPLY ONLINE – now Open, Closes May 31st 5 pm http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/scholarships/apply/ OR follow the links from the Faculty of Science website: http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/ • http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/phd.html

9. Applying for Monash University scholarships • The Application Process APPLY ONLINE ONLY - Follow the instructions carefully… • Provide all required supporting documentation which can be submitted on-line with the application • Communication with the proposed host School and potential supervisor(s) should have been made • Don’t be afraid to ask questions • You can only apply through oneFaculty See: http://www.mrgs.monash.edu.au/mrgs/futurestudents/stepbystepguide/index.html

10. 2. Monash Faculty of Science Scholarships… • Dean’s Postgraduate Research Scholarships - For Australian citizens, New Zealand citizens and Permanent Residents of Australia - Awarded by the Faculty to those who miss out on central scholarships Eligibility Criteria (These are currently under review and numbers will be limited!) - H1 or H1E - English proficiency requirements are met - You have been nominated by a host School which ensures supervision and resources are available - Benefits and conditions are the same as APA or MGS award - Must apply for Central scholarships again - Can be nominated by a School at any time throughout the year provided H1 or H1E conditions are met as well as other criteria

11. 2. Monash Faculty of Science Scholarships… • Dean’s International Postgraduate Research Scholarships - For International Students (including Permanent Residents of New Zealand) • Awarded by the Faculty to those who require fees assistance Eligibility Criteria (These are also currently under review) - H1 or H1E - English proficiency requirements are met - A guaranteed stipend is available from another source - You have been nominated by a host School which ensures supervision and resources are available • Benefits and conditions are the same as IPRS or MIPRS awards • Must apply for Central scholarships again

12. 2. Monash Faculty of Science Scholarships… Your Online Application for Central Scholarships will be automatically treated as an application for the Faculty Scholarships BUT Schools must still nominate you and all criteria must be met For details see: http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/research-scheme.html Dean's Postgraduate Research Scholarships http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/deanschol.html Dean’s International Postgraduate Research Scholarships http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/postgrad/fhits.html

13. 3. School and Research Centre Scholarships • Contact Schools and Research Centres of the Faculty for details • A wide range of scholarships are offered • Benefits and conditions may differ • Eligibility requirements - Generally minimum requirement of ‘H2A’ See: http://www.sci.monash.edu.au/schools/index.html

14. 4. Preparing a good application • Submit all relevant information to support your application • Referee reports should be requested and submitted • Treat your scholarship application like a job application • Sell yourself to the selection committee • Remember you are competing against many other applicants • Provide evidence of outstanding academic merit and research potential

15. 4. Preparing a good application • Approach your prospective school and speak to potential supervisors • Make yourself known • You can only be ranked in one school • APPLY even if you don’t think you wish to go on at this stage

16. 4. Preparing a good application • Provide Publication details including: • the nature and standing of the journal (Impact Factors See:http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/databases/1424807.html) • details of authorship, citations, number of pages • your contribution, ie sole, joint, multi-authorship • indicate whether submitted, in press (accepted for publication), provisionally accepted or published (provide evidence) • Prizes: • highlight academic prizes but others can be included

17. 4. Preparing a good application The Research Proposal • Spend time preparing your research proposal in consultation with the chosen supervisor(s) - can be changed later (?), but is looked at by selection committees • Discuss your research proposal with your school and/or prospective supervisor(s) • Ensure that: 1. Your research program can be carried out within the school 2. Adequate facilities and resources are available in your school 3. You can be adequately supervised

18. Documents to be submitted online You will be required to submit the following documents online in order to register your application: • A copy of your birth certificate, citizenship certificate or passport extract • Permanent residents / international students: certified copy of passport extract with visa and entry stamps (if available) • Academic records / transcripts • Evidence of English language proficiency if relevant (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL test report) Other documentation may also be submitted online (e.g. evidence of awards and prizes, employment references, etc.)

19. 5. What do faculty and central committees look for when ranking applications? Academic record • Honours results (H1) (Ranking in Honoursclass important) • H1 Equivalence • Undergraduate (third year focus) • Awards, prizes or scholarships Research potential • Honours research project (weighting and outcome) • Publications and % contribution (refereedcf conference; provide documentary evidence) • Demonstrated research experience (laboratory, fieldwork, industrial, etc.)

20. 5. What do faculty and central committees look for when ranking applications? Referees’ reports • Strong endorsement from Head of School, academic(s) and / or external referees (not compulsory – but strongly recommended!) Other relevant work experience • Vacation scholarships, research assistantships etc.) Carefully prepared application with objective evidence of the candidate’s academic standing and research potential

21. 6. The selection process • Schools and then each faculty draws up an Order of Merit list. The selection process is coordinated through a central selection committee which has representatives from each major faculty • Awards are allocated to faculties on basis of their completions, research income and publications and takes into account their relative success in attracting international students to research degree programs • Additional scholarships are awarded on the basis of how many applicants a faculty receives. Hence: APPLY… even if you don’t think you wish to go on at this stage

22. 6. The selection process... The Monash Research Graduate School Central Selection Committee: • Draws up a single university wide Order of Merit list • May vary a faculty’s rank order with permission of the faculty • Allocates scholarships according to the relative position on the faculty lists of eligible applicants (including international scholarships) • Ratifies the decision of its selection sub-committee

23. 7. Finally… • Avoid submitting your application on or near 31st May – the closing date for applications • Submitting additional documents that will support your application – not an application itself! (before Thursday June 14th for H1E, early July for English) Must quote your application number and surname • Remember your application number • List of successful applicants announced - Posted on MRGS Website in the week beginning Monday, 16th July, 2012) Those nominated for a scholarship under the Faculty of Science Dean’s Postgraduate Research Scholarship scheme will be notified by email and a formal letter in mid-December, immediately after the central scholarships are announced