Scholarships in the Department of History
Applications for scholarships must generally be lodged with the Scholarships Office by the end of October (check with the Scholarships Office for the exact deadline in the year that you are applying; in 2008 the deadline is May 30). Prospective students must also lodge an application for candidature with the Faculty Office by the stipulated deadline.
Australian Postgraduate Award (APA)
Any student enrolling for a postgraduate program by research will probably also wish to apply for financial support. The most important of the available awards are the Australian Postgraduate Award with stipend (APA), and the University of Sydney Postgraduate Award (UPA)
The Australian Postgraduate Award with Stipend (APA) is open to Australian citizens and permanent residents of Australia who have been living in Australia for the twelve months prior to the closing date for application. Awards are funded by the Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs (DETYA) and are tenable at an Australian tertiary institution for doctoral and masters research degrees.
The benefits include a non-taxable stipend valued at $20, 427 per annum (2009 full-time rate), relocation and thesis allowances. A maintenance allowance is also provided by The University of Sydney. Competition for the APA is extremely high and successful applicants must hold a first class Honours undergraduate degree or equivalent. Application forms are available from the Scholarships Office from 31 August in the year prior to the first year of enrolment in the Masters or PhD.
Students who will have completed one year of study towards Masters by Research or up to 2.5years of study towards PhD by the commencement of their scholarship are also able to apply.
University of Sydney Postgraduate Award (UPA)
The University of Sydney Postgraduate Award has conditions and allowances similar to the APA. However, the award is funded by The University of Sydney and is not transferable to other institutions. The University of Sydney Postgraduate Award is offered to applicants ranked on the Australian Postgraduate Award order of merit list. To be considered for the UPA applicants should submit the APA/UPA application form to:
The University of Sydney Postgraduate Award (UPA) has conditions and allowances similar to the APA. However, the award is funded by The University of Sydney and is not transferable to other institutions. The University of Sydney Postgraduate Award is offered to applicants ranked on the Australian Postgraduate Award order of merit list. To be considered for the UPA applicants should submit the APA/UPA application form to the Research Office.
Information on scholarships other than the APA and the UPA
There are many scholarships, the conditions of which can vary from year to year. Your supervisor will support your application for relevant scholarships wherever possible, but it is your responsibility to keep yourself informed about what scholarships are available, and of their requirements. The History Department therefore advises strongly that you contact the Research Office at least once a year to obtain regular updates.
For further details, including Research degree award criteria (PhD/MPhil), see p.31 of the online Arts Postgraduate Handbook.
Postgraduate Research Training Scheme (RTS)
The Research Training Scheme (RTS) replaced the Research Higher Education Contribution Scheme in Semester 1 (February), 2001. It provides Commonwealth-funded Higher Degree Research (HDR) students with an "entitlement" to a HECS exemption for the duration of an accredited HDR course, up to a maximum period of four years' full-time equivalent study for a doctorate by research and up to two years' full-time equivalent study for a masters by research.
Where a student exhausts his/her entitlement but continues enrolmemt in the same degree, the University may elect to impose fees on such a student.
Entitlements for RTS students may vary according to conditions prescribed by the Faculty of Arts. Students should check these conditions with the Faculty.
Other scholarships available to postgraduate research students in History
Post-Graduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS)
What is the PRSS?
PRSS is a scheme introduced by the University in 2001 to provide direct support for currently enrolled postgraduate research students. Under the scheme, funds are allocated to Schools or Departments (in some cases Faculties) based on their higher degree research enrolment figures in the previous year. The funds are not allocated directly to the students but are awarded by Schools or Departments to eligible applicants on a competitive basis according to the University’s general guidelines.
There are two rounds for the PRSS each year. As a postgraduate research student in History you should ensure that you are alerted about precise deadlines and conditions by receiving the regular e-mail bulletins on research funding from the Research Office.
For full details concerning eligibility, selection criteria, what will and will not be supported, and the application procedure see the online Information for students.
PhD Research Travel Grant Scheme
This funding scheme, for full-time PhD candidates only, is for expenses to be incurred relating to research outside Sydney between 1 January and 31 December of the year in which the Grant is awarded.
For full details of eligibility, selection criteria and the application procedure see the online Guidelines for applicants.
Scholarships available exclusively for postgraduate research students in History
Grants in Aid (GIA)
GIAs are available periodically; deadlines are usually in mid-April. To be sure of receiving information in time, make sure that you are on the Research Office's mailing list. This ensures that you receive the regular bulletin on research funding. The list below includes funds available in recent years. These are indicative only.
GIAs include:
- Farrington-Thorpe Scholarship (History)
Open to:
(a) full-time postgraduate students enrolled in the Department of History for whom it is academically desirable to spend time outside Australia as part of their candidature; and
(b) graduates of the University of Sydney who proceed outside Australia to undertake research work in History and who are unable to meet the total cost from other funds, which may include a traveling scholarship or travel grants.
Funds available in 2004: $940
- John Frazer Travelling Scholarship (History)
Available to a full-time candidate for a higher degree in the Department of History. The scholarship may be held in conjunction with any other award and may be in the form of a supplementary living allowance or grant-in-aid.
Funds available in 2004: $9,650 - Sir William McMillan Awards* (History)
Available either to full-time postgraduate students enrolled in the Department of History or undergraduate students enrolled as candidates for the degree of Bachelor of Arts in History IV Honours who are researching Australian Federal or New South Wales History 1885-1905 and who require assistance with travel or research costs. (* Also open to undergraduate students)
Funds available in 2004: $248 - Joan Alsop Fund
A fund for research costs available to History postgraduate students. The interest in the fund is distributed annually. Students apply to the Research Studies Coordinator in the History Department, including a budget that has been endorsed by the supervisor. The Joan Alsop is frequently distributed amongst several students, with funds being used for computer costs, photocopying, conference participation, etc.
Funds available in 2003: ca $2000.00.