Research & Research Study

While the assessment process is similar to that for candidature and the same form is used, the assessment of eligibility for a scholarship has other essential components. Macquarie has a number of awards available for offer. The Australian Government funded awards are the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) and the Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarships (Endeavour IPRS). These have defined annual application deadlines which are advised on the HDRO website each year when the scholarship round opens. Other awards are generally available for application throughout the year, with full details on the website.

Applications for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) generally close on 31 October each year.  Applications for an Endeavour International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (E-IPRS) generally close on 31 August each year.

Selection Criteria

Macquarie University ranks scholarship applicants on the basis of academic merit and research potential. The applicant’s place in the order of merit will not be affected by age, or if they have applied to another institution.
Successful applicants must have completed at least four years of higher education studies at a very high level. For example:

• An Australian three year degree then an Honours year awarded in the first class division 1 (Hons 1) or equivalent (see below);
• An Australian three year degree followed by one year of Masters with a research component completed at Hons 1 level or equivalent (see below).

Honours Equivalence

If you are seeking to establish equivalence to First Class Honours level you are encouraged to provide full documentation of your achievements to assist in the assessment of your qualifications. Other qualifications which may be considered include:

• further research experience;
• publication of research (preferably in refereed journals);
• conference presentations;
• completion of a Masters degree by research or a coursework Masters with a substantial research component awarded at Distinction or above;
• highly relevant work experience.

Scholarship Application Processing

Once applications are complete and have been assessed by the Higher Degree Research Office they are forwarded to the Division of interest for consideration. Relevant academic staff review the application and determine if the Division will nominate the applicant for a scholarship. If the applicant is nominated for a scholarship, the justification for this decision, using the selection criteria listed above, is forwarded to the Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC) for approval to offer a scholarship.

The Higher Degree Research Office notifies the decision to the applicant, Divisional administrator and the prospective principal supervisor.  Scholarship holders must note and comply with the conditions of award of the scholarship, as failure to do so may result in termination of the scholarship.