Scholarships for International Research Fees (SIRFs) - Completion

This University of Western Australia recognises the contribution that international graduate research students make to its research achievements and reputation. It also understands that the rigorous demands of its graduate programmes may result in some students exceeding the time for completion, and that funding for this extra time may not be available.

The Graduate Research School and the International Centre have developed a mechanism to assist international graduate research students who are unable to continue paying Fees. These arrangements apply to students who have not completed a graduate research degree within 3.5 years for a PhD and 2 years for a Masters by Research) or, in the case of sponsored students, before the sponsorship expires all possible extensions, whichever is later.

Completion Scholarships for International Research Fees (SIRF Completion Scholarships) are available to international graduate research students to facilitate the timely completion of Higher Degree by research theses. In the first instance the tuition fees are paid by the Graduate Research School. The fees are reimbursed by the Faculty when the student completes. SIRF completion scholarships are governed by the following conditions:

(a) Eligibility

(i) To be eligible for SIRF Completion Scholarships international candidates must be enrolled in a Higher Degree by Research Full-Time, and have made substantial progress towards submission of the thesis for examination.

(ii) Applicants for SIRF Completion Scholarships must normally have either personally paid international tuition fees for at least 3.5 years; or have been in receipt of a tuition fee scholarship which cannot be extended beyond 3.5 years for a PhD, and 2 years for a Masters degree.

(b) Extension of Candidature

Applicants who have been enrolled for more than 4 years for a PhD degree, and 2 years for a Masters degree, must also submit an application for an extension of candidature to the Graduate Research School in conjunction with the SIRF Completion Scholarship application.

(c) Nominations

(i) Nominations for SIRF Completion Scholarships are to be submitted to the Manager, Graduate Research & Scholarships, by the Head of School and the Dean of the Faculty on the recommendation of the candidate's supervisors.
(download SIRF Completion Nomination form PDF - 33k)

(ii) The nomination consists of a summary of the candidate's thesis progress to date, list of publications and conference presentations (if applicable) and reference to the latest Annual Progress Report.

(iii) A detailed Completion Plan and milestones for completion of the thesis must be attached to the nomination.
(download example of Completion Plan PDF - 21k)

(iv) Heads of School and Deans of Faculties and Supervisors are required to certify that, in their judgement, nominated candidates will submit their Higher Degree by Research theses by the expiry date of the SIRF Completion Scholarship.

(d) Selection Criteria
(i) Selection will be based on thesis progress to date, the likelihood of completion within the specified tenure of the scholarship, and publications record (if applicable).

(e) Tenure/Support
(i) The SIRF Completion Scholarships will cover the full-fee cost of enrolment (tuition fee) only.

(ii) Payment of the Overseas Student Health Charge (OSHC) is not covered by the scholarship, and candidates must ensure that their health insurance cover is maintained for the duration of their enrolment.

(iii) The tenure of the scholarship will be determined by the Manager, Graduate Research & Scholarships, up to a maximum of 6 months.

(iv) The scholarship will cease upon submission of the thesis, or at the expiry date of the scholarship as specified in the letter of offer, whichever occurs first – subject to receipt of a satisfactory progress report (see below).

(v) No extensions of SIRF Completion Scholarships beyond six months will be approved.

(f) Living Allowance Support during tenure of Scholarship
The School or Faculty will be required to provide an Ad Hoc living allowance scholarship at the rate of the current University Postgraduate Award plus $5000pa Top-Up ($25,427 per annum or $978 per fortnight) for the period of the SIRF Completion scholarship. Alternatively, evidence of other living allowance support or private funding must be attached.

(g) Liability for payment of full-fees
If the thesis is not submitted by the expiry date of the SIRF Completion Scholarship, the candidate will be liable for payment of the full international tuition fees for the remainder of their enrolment.

(h) Progress Report and Completion Plan
(i) At a specified time (normally 8 weeks) after commencement of SIRF Completion Scholarships candidates are required to submit a progress report to the Manager, Graduate Research & Scholarships, with details of milestones reached, and remaining steps to completion of the thesis. (A sample of the Completion Plan is attached)

(ii) Continuation of the scholarship will be subject to submission of a satisfactory progress report and confirmation by the supervisor/s and Head of School that the candidate is on track to submit the thesis by the specified deadline.

(i) Nomination of Thesis Examiners
Recipients of SIRF Completion Scholarships who are enrolled in Masters by Research and PhD degrees are required to submit a Nomination of Thesis Examiners form and a copy of the thesis abstract to the Graduate Research and Scholarships Office at least three weeks prior to the intended thesis submission date. The Nomination of Examiners form can be downloaded from the Graduate School Website: http://www.postgraduate.uwa.edu.au/page/53900

(j) Financial Arrangements
Funding for the SIRF Completion Scholarships is provided in the first instance by the Graduate Research School. The Faculty will be required to repay the full cost of the international tuition fees paid for each SIRF Completion scholarship back into the SIRF Scholarship Fund. Full reimbursement will be required from the Faculty in January of the year following the submission of the thesis. The Faculty will be required to send a Tform to the Scholarships Office once it has received the next year's allocation of the Higher Degree by Research completion funds via the Faculty Funding Model. Prompt reimbursement to the SIRF Scholarship Fund by Faculties will ensure that the maximum number of full SIRF awards can be allocated to commencing international graduate research students, as well as ensuring continued funding of Completion Scholarships to international students at the end of their candidature.

Download SIRF Completion Nomination form (PDF - 33k)
Download example of Completion Plan (PDF - 21k)
Download Conditions of Award (PDF - 26k)

All enquiries about the SIRF Completion Scholarships should be directed to:

Mrs Jo Francis
International Postgraduate Scholarships Officer
Graduate Research and Scholarships Office
Email: joanne.francis@uwa.edu.au
Telephone: 08 6488 8148

Or

Dr Sato Juniper
Manager, Graduate Research & Scholarships
Graduate Research School
Email: sato.juniper@uwa.edu.au
Telephone: 08 6488 3034