At UQ
How many courses do I have to take each semester?
You must study 8 units each semester to complete your degree within your original scholarship dates. If you do not complete your program on time your scholarship may be terminated.
The only instance in which you can study fewer than 8 units is if you are ahead in your studies, such as if you took courses in a previous Summer Semester. You can enrol in less than 8 units if you are in your last semester of study and require fewer than 8 units to meet the requirements of your program.
Can I transfer programs?
Australia Awards students are generally unable to transfer or upgrade their programs. Any program changes must be approved by the Australia Awards post.
If you would like more information on transferring programs please speak with your Student Contact Officer in the Sponsored Students Unit.
What supplementary support is available to Australia Awards Scholarship holders?
Depending on your program and circumstances, you may be able to access supplementary academic support, fieldwork support or workshop attendance support and reunion travel.
Supplementary Academic Support (SAS) is an entitlement that all Australia Awards scholars can access. Funds accrue at a rate of $500 per semester and can be used for individual tutoring, editing of a research project thesis or for conference attendance that is directly related to your program. Individual tutoring is generally approved for an initial eight hours. If you apply for funding to attend a conference you must have satisfactory academic performance and sufficient SAS funds remaining for future semesters. If approved the cost of the registration only will be able to be claimed from your SAS entitlement. All other expenses such as travel and accommodation expenses are to be paid by students. Students are permitted to travel to the conference destination one day prior to the conference and are required to return one day after the conference completion. Conference attendance will not be approved during your first semester.
If fieldwork is an essential part of your Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program, you can complete the Application for Fieldwork Support for HDR students. If you are planning to go on a mandatory fieldtrip as part of a course, you can complete the Application for fieldtrip. Please contact your Student Contact Officer to discuss your eligibility.
You are entitled to reunion travel support if your program length is at least two full-time academic years and you are not accompanied by family members. A 2-year master’s by coursework student is entitled to one reunion airfare. A PhD student is entitled to three reunion airfares. Reunion airfares must be booked through a campus travel agent and can only be accessed after you have successfully completed one full academic year. You cannot depart until the official release of results and must return before the start of the next semester. If your original offer includes a reunion travel entitlement and after you arrive you decide that your family will join you, you must forfeit your reunion airfare entitlement.
You must submit the required supplementary support form to your Student Contact Officer in the Sponsored Students Unit for approval. Written approval must be received before any support can be accessed. Please ensure you consult the Australia Awards Scholarships handbook in regards to the policy surrounding the use of your entitlements prior to submitting your application to your Student Contact Officer.
Can I travel during semester breaks?
There are no travel restrictions during the study breaks, however, you must obtain permission from your Student Contact Officer if you intend to travel overseas.
Please be aware that all travel must be within the non-study period.
OSHC will cover you for the entire duration of your scholarship period, including semester breaks, providing you are in Australia. If you are travelling internationally you should purchase additional traveller’s insurance.
How can I contact my Student Contact Officer?
You can contact your Student Contact Officer by phone, email or in-person appointment. Appointments are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday and can be booked through StudentHub.
Can I stay in Australia and pursue a PhD?
Generally Australia Awards Scholarship students are required to return to their home country for a minimum of 2 years after they have completed their scholarship studies in Australia.
Please see the Australia Awards handbook on the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website for further information about visa requirements and remaining in Australia.