Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarship

1. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of (in order):
   1. Responses to the application questions; THEN
   2. Financial need.
2. Preference may be given to applicants whose address prior to relocating was in a Regional or Remote location as defined by the Government Remoteness Tool.
3. Preference may be given to applicants who are not in receipt of another scholarship.
4. The scholarship shall be awarded by the University of New England on the recommendation of the Indigenous Scholarships Committee.
5. The scholarship will be administered by the University of New England.
6. The Selection Committee’s decision is final.

Required Information:

1. Complete the application form which includes the following questions:
   1. Why are you studying your chosen course and what are your career aspirations?
   2. Tell us about your personal strengths and community activities you are involved in. How have you used them to make a difference in the lives of others?
   3. What challenges, such as financial, geographic, or cultural, have you encountered and how have you navigated them?
2. Complete the Financial Need Details section on the application form.

Supporting Documents:

The listed documents are acceptable forms of evidence in each of the following criteria:

1. Indigenous identified scholarship: The applicant must identify as an Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person and provide documentation according to the UNE Confirmation of Aboriginality and Torres Strait Islander Identity Rule.
2. Financial disadvantage:

   Note: If you are awarded a scholarship you will be required to supply evidence of your financial situation as described in your application. Evidence of income can include: Income Tax Returns* Regular payslips Centrelink Statement/s A letter from an authorised person (e.g. community leader, school   principal, minister of religion, accountant) that comments on your financial   circumstances * If the most recent financial year income information is not available, previous financial year income information may be used and must be accompanied with a letter from an accountant that comments on the estimated similarity/differences.

3. Geographic requirement evidence (optional):

   Evidence to demonstrate that you have recently resided in a rural or remote location as defined by the Government Remoteness Tool. This may be in the form of bills or official correspondence to your address, schools you were enrolled at, or a signed statement from a rural community leader (e.g. previous employer, doctor, school principal) validating the location and period of your residence.

4. Other supporting documents: Disclosure of any other scholarships or awards.

Payment Conditions:

1. The student shall receive $900 per 6 credit points, which is equivalent to $7,200 for 48 credit points per academic year. Students undertaking more than 8 units per year (for example, undertaking a full study load across all 3 Trimesters) can receive additional payment up to $10,800 per year.
2. The scholarship is payable into the recipient’s bank account.
3. The scholarship will be paid in up to 3 instalments within 30 days following Trimester 1 and 2 and/or 3 census dates.
4. Payments will be made in each Trimester provided there is minimum enrolment across the academic year in the nominated course:
   1. Enrolment is required for Trimester 1 and 2 study periods, with Trimester 3 optional.  If there is no active enrolment in these periods and a request for a leave of absence from their scholarship is not made and approved by Student Scholarships, the scholarship may be suspended. See Scholarship Specific Conditions below for details on taking a leave of absence.
   2. Should a student be required to repeat any unit, a second scholarship payment will not be made for this unit.
5. The student must submit a brief progress report upon request each year reporting on progress with their studies and involvement in sporting, cultural and community activities as well as participation in University life, where applicable.

Scholarship Specific Conditions:

1. Scholarship recipients may not hold more than one Commonwealth funded scholarship for the same purpose.
2. Continuation of the scholarship is subject to:
   1. Student continuing to reside in the Armidale region for the purpose of study.
   2. Financial disadvantage can still be demonstrated annually. Evidence of financial disadvantage will be requested in Trimester 1 of each year of the scholarship.
   3. Student continuing to maintain eligibility in relation to their enrolment status as stipulated by the Scholarship terms. Students unsure about this should contact the UNE Student Scholarships team to discuss their situation.
3. Scholarship recipients are expected to utilise the services and programs offered by the Oorala Aboriginal Centre.
4. A student will be permitted to take a leave of absence for up to two trimesters during the course of the Commonwealth Accommodation Scholarships period. Any request to take a leave of absence must be made in writing and will be determined at the discretion of the Student Scholarships Team (or other relevant committee).

General Conditions:

1. The scholarship is intended for the nominated course and may not be deferred or transferred. If you wish to make any significant changes to your enrolment (e.g. change of degree, study mode and/or load) you must notify Student Scholarships prior to doing so. If you no longer satisfy the criteria and conditions of the scholarship, you may not retain it.
2. Any request to vary the terms and/or conditions of the scholarship must be made via an appeal to the scholarships committee and will be determined at the discretion of the University (in consultation with the donor or other relevant committee).
3. If at any time during the scholarship term the student is found to have committed behavioural misconduct in accordance with the University’s Student Behavioural Misconduct Rules, the scholarship will be terminated and any outstanding payments to be made under the scholarship will not be paid.  You may also be required to repay any instalment already received. Students who are residential college residents are also subject to the Residential College Code of Conduct.
4. On campus students are expected to attend events or participate in activities to promote scholarships, if asked to do so.
5. The applicant permits the University to give some personal details to the relevant Donor/Trustee/Committee/School, who may not be UNE staff. All information gathered will be treated with discretion.
6. Some scholarships may affect other government payments. It is the recipient’s responsibility to seek advice from the relevant government agency.
7. Minor changes may be required to the administrative conditions of this scholarship. If this occurs recipients will be given advance notice in writing. Donors will also be consulted where appropriate.
8. Failure to meet the requirements of these Terms and Conditions may lead to the termination of the scholarship.