Key facts
About this scholarship
Number offered:
1
Description:
The Support Fund for Students with a Disability (SFSD) (originally the Australian Foundation for Disabled Students) was established to assist undergraduate students with a disability to study at the University of New England.
These funds were originally raised through the Robb College Cape-to-Cape Fun Run in partnership with Rotary in late 1981, during the Year of the Disabled Student.
How will the scholarship be paid?
Bank account (100%)
Scholarship Special Conditions:
- Recipients will need to report back on the grant after it is expended and show evidence of the bill/invoice/quote/email trail relating to the use of grant funds.
1.1. Failure to report back will deem the student ineligible to apply again for the Support Fund for Students with a Disability in future. - Previous recipients of this award can reapply providing they meet the eligibility criteria and satisfactorily met all conditions of scholarship previously, including:
2.1. Achieving a Trimester GPA of at least 4.0.
2.2. Submission of a brief Donor 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.
Payment Conditions:
- The scholarship is payable into the recipient’s bank account.
- The scholarship will be paid in 1 instalment within 30 days following the Trimester 1 census date.
- Payment will made in Trimester 1 provided there is a minimum enrolment of a minimum 12 credit points in Trimester 1 and a minimum enrolment of 24 credit points across the academic year.
3.1. If fewer than 24 credit points are demonstrated in the academic year, payment will be withheld until enrolment intentions are made in writing to the Student Scholarships team.
General Conditions:
- 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.
- 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).
- 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 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.
- Where possible, scholarship recipients are encouraged to attend events or participate in activities that promote scholarships and acknowledge donor support. One such event is the Annual Scholarship Donor Luncheon, typically held in July. Students who require a letter to excuse them from class may request one from the Office of Advancement. If a student is unable to attend the luncheon or similar opportunities, they may instead provide a written or video message to be shared with the donor.
- 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.
- Some scholarships may affect other government payments. It is the recipient’s responsibility to seek advice from the relevant government agency.
- 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.
- Failure to meet the requirements of these Terms and Conditions may lead to the termination of the scholarship. Students may be required to repay any instalment already received.
Note: If you are struggling to meet the requirements of your scholarship, it is important that you contact the Student Scholarships team at scholarships@une.edu.au to discuss your circumstances and they will provide advice and support.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following core and scholarship specific eligibility requirements
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Australian Citizen/Permanent Resident: The applicant must be an Australian Citizen or permanent resident as defined by the Commonwealth |
| New or Continuing | New or Continuing |
| Study Mode | On-campus or Online |
| Study Load | Full-time or Part-time (minimum enrolment of 2 units/12 credit points in Trimester 1 required) |
| Course type | Bachelor degree (excluding Honours) |
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic High Achievers | For continuing students a minimum GPA of 4.0 is required |
| Financial Disadvantage | Applicant must be able to demonstrate financial need |
| Students with Disabilities | Be registered with the Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office (SAWO) at UNE |
Selection:
- The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of (in order):
1.1. Responses to the application questions; AND
1.2. Academic merit; AND
1.3. Financial need. - Preference may be given to applicants who are not in receipt of another scholarship.
- The scholarship shall be awarded on the recommendation of the Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office Scholarships Committee.
- The scholarship will be administered by the University of New England.
- The Selection Committee’s decision is final.
Before you apply
Before you apply for this scholarship, please ensure you have read and understood the below important information:
Required Information:
- Complete the application form which includes the following questions:
1.1. Why are you studying your chosen course and what are your career aspirations?
1.2. Tell us about your personal strengths and how you have used them to make a difference in the lives of others. This might include community activities and leadership opportunities that you have been involved in.
1.3. What challenges, such as financial, geographic, or cultural, have you encountered and how have you navigated them? - Complete the Financial Need Details section of the application form.
- Complete the Support Fund Application Form that demonstrates:
3.1. What is it about your disability that inhibits your study
3.2. An itemised costing of the funds required which will include a description of how the funds will be used. Applications will only be considered for requests which total $1,000 or more.
Supporting Documents:
The documents listed below are acceptable forms of evidence for each of the following criteria.
1. 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 by a letter from an accountant that comments on the estimated similarity/differences.
2. Support Fund Application Form
2.1. SFSD funds MUST be used to fund items that directly assist the student’s capacity to undertake their studies at UNE. Examples may include:
- Computing hardware or software
- Fees for additional tuition or other assistance
- Travel costs associated with mandatory residential schools held in Armidale
- Specialised assistive devices or assistive technology that help to navigate challenges faced by the applicant.
2.2. It MUST be clear how requested items will ease difficulties directly associated with the applicant’s disability.
2.3. The SFSD will NOT fund:
- Medical tests and/or treatment
- Food and utilities
- Textbooks
- Personal financial debt
2.4. If you require assistance with your application, you should contact the Student Accessibility & Wellbeing Office.
