Undergraduate Degree Scholarships 2015
Overview
The 2015 Science and Industry Endowment Fund (SIEF) Scholarships Program includes up
to eight Undergraduate Degree scholarships that will be available to Science/ICT or
Engineering undergraduates who are of Indigenous background or located in rural or remote
locations and of low socio-economic background. Students must be undertaking a
Science/ICT or Engineering degree which includes elements of mathematics, statistics or
computation. Preferentially, no more than one scholarship will be awarded at each
participating university in 2015.
This document sets out information in relation to the 2015 SIEF Undergraduate Degree
Scholarships Program.
Application and Selection Process
The process of awarding the SIEF Undergraduate Degree Scholarships will be a two stage
process. For Stage One, SIEF will seek expressions of interest from Australian universities to
participate in the Undergraduate Degree Scholarship Program. For Stage Two, participating
universities will have responsibility for promoting the scholarship, identifying eligible students,
selecting the preferred candidate, and awarding and administering the scholarship. During
the candidate selection process, Universities must ensure student eligibility criteria are met
and also be mindful of the desire for diversity within student candidates and as such promote
this opportunity widely.
Proposals must be submitted by Australian Universities via their Scholarships Office (or
equivalent) on the attached Application Form.
Further information regarding the terms of the SIEF Undergraduate Degree Scholarships,
including eligibility and funding documentation, can be found at www.sief.org.au.
Process and Timeline: 2014-2015*
December 2013
Invitation to Universities for Stage One proposals for Undergraduate
Degree Scholarships.
2 April 2014
Proposals to have been submitted by the Scholarships Office (or
equivalent). Proposals must be submitted to sief@sief.org.au
Proposals will be assessed by the SIEF Undergraduate Degree
Scholarship Selection Panel
June 2014
Formal notification letters for successful and unsuccessful proposals
will be provided to the applicants. Funding Agreement forwarded to
each successful University.
Funding Agreement to be signed by Universities and sent to SIEF
Manager for approval and execution by SIEF within 30 days of
receipt of Funding letter.
July 2014 onwards
The successful Universities will be responsible for promoting the
scholarship, identifying the preferred candidate, and preparing the
necessary paperwork required for engagement of the successful
candidate.
Approx Jan-Feb 2015
Preferred candidate identified by University and nominated to SIEF.
University has appropriate documentation for awarding of
scholarship in place.
2015
Commencement of Undergraduate Degree student.
*The dates and procedures set out in this table are indicative only
and are subject to change.
Funding
Scholarships are for 3 years (Science Degree) or 4 years (Engineering Degree) and the
value of the scholarship is $8,000 per annum. This will be distributed by SIEF to the
University annually in advance, and by the University to the selected student in instalments
corresponding with the University Term Structure (subject to the University verifying the
student’s continued enrolment in the relevant degree prior to paying each instalment).
Stage 1 Selection Criteria
Reporting and interaction with SIEF (essential criteria for receiving the scholarship)

Science/ICT/Engineering Degree(s) offered which include elements of mathematics,
statistics or computation.

Central Office through which applications are made and Scholarships managed.

Ability to meet accountability and reporting requirements.
University background (50% weighting)

Demonstrated commitment to advancing indigenous, remote and rural students.

Complementarities with existing university scholarship programs.

Effectiveness of existing programs to promote science to rural and indigenous
students.

Demonstrated robust selection criteria for defining and identifying eligible students.
Mentoring Program (50% weighting)

Quality of academic monitoring, mentoring and intervention programs.

Quality of social monitoring, mentoring and intervention programs.
Conditions of Scholarship
Successful Universities are required to sign the Funding Agreement within the specified
timeframe or the Scholarship may not be funded. Successful Universities are also required to
acknowledge they are participants in the SIEF Undergraduate Degree Scholarships Program
and publically advertise and promote the scholarship opportunity to potential recipients.
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SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form
Eligibility of Students
To be eligible for consideration, the student must be:

of Indigenous background; or

based in a rural or remote location and of low socio-economic background;

enrolled (and remain enrolled) in a Science/ICT or Engineering degree (or another
degree with significant science or engineering content) at a participating university;
and

able to maintain a minimum pass grade for the duration of the scholarship.
The student must not be in receipt of any other substantial competitive scholarships.
It will be at the discretion of the relevant University to decide whether a student meets that
University’s definitions of “indigenous”, “rural or remote” and “low socio-economic
background” as defined in their application.
The Trustee’s current intention is to award the Undergraduate Degree Scholarships to
Students who are Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
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SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form
Science and Industry Endowment Fund
Undergraduate Degree Scholarships 2015
Proposal Application Form
Proposals should adhere to the page limits as indicated at relevant sections (excluding the
appendices) and supply only the information requested. A minimum of 10 point font should be
used. Refer to the Guidelines for more information about what is required in each section.
Section A – Details of University
Name of University:
Does the University have a Scholarships Office (or equivalent)?
Yes
No
Does the University offer Science/ICT/Engineering Degree(s) which include elements of
mathematics, statistics or computation?
Yes
No
Does the University have the ability to meet accountability and reporting requirements,
including an annual report to SIEF?
Yes
No
SECTION B – Details of University Scholarships
In this section please provide information about the University’s current scholarship program.
Where appropriate, include evidence to support your response.
B.1 Describe the University’s demonstrated commitment to advancing indigenous and
remote and rural students into and throughout undergraduate study: [1/2 page]
B.2 Describe programs run by the university to promote science to rural and indigenous
students and evidence of the effectiveness of these programs: [1/2 page]
B.3 Describe the current opportunities for indigenous and remote and rural students to
obtain scholarships for undergraduate, science/engineering based programs in the
University, the extent to which they meet existing demand, and how the SIEF
scholarship would enhance this provision: [1/2 page]
B.4 Describe the processes the University uses to identify eligible students for
undergraduate scholarships and how the scholarship program is managed. Include
reference to the specific criteria used to identify eligible students: [1/2 page]
SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form
B.5 Any other relevant information: [1/4 page]
SECTION C – Mentoring and student support
In this section please provide information about the University’s mentoring and student support
programs. Include evidence to support your response.
C.1 Describe and provide evidence of the effectiveness of existing programs within the
University for academic monitoring, mentoring and intervention: [1/2 page]
C.2 Describe and provide evidence of the effectiveness of existing programs within the
University for social monitoring, mentoring and intervention: [1/2 page]
C.3 Any other relevant information: [1/4 page]
SECTION D – Endorsement of the University
Endorsement by the University:
[Do not delete these conditions]
NOTE: By signing below, the signatory represents that he/she has authority to do so and that,
if successful, the University is agreeing to:
a) publicise and administer the scholarship in accordance with the Application and the
Funding Agreement, including providing mentoring support as per the Application;
b) The publication of the name of University, and other relevant details of this Project
Proposal Application Form, including on the SIEF website; and
c) Execute the Funding Agreement within 30 days of the date on the notification letter.
_________________________
Signature of authorised officer of University
_________________________
Name
________________________
Position
________________________
Date
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SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form
Contact details of University Scholarship Office
Contact:
Email:
Phone:
SECTION E – Submission
All documentation relating to an individual proposal must be assembled into one word or pdf file
Application must be submitted via the University Scholarships Office (or equivalent)
Please name the document as per the following protocol: SIEF 2015 – UGD – [university name]
Proposals should be submitted to sief@sief.org.au by 5pm AEST 2 April 2014
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SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form
Guidelines – SIEF Undergraduate Degree Scholarships
The following comments on issues of special importance to the assessors may be helpful to those
preparing proposals.
Item in Proposal Form
SECTION A:
Details of
University
SECTION B:
Details of
University
Scholarships
This section refers to mandatory conditions for receiving the scholarship.
By ticking yes, you are indicating that the University meets these essential
requirements.
This section refers to the University Background selection criteria which
are weighted at 50%.
B.1: Describe what activities the University undertakes to promote the
advancement of indigenous, remote and rural students to further education.
Provide evidence of the effectiveness of these activities.
B.2: Describe what activities the University undertakes that encourage rural and
indigenous students to participate in science. Provide evidence of the
effectiveness of these activities.
B.3: Brief information on scholarships similar to the SIEF Undergraduate Degree
Scholarship can be included. Outline and provide evidence of the current
demand for scholarships and the ability to meet this demand. How will the SIEF
Scholarship complement current Scholarships and assist in meeting demand?
B.4: Describe the University’s guidelines and process for identifying eligible
students including demonstration of robust selection criteria and include the
University’s definitions of “Indigenous”, “rural or remote” and “low socioeconomic background”. Provide details about how scholarships are successfully
managed at the University; what administrative processes are in place?
B.5: Use this section for anything you feel will help the assessors in assessing
the University track record in identifying scholars and management of
scholarships. eg describe how the scholarships will be publicised to students.
SECTION C:
Mentoring
and student
support
This section refers to the Mentoring and student support programs
selection criteria which is weighted at 50%. Please ensure you cover
activities/programs for first year students but also those targeting
students in later years of their degree.
C.1: Provide examples of how the University effectively manages academic
progress, including monitoring and mentoring, and intervention should it become
apparent that the student is struggling. Provide evidence of the effectiveness of
your programs.
C.2: Provide examples of what programs the University has for social monitoring
and mentoring, and intervention should it become apparent that the student is
struggling. Provide evidence of how these are effective.
C.3: Use this section for anything you feel will help the assessors in assessing
SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form - Guidelines
the University mentoring and student support programs.
General
Consulting widely within the University is recommended to ensure full depth and
breath of programs available are included in the application.
The job of the assessors is demanding. Assessment is based on what is in the
proposal. Thus, an incomplete or poorly prepared proposal will be
disadvantaged and scored accordingly.
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SIEF 2015 Undergraduate Degree Scholarship application form