Jump to Content

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) International Travel Grants – Student Mobility

International candidatesAustralian candidateAs part of UniSA’s internationalisation strategy, the Graduate Studies Office, in conjunction with UniSA International as part of their Student Mobility Implementation strategy, is offering a number of international travel grants.

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) students are to demonstrate international perspectives in research in a discipline or professional area and as a leading citizen as part of the Research Degree Graduate Qualities.

 

Background

The purpose of the grant is to provide the opportunity for HDR students to gain an international perspective and improve their thesis by having the opportunity to undertake research, data collection or work with institutional or industry partners in overseas locations.

Whilst overseas, HDR students will be expected to be an ‘ambassador’ for UniSA and build research relationships with academics at the overseas institution.

These grants provide funding towards:

Travel to conferences to present a refereed conference paper may also be included.
 

Eligibility

These travel grants are available to HDR students, who are undertaking either:

at the University of South Australia.

The applicant:

  1. must be currently enrolled at UniSA for a Doctoral degree and normally be in his/her second or early third year of candidacy (or an equivalent period part-time), or be in the process of upgrading from a Masters by Research Degree to a Doctoral degree
  2. should ensure s/he has completed and had his/her research proposal accepted and have the appropriate ethics and/or safety clearances
  3. must be making satisfactory progress
  4. is likely to complete their degree within the required timeframe
  5. has clearly demonstrated the capacity for independent research
  6. is to provide evidence of the manner in which the research and thesis will be enhanced by the visit overseas
  7. has gained unqualified support from the supervisor for the proposed overseas visit
  8. is to provide confirmation from the overseas institution that arrangements have been finalised or are in the process of being finalised
  9. must indicate how contact will be maintained with the Supervisor and the University whilst overseas
     

top^
 

Value of grant

The total grant will be funded jointly between UniSA through the Student Mobility Implementation fund (60%) and the Division/Institute/School/Centre (40%) in which the HDR student is enrolled.

The total value of the grant will normally be up to $5,000 towards travel and living expenses.

HDR students will need to provide a budget to indicate the cost of the travel.
 

Method of payment

If successful in obtaining the Student Mobility Grant the normal process is to the pay the full grant (60% + 40%) directly to the HDR student via the provision of nominated bank account details. Alternatively, the Graduate Studies Office will provide the School/Division/Institute with 60% of the grant to monitor the student’s expenditure. If the School/Division/Institute wishes the funds to go via their cost centre, the Supervisor will need to indicate this on the supporting statement.
 

Number of grants available

It is anticipated that approximately 20 grants per year will be funded.

Priority will be given to those HDR students gaining industry or academic experience at institutions with which UniSA has an agreement, either at the University or Division/Institute level.
 

Length of stay overseas

The minimum period for funding shall normally be six weeks and the maximum period shall depend on the length of candidacy, but notionally will not be greater than four months.
 

top^
 

Application process

Applications will be considered by the Dean of Graduate Studies, based on

Successful applicants will be advised by email within one month of the closing date.

Closing date

Applications must be lodged with the Graduate Studies Office no later than

top^
 

Visa and insurance

HDR students must arrange their own health and personal travel insurance and appropriate visas.

Normally HDR students travelling on University approved business as part of their degree are covered for Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, Personal Accident and Travel.

For clarification, please contact the University’s Insurance Officer.
 

Recreational travel

An HDR student whilst using an international travel grant may prolong their overseas stay to include recreational travel at their own expense. However, the HDR student must get prior written approval of their proposed recreational travel from their Supervisor and the International Research Degrees Officer in the Graduate Studies Office.
 

Restrictions

HDR students cannot use the length of time spent overseas as a reason for either a scholarship or candidacy extension.

International HDR students must ensure that if they are successful in obtaining a grant that the travel overseas does not affect their Australian visa. Please contact the International Research Degrees Officer, Margaret Heslop, for clarification, email: margaret.heslop@unisa.edu.au

Normally, International HDR students cannot use these funds solely to visit their home country, but may make a case to undertake research in their home country.
 

top^
 

Travel and health

HDR students must arrange their own travel, personal insurance and appropriate visas.

Students must also ensure that they take account of health warnings in the country of travel and arrange their own vaccinations.
 

Security

HDR students must

Reporting requirements

On return to UniSA, HDR students must provide a brief report describing the work undertaken to the Division/Institute Research Management Committee on his/her return to UniSA.

 

top^