Apply for scholarship
Frequently asked questions
Index
1. How do I apply for a Samstag Scholarship?
2. How can I tell if I am eligible?
3. Must I provide evidence of my eligibility?
6. I graduated with a photography major and now work in digital media. Is this work competitive?
8. Do I need to enrol in an overseas course before submitting my Samstag application?
9. How can I identify the best courses of overseas study for me?
11. If I'm an Australian citizen living abroad, am I eligible for a Samstag Scholarship?
12. When will I find out if my application is successful? Will you give me reasons if I'm unsuccessful?
13. When must I use my Samstag Scholarship, if awarded?
14. Can I receive or apply for other cultural and study grants while I am holding a Samstag Scholarship?
15. Can I submit different forms of visual documentation?
16. Do I have to provide the original version of my academic records and other documentation?
17. Will the Samstag Program return my documentation?
Q and A
1. How do I apply for a Samstag Scholarship?
Submit an application on the current Samstag Application form,
downloaded from the Samstag website, or obtained from the Samstag
Program office (08) 8302 0865.
2. How can I tell if I am eligible?
You must carefully read the Guidelines for Applicants, paying
close attention to Section 3, Eligibility.
3. Must I provide evidence of my eligibility?
Yes. Your application will not be considered by the selection committee unless you provide proof of Australian citizenship (or permanent residence status), and can demonstrate - through certified copies of academic records - that you meet the eligibility criteria relating to your Australian visual arts education.
No, unless you are already a graduate within the last five years – by the Samstag closing date – of a studio-based program of fine arts study, at an appropriate Australian institution of higher education, and are an Australian citizen, or have permanent residency status.
5. I graduated from art school more than five years ago, but am currently undertaking post-graduate study at an appropriate Australian institution. Am I eligible?
Only if you can demonstrate that you have either completed the course at the Samstag
closing date.
6. I graduated with a photography major and now work in digital media. Is this work competitive?
You must be working in a demonstrably fine arts studio context to be competitive. The selection committee has a generous definition of eligible media, and is less concerned with media per se, than the skill with which it is used and the nature of its achievement as fine art. (See Guideline 4.4).
7. I graduated with honours in a BFA (History/Theory) and want to undertake a Masters in History overseas. Is this eligible?
You are not eligible. Your Australian study was not studio based - nor is your proposed overseas study.
8. Do I need to enrol in an overseas course before submitting my Samstag application?
No. You only do this AFTER you have been awarded a Samstag Scholarship. (See
Guideline 5). But your application will need to identify up to three proposed
institutions and courses.
9. How can I identify the best courses of overseas study for me?
There are thousands of overseas institutions offering visual arts courses. You
will need to do some research to identify institutions and courses which best
suit your objectives. Some starting suggestions are provided on the
Guidelines for Applicants form. Leading overseas institutions now provide
much information by website, accessible through Australian art school libraries.
Academic staff at your art school might also have helpful suggestions.
10. Can I use my Samstag Scholarship as an artist-in-residence with an overseas organisation, or to just travel?
No. Scholarships must be used for studio-based programs through formal enrolment under the auspices of an approved educational institution. (See Guideline 1.3
and 1.4).
11. If I'm an Australian citizen living abroad, am I eligible for a Samstag Scholarship?
Yes, provided you meet the other eligibility criteria.
12. When will I find out if my application is successful? Will you give me reasons if I'm unsuccessful?
Scholarships are publicly announced in November each year, but unsuccessful applicants are advised before the end of
October. Samstag Scholarships are very competitive and awarded at the discretion of the selection committee, which will not discuss or enter into correspondence on issues relating to its decisions.
13. When must I use my Samstag Scholarship, if awarded?
Successful applicants are expected to take up their study during
the calendar year following the scholarship offer, or no later than January in the subsequent year.
14. Can I receive or apply for other cultural and study grants while I am holding a Samstag Scholarship?
Not if they are substantial awards, grants or paid leave for the same period as
your Samstag Scholarship. In fact, applicants MUST accurately declare in their
application (See Application question 11) whether they have received or applied
for, or are intending to apply for such other opportunities, for example
Australia Council Fellowships etc, or Australian university post-graduate study
scholarships. While it may be acceptable for Samstag Scholarship recipients to
defer other awards they have secured, a failure to accurately declare this
information will result in revocation of the Samstag Scholarship.
Modest-sized cultural project grants (for producing artworks, for participation in exhibitions, or for travel prior to the Samstag Scholarship period) already secured or sought at the time of application are generally acceptable, provided they are declared.
15. Can I submit different forms of visual documentation?
All visual documentation must be submitted in digital form, and presented on
either a DVD, or a CD-ROM. Artists presenting ‘still’ images (for example
reproductions of paintings) must do so on a Microsoft PowerPoint using a
template downloadable from the Samstag website.
Documentation such as slides, VHS videos, catalogues and photographic prints
(etc) will not be considered by the selection committee.
It is essential to read the Guidelines to determine the appropriate form of presentation. (See 7 Visual Documentation Guidelines).
16. Do I have to provide the original version of my academic records and other documentation?
Applicants should NOT send original documentation. Graduation parchments or official academic transcripts should be photocopies only. Birth certificates, passports or other evidence of citizenship or permanent residency should be photocopied.
17. Will the Samstag Program return my documentation?
Only the visual documentation of applicants will
be returned. Successful applicants' visual documentation, however, will be retained by the Samstag Program for archival, educational and publicity purposes.