We are calling for applications for postgraduate research scholarships (Masters or PhD level), to fill capability gaps in focus areas compatible with our five-year strategic plan.
Awards are available for full scholarships and supplementary top-up awards for holders of Australian Postgraduate Awards (APA) or equivalent funding.
Scholarship applications can be submitted via SugarNet.
SugarNet will remain open throughout the year (commencing 1 January) to handle SPRS applications, but evaluations of submitted applications will be conducted and close at the end of October each year.
Complete applications for admission and scholarship submitted by 31 October will be evaluated and successful applicants notified before the end of December.
The purpose of the SPRS is to enable high calibre students to undertake a Masters or PhD research degree in disciplines relevant to the future of the Australian sugar industry.
Scholarships are available for three years for PhD studies and two years for Research Masters studies and are awarded on the basis of academic excellence.
Applicants should consult the SRA Strategic Plan document available on the SRA website and focus on inventive projects that address at least one of the following eight key focus areas of investment:
- Optimally-adapted varieties, plant breeding and release
- Soil health, nutrient management and environmental sustainability
- Pest, disease and weed management
- Farming systems and harvesting
- Milling efficiency and technology
- Product diversification and value addition
- Knowledge and technology transfer and adoption
- Collaboration and capability development
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a full SPRS or a top-up scholarship, the candidate must be a citizen or permanent resident of Australia and must have acceptance at a recognised research institution. The Principal Supervisor for the postgraduate study program must provide evidence that the host organisation supports the project and the applicant’s candidature for the relevant study program.
Offered Benefits
The SPRS award offers supplementary or full scholarships, the number and value of which are at the discretion of SRA. For a higher probability of success, the applicant is encouraged to also apply for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or equivalent through their host university. Preference will be given to applicants who receive an RTP or equivalent scholarship. Successful applicants not holding an RTP scholarship or any other base scholarship will be provided a tax-free stipend of $32,000 per annum (exclusive of GST). Successful applicants with an RTP scholarship will be provided a tax free top-up set at a maximum of 75% of the RTP stipend rate which is determined by the Australian Government Department of Education and Training each year. All successful applicants will also be provided with an additional budget of $10,000 (excluding GST) per year to support research project operating expenses
Application Process
If you want to apply for this bursary then you are enforced to take admission in the masters or PhD research degree at the recognized university in Australia. After taking confirmation, seekers can submit the online application of the studentship via SugarNet.
Must attach the academic record as demonstrated by academic transcripts, research project quality, the relevance of the project and its outcomes to the sugar industry and satisfactory referee reports.
For being admitted, claimants are demanded to hold their undergraduate degree certificate with good academic grades in the relevant subject area.
Aspirants need to submit a certificate that states the English language is a media of instruction in their previous degree issued university. SugarNet will remain open throughout the year starting 1 January to handle SPRS applications, and evaluations of submitted applications will be conducted after applications close on 31 October every year.
