Scholarships

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What students are eligible to apply for an Honours Year Grant (HYG)?

This scholarship was set up to cater for students who are academically qualified students enrolling in honours and experiencing financial hardship. You may apply for an HYG if you have received, expect to receive, or might perhaps receive an invitation to enrol in honours at La Trobe University.  Refer to the HYG guidelines at: www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/hyg for more detailed eligibility criteria.

Can I apply for an HYG if I enrolled in a Graduate Diploma or other postgraduate course?

This scholarship is not available for students enrolled in Graduate Diploma or other postgraduate courses.  You must be enrolled, or plan to enrol in, an Honours Program.

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Are HYG recipients eligible to also receive a Start-up or Relocation scholarship administered by Centrelink?

The Federal Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) have advised that recipients of University-funded grants or scholarships are not precluded from receiving the new Start-Up or Relocation Scholarships administered by Centrelink from 2010 (pending passage of legislation through Federal Parliament).

Can an ongoing recipient of a Commonwealth Scholarship (CAS/CECS/NPS/NAS) issued by La Trobe University prior to 2010 apply for an HYG?

You may be considered for an HYG if you are also in receipt of a Commonwealth Scholarship (CAS, CECS, NPS, NAS).  You are also eligible to be considered for an HYG if you are currently in receipt of a La Trobe Equity Scholarship (LSSS, LISS, LVCRS) or a La Trobe Academic Excellence Scholarship (LAES)

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How do I apply for an HYG?

Applications for 2010 Honours Year Grants open on 5 October 2009 and close on 22 January 2010.  Before completing this application, you must read the La Trobe University 2009 Honours Year Grant (HYG) Guidelines (visit www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/hyg) for details about eligibility criteria, the selection process and the terms and conditions for HYG.  You may post your application to the address, OR you may deliver it in person to one of the campuses listed on the application form. You may NOT fax the application.

How is my application assessed for the La Trobe University HYG?

The main criteria for HYG is based on both academic excellence and also scored using the information you provide about low income, financial or educational disadvantage, caring for others, non English speaking background, disability, or other hardship or disadvantage that may impact on you being able to study at university.

What evidence must I provide with my application to show financial, educational or social disadvantage?

Examples (there may be others too) of supporting documents are:
•  copy of your Health Care Card
• Centrelink Income Statements for Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy or other means tested government benefit.
•  Centrelink information from the online estimator
• Documents showing other income, e.g. income tax return, payslip, bank statements
•  A letter or doctor's certificate in support of a medical condition
•  If registered with a disability or counselling service at the University, a letter of support from the relevant person e.g. Equity and Access Unit staff member

• Evidence of social disadvantage e.g. letter of support regarding low-income status, or evidence of disrupted schooling or other family circumstances, from a relevant professional person.

If I have a really good reason why my scholarship application is submitted late, will you accept it, and what should I do?

Applications received after the closing date may be accepted by staff only if accompanied by a signed formal request outlining exceptional circumstances outside your control that have resulted in a late application, e.g. serious illness or other personal crisis. The Honours Year Grant selection committee will later determine whether or not a late application will be considered, based on the explanation you provide. (Note: reasons relating to employment, placements, holidays or other activities that you choose to engage in are unlikely to be considered “exceptional”.)

Can I apply for a La Trobe University HYG in mid year if I cannot get my application in on time?

There is no mid-year HYG application round.

What if I do not have all the information that is required or cannot answer all the questions on the application form?

Incomplete applications will be disadvantaged in the assessment process, as they may receive fewer points when they are scored. If the required documentation is not attached, the application cannot be fully considered.

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 When will I know if I have been successful or not?

Successful applicants will receive a conditional letter of offer and an acceptance form outlining the terms and conditions of the grant in early March 2010. Unsuccessful applicants will receive notification in writing at the conclusion of the selection process, in early March 2010. A small number of additional offers may be made to applicants ranked next on the relevant grant ranking list, during April 2010, in the event that some successful applicants are unable to accept a grant.

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If I defer my course can I still retain my HYG?

An applicant who is offered an HYG may defer the grant for one semester only.

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Do I have to tell Centrelink about my HYG, and will the grant affect my Centrelink benefits?

You must advise Centrelink if you are in receipt of an HYG.  You must obtain advice from Centrelink on how this may affect any benefits you may receive.

Do I have to be on a Centrelink benefit to get an HYG?

No.

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Can I accept an HYG offer and enrol part-time?

You can be a recipient of an HYG  and be enrolled part-time.  In these circumstances payments will be pro-rata (i.e. 50%) of the full-time amount.

Can I change to part-time after I have started my course, and keep my scholarship, and what do I have to do?

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Can I transfer to another La Trobe campus and keep my HYG?

If I transfer to another university can I keep my HYG?

The HYG is awarded by La Trobe University and as such it cannot be transferred to another institution under any circumstances.

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Why do I have to wait until the middle of April or September after semester has started to receive my HYG payment?

What if I really need money before then?