NICTA PhD scholarships are subject to the NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement, attached at Schedule 1, and are awarded to students who are -

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1 NICTA PHD SCHOLARSHIPS GUIDELINES Preamble National ICT Australia (NICTA) is Australia s largest organisation dedicated to ICT research. The organisation s primary goal is to pursue high-impact research excellence and, through application of this research, to create national benefit and wealth for Australia. NICTA s research training program provides scholarship and other support and opportunities to PhD students in collaboration with its University partners to foster the next generation of ICT researchers. NICTA PhD scholarships are subject to the NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement, attached at Schedule 1, and are awarded to students who are - co-supervised by NICTA-employed researchers enrolled in a University-approved PhD research training program aligned with NICTA Research either local (domestic) or international students located in NICTA research laboratories in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane and on University campuses NICTA Scholarships - are awarded under merit-ranking processes, typically twice per year may be held in conjunction with other designated scholarships such as APA, IPRS and Universityfunded equivalent awards are awarded through the Universities for up to 3.5 years with annual reviews involve intellectual property considerations including assignment of IP to NICTA To the extent of any inconsistencies between this document and the NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement, the NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement shall prevail. Eligibility NICTA scholarships are available to local and international students who are: Eligible for admission (and ultimately hold an offer to enrol) as a full-time PhD research candidate within a School or Department that offers postgraduate research programs related to NICTA s areas of interest, at an Australian University that has partnered with NICTA Undertaking or proposing research that is aligned with NICTA s Research Groups, Business Teams and supervisory capabilities Supervised by a University-appointed panel which includes at least one NICTA- employed researcher (co-supervisor of the student) and one academic in the University School of enrolment Deemed competitive, in the joint NICTA-University selection process, as an applicant (or potential applicant) for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) or International Postgraduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) award

2 - 2 - Normally NICTA scholarships are only available to full-time candidates whose NICTA-supported research can be undertaken without third-party encumbrances that could affect the (resolution of) ownership of any resulting intellectual property. Students in receipt of an APA or similar award should be mindful of this condition. How to apply The process of applying for a NICTA scholarship differs according to the program in place at each University. In some cases, specific projects are advertised and open applications sought from potential PhD students. In other cases students are encouraged to make contact with NICTA Research Groups and potential supervisors to devise a project before submitting a formal application for a scholarship, and providing written referee reports. In these cases, applications are competitively assessed and offers made, either by NICTA or by the University of enrolment. A third scenario might arise whereby a University project has NICTA funding for a scholarship, and the recruitment of the student is managed by the Project Leader. Students should refer to the website for application procedures in place at Universities of their choice Scholarship Award Process Applications for NICTA scholarships are usually ranked by a joint NICTA-University Selection Committee under the following three assessment criteria: 1. Academic merit (such as performance in completed studies) 2. Research potential (such as contributions achieved under supervision) 3. Alignment (such as relevance to NICTA s Research Groups and Business Teams) Scholarship offers must be accepted in writing and in so doing, students agree to the following: 1. To sign the University-NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement 2. To engage with NICTA and spend time at the relevant NICTA laboratory 3. To apply for other University and Government funding where possible Student Scholarship Agreement Award of a NICTA scholarship is conditional on the completion of the University NICTA Student Scholarship Agreement (SSA). The SSA provides the legal framework for matters such as intellectual property (IP) assignment, publications, copyright and confidentiality matters that may affect the student, the University and/or NICTA. Under the SSA, ownership of intellectual property developed during the course of the research project is transferred to NICTA. In return, students may be eligible to share in certain commercial benefits derived from the development of the IP, in accordance with the policy set out in the SSA. Students are encouraged to seek independent legal advice before signing the SSA, and NICTA will reimburse up to $300 in receipted costs for this service.

3 - 3 - Level and Duration of Award The level of scholarship award is influenced by University advice on the applicant s prospects of gaining an APA or IPRS. Applicants may already hold one of these Australian Government awards, or similar awards funded by another government. Supplementary Award The NICTA Research Project Award (NRPA) or Supplementary Scholarship is offered as a supplement, or "top-up", to local and international students in receipt of a primary Government, University or NICTA-funded scholarship. The NRPA amount is advised in the letter of offer and is available for the same period of tenure as the primary award. In accepting this award, students are under an obligation to take advantage of the opportunities for enhanced research training offered by NICTA, under the guidance of their supervisors. Primary Award NICTA also offers two additional scholarships to students who demonstrate outstanding research potential. These scholarships match the APA stipend amount ($26,288 per annum in 2016) and are extremely competitive. In general, they are only awarded to applicants who have a four-year first class honours degree or equivalent, demonstrated research potential and strong academic references. The NICTA Local Postgraduate Award (NLPA) is available to local (Domestic) PhD students for a period of up to 3 years, and provides recipients with an annual tax-free stipend at the APA equivalent rate. The NICTA International Postgraduate Award (NIPA) is available to international PhD students for a period of up to three years, and provides recipients with an annual tax-free stipend at the IPRS equivalent rate. The following should be noted: Scholarship payments will not commence until the Student Scholarship Agreement is signed and the student is enrolled. Periods of study undertaken toward qualification prior to the granting of the scholarship will reduce the duration of the award. NICTA scholarships are not transferable to another University, though students transferring to a partner University who will meet the eligibility criteria may apply to the next competitive round of NICTA scholarships for that University. Applicants for a NICTA Primary Award may in some instances also be considered for a Supplementary Award. Scholarship payments are linked to the continuation of the student candidature, and payments will cease when the Thesis is submitted or in the event the student ceases to meet the eligibility criteria for award. Scholarship payments are impacted by approved suspensions or leave of absence and approved scholarship extensions. In regard to the latter, where students are able to demonstrate exceptional circumstances, NICTA scholarships may be extended for a period up to 6 months, to a maximum overall period of 3.5 years. An application for extension must be submitted which is assessed on the following three criteria: 1. Progress and performance as a research candidate. 2. A convincing plan for thesis submission, endorsed by both the NICTA and University supervisor. 3. Beneficial engagement with NICTA as a NICTA-enhanced PhD student.

4 - 4 - Other Support NICTA does not provide funding for relocation or thesis printing expenses. Support is available within Research Groups for conference registration and travel funds, though it is expected that students will actively seek other avenues of support prior to following Research Group processes for accessing funds. Leave entitlements of University students who hold NICTA scholarships are unaffected by the award of the NICTA scholarship and students will receive those entitlements in line with the policies of the University. Study Programs Supported Study Load NICTA does not provide scholarship support to students who are enrolled in part-time study. If NICTA supported students change their enrolment to part-time, scholarship payments will be suspended until the student reverts to full-time study. There may be extreme personal circumstances where this restriction may be reviewed on a case-by-case basis by NICTA Head Office, but this is expected to occur rarely. Conversion of Degrees As a general principle, NICTA provides scholarship funding to candidates for a Research Doctorate (including MPhil leading to a PhD) and does not support students who are enrolled in a Research Masters degree. In instances where the University has approved the conversion of a NICTAsupported Research Doctorate degree student to a Research Masters degree program, or where an MPhil leading to a PhD candidate fails to convert, scholarship payments will cease. Resumption of scholarship funding is possible, contingent upon the following: 1. It is demonstrated that the project continues to be in an area of interest to NICTA. 2. Continuation of a fruitful supervisory arrangement involving a NICTA researcher is evident. 3. Continued scholarship support for the student has the endorsement of both supervisors and the relevant Selection Committee. 4. Approval of the relevant NICTA Research Group Leader. In cases where the continuation of the student scholarship is approved, the following will apply: Where the degree conversion takes place early in the candidature, the maximum duration of the scholarship will become that for the new research degree, minus periods of study undertaken towards the related degree prior to the conversion. Where the conversion takes place after the maximum duration of the new research degree has already passed, the Selection Committee will make a determination of the remaining scholarship period (within a maximum of 3 years, plus an additional 6 months subject to an approved extension) based on a realistic completion plan to be submitted by the student, and endorsed by both supervisors. Progress / Annual Reviews Continuation of NICTA scholarship payments is conditional upon maintained satisfactory academic progress and satisfactory engagement with NICTA. Progress is be monitored through complementary annual scholarship and academic reviews undertaken by the University Review Panel which will include in its membership the relevant NICTA Research Group Leader or delegate. Students are required to provide evidence of their engagement with NICTA on an annual basis.

5 - 5 - Termination Termination of the Student Scholarship Agreement must be agreed by all parties to the Agreement (NICTA, the University and the Student) in writing see Clause 6 of the SSA. Students must notify NICTA and their University Scholarships Office of any changes in their enrolment and other circumstances that may affect their eligibility to continue receiving a NICTA scholarship. Students must also notify NICTA if they are no longer able to meet their obligations under the SSA.