RMIT University is committed to world-class research that is practical, applied and valuable. The University is committed to attracting top research students into its key areas of expertise. Priority for scholarships will be given to students conducting their research in one of these concentrations.

RUIS 2007 awards are awarded to international postgraduate research students with excellent academic performance.

The criteria for the RMIT University International Scholarships (RUIS) 2007 awards are generally the same as those for the Endeavour IPRS 2007 awards. However, as there are some differences, please read the following information regarding RUIS 2007 carefully.

Important: All applicants wishing to apply for an Endeavour International Postgraduate Research (IPRS) Scholarship and/or RMIT University International Scholarship 2007 must have received an offer letter for an RMIT postgraduate by research program.

ELIGIBILITY

RMIT University International Scholarships (RUIS) will be awarded to:

• new international postgraduate research students, intending to enrol in Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2007; OR
• international postgraduate research students who commenced their RMIT University program in Semester 2, 2006 (applicants who applied for the Endeavour International Postgraduate Research (IPRS) Scholarship and/or the RMIT University International Scholarship in 2006 are still eligible to apply for the RUIS 2007 award).

Applicants must possess excellent academic results.

Citizenship
Applicants who are citizens of all overseas countries, except New Zealand.

Visa
Applicants who meet international student visa requirements as specified by the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (DIMA), including the requirement to purchase and maintain a standard Overseas Student Health Cover policy approved by the Commonwealth Government of Health and Ageing.

Currently enrolled students, who meet the criteria stated below, must be holders of Visa Subclass 574.

RUIS awardees are required to pay the application fees for lodging a visa application. The information listed in Waiver fee of visa application fees for Endeavour IPRS is not applicable for RUIS awardees.

For visa information, please refer to the RMIT International’s Visa Information Webpage (http://www.rmit.edu.au/international/visa_information)

Commencement
Applicants must be commencing full-time enrolment in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program in Australia in 2007 at RMIT University. The approved program duration is two years for a Masters by Research degree or three years for a Doctorate by Research degree.

* RMIT University may consider currently enrolled international postgraduate research students who commenced their studies in Semester 2, 2006 and are continuing their full-time enrolment in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program in Australia in 2007 at RMIT University.

RMIT University may also consider students who commenced a HDR program at an eligible institution and terminated that enrolment within six months of commencement.

RUIS 2007 awardees must commence their studies in Australia in 2007 at RMIT University by 30th August 2007.

The RUIS 2007 award cannot be deferred to another year. If a candidate is unable to take up a RUIS award, the candidate must apply again for the award in the following year.

Academic
Applicants must have received a Firm Offer or Conditional Offer of a place for entry in a Higher Degree Research (HDR) program at RMIT University, to commence in Semester 1 or Semester 2, 2007. The offers must be granted no later than 15th September 2006.

Note:Applicants who receive an offer of a place for entry in a HDR program at RMIT University, after 15th September 2006 but before 29th September 2006, may be considered at the discretion of RMIT University. Only applicants who have submitted a complete application for the RUIS 2007, including Academic Referee Reports, by no later than 29th September 2006 may be considered.

Sponsorship/Scholarship history
Applicants who are applying for or have received external funding for tuition and/or living allowance are eligible to apply. The allocation of the tuition fee and living allowance for RUIS 2007 is at the discretion of RMIT University and will be determined by the value of external allowances. Please provide details of the sponsorship arrangement and evidence of the funding and duration. RMIT University must receive the evidence by the closing date, 29th September 2006.

English language requirements
Applicants must provide evidence of English language proficiency prior to the 29th September 2006. Students who have not provided such evidence before this date will be deemed ineligible for selection.

Applicants with a Conditional Offer must submit an IELTS/TOEFL/RMIT English Worldwide test. The IELTS/TOEFL/RMIT English Worldwide test result must be current (your test date must be no more than 12 months before commencement of the program). The IELTS/TOEFL/RMIT English Worldwide test scores will not affect your ranking during the selection process.

Applicants with a Conditional Offer that does not stipulate the English pre-requisite, are exempt from providing the IELTS or TOEFL test.

As a guide, RMIT University requires the following English language requirements for entry into research programs:

• IELTS – 6.5+ (no band less than 6.0)
• TOEFL – Paper based = 580+ (TWE4.5+)
• TOEFL – Computer based = 237+ (TWE4.5+)
• REW – English for Academic Purposes Advanced 2.

The IELTS/TOEFL/RMIT English test result must be current or have been taken no more than 12 months before the commencement of the research program.

Note: Some programs have higher English language requirements

Currently enrolled students at RMIT University
* RMIT University may consider currently enrolled international postgraduate research students who commenced their studies in Semester 2, 2006, and who are continuing their full-time enrolment in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program in Australia in 2007 at RMIT University.

If you successfully completed your coursework program prior to commencing a research program, you may also be considered for a RUIS 2007 award.

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NON-ELIGIBILITY

The following students can not apply for the RUIS 2007 award:

• Currently enrolled Masters by Coursework students.
• Masters by Research or Doctorate by Research students who commenced their studies in Semester 1, 2006 or earlier.

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VALUE OF RUIS 2007 AWARD

RMIT University will provide:

• The annual tuition fees in a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program undertaken at RMIT University, in a course included on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS) for the standard duration of the program.
• The cost of a standard Overseas Student Health Cover policy approved by the Commonwealth Government Department of Health and Ageing and which covers the student and dependants for the period of the RUIS 2007 award.
• A living allowance for successful candidates of the RUIS 2007 for the standard duration of the program. As a guide, RMIT University recipients of the RUIS 2006 were awarded a living allowance of approximately AUD$19,000 per annum for the standard duration of the program – two years for a Masters by Research degree or three years for a Doctorate by Research degree.

The RUIS award does not provide for travel, medical costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa, thesis expenses, the cost of English Language Intensive Courses for Overseas Students (ELICOS), or costs associated with overseas fieldwork.

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SELECTION CRITERIA

Students must be undertaking study in a subject area identified by RMIT University as one of its areas of research concentration. RMIT University has identified the following as their research concentrations for 2007.

Science, Engineering and Technology Portfolio

• Information Science & Engineering
• Nanoscience & Functional Materials
• Micro & Photonic Engineering
• BioSustainability
• Health and Well Being
• Aerospace and Automotive Engineering

Business Portfolio

• Organisational Performance and Business Sustainability
• Market Knowledge/Intelligence
• Business ICT Infrastructure
• Money Relationships

Design and Social Context

• Urban Sustainability
• Globalisation
• Design in the Built Environment
• Visual Arts and Media
• Teaching and Learning

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DURATION OF THE RUIS 2007 AWARD

The RUIS 2007 award will cover the duration of the program from the time the student commences the HDR degree at RMIT University, or from the time the RUIS award was granted. The normal duration of an RUIS is three years for Research Doctorate degrees and two years for Research Masters degrees.

The duration of an RUIS will be reduced in the following situations:

• Currently enrolled students (who commenced their studies in Semester 2, 2006) will receive the benefits from the time the RUIS 2007 award was granted.
• During suspension of the RUIS award.
• RMIT University may approve extensions to the duration of a RUIS 2007 award only once, for up to 6 months.
• If a student is transferring from another institution.

If a RUIS awardee transfers to another institution, the funding for the RUIS award will cease.

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CONDITIONS OF THE RUIS 2007

Ongoing Eligibility
RMIT University will monitor the ongoing eligibility of a student to ensure that the student continues to meet the eligibility requirements for the RUIS award.

Suspension of an RUIS
A student may apply to RMIT University for a suspension of their RUIS award. The approval of suspensions will be at the discretion of RMIT University.

Conversion of Degrees
Students may convert from a Research Masters degree to a Research Doctorate degree or from a Research Doctorate degree to a Research Masters degree and may continue to receive their RUIS. awardees must seek approval for the conversion of degrees from RMIT University prior to amending the RUIS award.

The maximum duration of a converted RUIS becomes that for the new research degree (minus periods of study undertaken towards the related degree prior to the conversion).

Change of Research Area
RMIT University may approve a student’s request to change from the research area indicated in the original placement or RUIS, providing:

• the new research area is one of RMIT’s areas of research concentration; and

• there will be no extension of the duration of the RUIS arising from the change of research area beyond the period of the original placement or RUIS offer, including any previously approved extensions. The only exception is where the change of research area results from circumstances relating to the research which are outside the control of the student and RMIT University.

Termination of a RUIS
RMIT University will terminate the RUIS:

1. if the student ceases to meet the eligibility criteria of the award, other than during a period in which the RUIS has been suspended; or
2. once the maximum duration of the RUIS has been reached; or
3. on completion of the course of study; or
4. if RMIT University determines that:

• the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence; or
• the student has failed to maintain satisfactory academic progress; or
• the student has committed serious academic misconduct; or
• the student has provided false or misleading information to RMIT University in relation to the RUIS award

Visa Requirements
RMIT University is required to provide the student with a duly authorised Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) which meets the requirements of DIMA to enable the student to obtain their student visa to enter Australia. The CoE cannot be sent until written acceptance of the scholarship offer has been received from the student.

RUIS holders who meet the requirements are issued with a Student Visa Subclass 574 (Masters and Doctorate), which permits multiple entry into Australia. Students who are planning to depart and return to Australia at any time during their course should ensure that they hold a valid visa for re-entry.

Extension of stay in Australia
It is the responsibility of each RUIS student to ensure that they hold a valid visa while in Australia. If their visa expires, the student will be required to leave Australia. Where a student is granted an extension to their RUIS, they will be required to apply for a further student visa in order to extend their stay in Australia. Under current arrangements, international students are required to have a medical check-up before applying for a renewal of their visa. The compulsory medical examination and X-ray are administered through Health Services Australia (HSA).

Further details can be obtained from the HSA website (http://www.healthoz.com.au/)
A RUIS award does not cover any medical and visa processing costs associated with the issue or renewal of a student visa.

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Other Information for students

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
All international students studying in Australia are required to purchase and maintain OSHC for the duration of their stay in Australia. A RUIS award covers the cost of a standard OSHC policy for the student and their dependants.

A standard OSHC policy covers the costs of medical and hospital care in Australia, most prescription drugs and emergency ambulance transport.

RUIS recipients may wish to purchase extra OSHC if they require cover for ancillary services such as dental, optical, physiotherapy. A RUIS does not cover the costs of extra OSHC.

For detailed information on OSHC provisions, please refer to the Australian Government student health cover information website (http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/health-privatehealth-consumers-oshc.htm)

Employment
International students are not automatically given permission to work when they are issued with a student visa. Students who wish to work while studying in Australia will need to apply for an International Student work permit. Students and dependants can only apply for a visa with permission to work after they arrive in Australia and the student has commenced studying.

Students who are issued with a student visa with permission to work will be allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while undertaking their studies. This limitation does not apply to work that was specified as a course requirement when the course particulars were entered in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS). Students can work unrestricted hours during non-study periods.

In addition to work restrictions attached to the student visa, any part-time work must also be approved by the Higher Education Provider (HEP), in this case, RMIT University and may be subject to additional conditions as determined by the university.

RMIT University must be satisfied that any approved part-time work does not interfere with the student’s study program which must be full-time. Part-time work commitments cannot be accepted as grounds of extension of the scholarship.

School Education for dependants
From 1 January 2006, dependents of international postgraduate research students will receive full exemption from tuition fees in government primary and secondary schools. The exemption applies to dependents of postgraduate research students enrolled at Victorian tertiary institutions in Doctoral or Masters by Research degree courses, who hold a Subclass 574 Visa issued on or after 1 July 2004. Current students are entitled to the exemption from 1 January 2006, however the exemption does not apply retrospectively (no refunds can be made for tuition that took place prior to 1 January 2006). There is no restriction on the number of dependents. All arrangements for schooling in a state school need to be arranged directly with the Victorian education authorities. Click here for application details.

www.rmit.edu.au/international/family

Child care assistance
RUIS awardees are not eligible to claim Child Care Benefits (CCB) which assists families with the cost of their child care.

Intellectual property
RMIT University must adhere to an intellectual property policy, approved by our governing body. Further information regarding RMIT University’s intellectual property policy and guidelines can be viewed at RMIT Intellectual Property Contracts Website (http://www.rmit.edu.au/rd/ip)

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How to apply

Closing date: Complete submissions must be received by 5.00pm Eastern Standard Time, Friday 29th September 2006. Late applications or late submission of documentation will NOT be considered.

Note:Applicants must have an RMIT University offer letter prior to lodging your application. Applicants only need to submit one set of the required documents when applying for both the Endeavour IPRS 2007 and/or RUIS 2007 award.

Applicants wishing to be considered for an Endeavour IPRS 2007 or RUIS 2007 award must submit the following (which constitutes a complete application):

1. Completed RMIT Scholarship Application Form
2. A copy of your offer letter from RMIT University
3. Two Academic Referee Reports (Faxed and emailed copies of Academic Referee Reports will not be accepted)
4. Official certified copies of all academic transcripts, including a university explanation of the grading system. Copies should be provided in both English and the original language (where applicable)
5. Certified copy of graduation certificate
6. Evidence of English language proficiency
7. Research proposal outlining the objective, methodology and expected outcomes (no less than 200 words)
8. Statement indicating why you wish to undertake this research
9. Resume (Curriculum Vitae)
10. Evidence of your employment history on company letterhead (if applicable)
11. Copy of any relevant publications, unpublished thesis or essays you have completed (if applicable)
12. Letter from scholarship provider (if applicable)

For Art & Design related programs (if applicable), please also include

1. A portfolio of 12 slides or a CD Rom including annotation introducing the work. Your folio will not be returned, please ensure that you retain a copy of all your folio.
2. Supplementary forms relevant to the Art & Design related program. The form can be printed out at RMIT International’s Supplementary forms webpage (http://www.rmit.edu.au/international/supplementary_forms)

Certified copies
Certified copies’ are copies authorised, or stamped as being true copies of the originals, by a person or agency recognised by the law of the country in which they are certified.

Documents submitted
Please note that all documents submitted remain the property of RMIT University. Requests for documents to be returned will not be approved.

If you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate in contacting
Ms Margaret Jones
Senior International Admissions Officer
Scholarships and Sponsorships
Email: iresearch@rmit.edu.au
Telephone: +61-3-9925-5135
Fax: +613 9663 6925