University of Melbourne seeks applications for the Human Rights Scholarship to pursue graduate research in the human rights field

University of Melbourne is seeking applications for two Human Rights Scholarship that are available for applicants who wish to undertake graduate research studies at the University in the human rights field and who are able to demonstrate their commitment to the peaceful advancement of respect for human rights.

Benefits & conditions
Human Rights Scholarship benefits include:

• a living allowance of $26,000 per annum (2011 rate)
• a Relocation Grant of $2,000 awarded to students who are moving from interstate in order to study at the University of Melbourne or $3,000 awarded to those who are moving from overseas
• Thesis Allowance of up to $420 (2011 rate) for masters by research and up to $840 (2011 rate) for PhD and other doctorate by research candidates, and
• Paid sick, maternity and parenting leave.
• Fees

HRS does not cover international graduate research degree course fees.

Local graduate research degree HRS recipients are not charged course fees as they are allocated a Research Training Scheme (RTS) place. RTS places exempt students from the Higher Education Contribution (HECS) Scheme. Time limits and other conditions apply to RTS places.

Eligibility criteria

• Applicants for the HRS must be able to demonstrate that their commitment to the peaceful advancement of respect for human rights extends beyond their academic studies (such as voluntary work and/or work experience).
• A high H2A (ie. 78-79% and above) is the minimum grade average usually required to be competitive for an HRS.
• Applicants must have applied for, or be currently enrolled in, a graduate research degree in the human rights field at the University of Melbourne.
• International students must have an unconditional course offer at the University of Melbourne for the course for which they seek the support of a HRS. See below for local and international HRS application procedures.
• Applicants seeking a HRS to undertake a graduate research degree must normally meet the academic requirements that apply to the Australian Postgraduate Award (APA) or Melbourne Research Scholarship (MRS). Click here for further details about APA/MRS Eligibility.

Selection criteria
Selection of the HRS is based on four main criteria: area of study, evidence of commitment to human rights over a period of time, academic merit and strength of supporting documentation.
Last date for submission of application is October 31, 2011

For more information, please visit http://cms.services.unimelb.edu.au/scholarships/pgrad/local/available/humanrights#number