Application is now open for the Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship at Flinders University. Interested candidates are encouraged to send in their applications before the deadline date.
About Flinders University and Scholarship
Flinders University, a prominent public research institution, is based in Adelaide, South Australia. Its broad presence spans across 11 locations in South Australia and the Northern Territory. The university’s establishment in 1966 brought with it a name honoring the British navigator Matthew Flinders, renowned for his explorations and surveys of the Australian and South Australian coastlines in the early 19th century.
At the heart of Flinders University lies its primary campus located at Bedford Park in the southern reaches of Adelaide. This campus sprawls over 156 acres, featuring lush gardens and native bushland, creating a vibrant and green academic environment. Beyond the main campus, Flinders University maintains a diverse network of campuses, including Tonsley, Adelaide Central Business District, Renmark, Alice Springs, and Darwin. Notably, the university is affiliated with the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) Group, an association that fosters a culture of research excellence and innovation.
The Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship has been established with the primary objective of supporting students in their pursuit of work-integrated learning placements in rural or remote locations. Generously funded through a donation from Vivienne Dunstone, this scholarship is intended for students who harbor a genuine interest in both working within and contributing to regional communities. By providing this scholarship, Flinders University aims to foster valuable experiences for students while also aiding rural and remote areas through their dedication and expertise.
Details about The Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship at Flinders University:
Scholarship Sponsor: Flinders University, Australia
Scholarship Value: Maximum $2,500
Number of awards: N/A
Study level: Undergraduate
Host Institution(s): Flinders University, Australia
Enrolment Status: Continuing
Benefits:
The amount of each scholarship will vary based on the length of placement; it will start at $250 per week and go up to a maximum of $2,500. Students who need to travel to distant places (RA5) for their placement may be eligible for additional funding. A minimum of two scholarships will be awarded each year.
Eligibility Criteria for The Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship
Candidates are advised to meet the following conditions to be qualified for The Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship at Flinders University:
- Be enrolled full-time at Flinders University* in a program of study; and
- Possess a full-time job during the scholarship year; and
- Be executing the placement in a regional or remote location, which, except Mount Barker, is classified as RA2–RA5 by the Australian Statistical Geography Standard Remoteness: additionally
- Being doing The placement more than 90 minute’ journey from the student’s semester residence and permanent home address; and
- Have not been awarded a scholarship or financial aid from Flinders University for a placement in a remote or rural area during the same year.
*Part-time students may be eligible for scholarships in special cases, such as those with illness, disability, or caregiving duties. Students completing an elective placement must obtain assurance from their host supervisor that the experience would significantly advance their studies to fulfill the qualifying requirements. If the placement is not completed, recipients may be required to reimburse the scholarship.
Selection Criteria
The process of selecting scholarship recipients will be overseen by a panel of experienced staff members well-versed in the realm of Work Integrated Learning. The panel will assess and rank scholarship applications based on several key criteria. These include:
- The panel will consider the extent of travel required and the level of remoteness associated with the placement location.
- The length of the work-integrated learning placement will also be taken into account during the evaluation process.
- Applicants are encouraged to articulate the financial challenges they may face due to the placement in a financial hardship statement. The panel will weigh this factor when assessing applications.
- The panel will assess whether applicants have received funding or accommodation support for placements in previous years, which may influence their ranking.
- The number of work-integrated learning placements mandated by the applicant’s course of study will be considered.
- Applicants are encouraged to outline the educational and professional development benefits they anticipate gaining from undertaking a regional placement. The panel will assess the potential benefits highlighted in the applicants’ educational benefits statement.
Application Procedure for The Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship
Applications must be submitted electronically by the designated deadline using the Flinders University Student System. Please make sure the Bob Dunstone Rural Placement Scholarship Impact Statement form is completed and included with your application. Since the information in the Student System will be used to evaluate you, please read the instructions on how to apply and make sure all of your personal information is current. You can also visit the official website for further details.
The Application Deadline is: November 27, 2023
Not interested in this particular scholarship? See other Australia scholarships here.