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Funding and Grants


Higher Degree Research Funding

The higher degree research (HDR) funding provides eligible research candidates with an opportunity to apply for Department HDR funds, to enable candidates accelerate progress of their research and to access essential expertise, resources or equipment not readily available at Macquarie University.

The Department will only fund justified essential research project related costs during the first 3.5 (full-time equivalent) years of candidacy if undertaking a PhD program and 1.5 (full-time equivalent) years if undertaking an MPhil program.

The funding is available to Arts HDR candidates for a range of research-related purposes including costs associated with attendance at a conference, travel in support of research projects, obtaining essential resources or material for research and other essential expenses directly related to undertaking thesis related research.

The funding scheme is not intended to cover the actual cost of research activity in full. Rather, it is a monetary contribution towards the approved research related activity.

You must consult your Department before commencing with the funding application process.


Eligibility

The applicant must be admitted in a higher degree research program in the Faculty of Arts (full-time or part-time) and:

  1. be within the first   
    1. 3.5 (full-time equivalent) years of their candidacy, if undertaking a PhD program, or   
    2. 1.5 (full-time equivalent) years of their candidacy, if undertaking a MPhil program;
  2. if applying for conference-related funding, must comply with Departmental requirements in relation to presenting a paper at the conference; 
  3. is able to demonstrate satisfactory academic progress towards timely completion of their research program in the current calendar year as assessed by the Principal Supervisor, Department and the Faculty; 
  4. have appropriate ethics clearance approval where relevant; evidence of ethics clearance approval must be provided with the Application; 
  5. if traveling overseas, must obtain approval from the University to travel to the nominated destination;
  6. cannot apply for funds to attend a conference that is being held while they are on Leave of Absence from candidature; 
  7. must submit their Application for HDR funding to the Department at least three (3) weeks before commencing the activity; 
  8. not have an outstanding financial liability to the University.

Use of Department HDR funds

The Department HDR funds are available on the basis of the merits and needs of individual projects in relation to a timely completion of the degree in which the candidate is enrolled. The HDR Application must demonstrate a clear research benefit to the candidate's project and have the support of candidate's Principal Supervisor. You must consult your Department before you commence the application process as specific funding guidelines vary between Departments. In general, however, the funds may be used for:

  • costs associated with attendance at a conference, including registration fees, accommodation costs and travel expenses; in some Departments, preference may be given to candidates who are presenting their work at the conference;
  • travel costs in support of field research;
  • travel costs associated with meeting with supervisor (applies only to candidates residing outside the wider Sydney metropolitan area;
  • translation costs;
  • the cost of obtaining essential material for research work, such as archival material;
  • costs associated with purchasing a laptop;
  • costs associated with obtaining published material that is defined as a "working copy" in the Macquarie University Library Procedure "Purchase of Working Copies of Published Materials from Non-Library Funds";
  • costs associated with obtaining equipment, materials and other resources for fieldwork research.

Research training costs not normally funded

  • airline cancellation fees;
  • costs associated with home internet connections;
  • normal living expenses;
  • any other expense not approved by the Department.

Payment of expended funds

The payment of HDR funds are usually paid as a reimbursement after expenses are incurred. The Application must detail proposed expenditure, include supporting documentation and be assessed and approved by the Department. Original receipts must be presented for payment.


Time limit on use of funds

Some Departments impose restrictions on when the funds can be expended. You must consult your Department about possible restrictions.


Travel bookings

Travel related expenditure must comply with the Macquarie University Travel Policy.

Candidates applying for travel funding must purchase their travel tickets through STA Travel or Campus Travel (must use branches on MQ campus only). Candidates are required to first obtain a quotation for travel costs from either STA Travel or Campus Travel and attach it to the Application as evidence of budgetary cost approximation.

Candidates must not:
  • book the flight prior to their Application being approved;
  • pay for tickets themselves (payments are arranged by the University directly with either of the agents on campus.


Report to the Department after Application funds are expended

Candidates must comply with Departmental requirements in relation to providing a brief overview of the resulting benefits to their research project within the time specified by the Department.


Forms


Enquiries

HDR candidates should discuss their specific requirements and costs they are likely to incur over the duration of their candidature with their Principal Supervisor, and:

  • complete Part 1 of the Application and submit to their Principal Supervisor;
  • direct their general enquiries about the Application process to their Principal Supervisor and/or the Department Administrator.