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1. Background

a. This primary scholarship is funded by the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA), an unincorporated joint venture funded and managed in partnership between the NSW Government and The University of Sydney, UNSW Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, and Macquarie University.

b. This scholarship is available for a PhD student working in the field of quantum technology at one of the partner universities of the Sydney Quantum Academy.

c. This scholarship recognises and fosters outstanding postgraduate research degree candidates.

2. Eligibility

a. The Scholarship is offered subject to the applicants having an unconditional offer of admission or being currently enrolled in a full-time PhD in a field related to quantum technology at the University of Sydney.

b. Successful applicants are expected to commence their Scholarship in the research period that the scholarship is awarded.

c. Applicants must have an endorsement support of a USYD –on the SQA expert list.

d. Applicants must not hold another primary stipend and/or international student tuition fee scholarship. ) Applicants who are offered a University of Sydney Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship, including any RTP Stipend, or RTP Tuition Fee Offset (international students only) may enquire about SQA Supplementary Scholarships. Recipients of an SQA Extension Scholarship will begin that scholarship when their primary scholarship ends and so will not hold two primary scholarships concurrently.

e. If applicants and/or selected recipients receive another scholarship(s), they must inform SQA, in writing, within one week of learning about it. Before accepting, they must provide details and conditions of the scholarship for SQA’s review and. Approval will depend on confirming that the new scholarship conditions will not affect the recipient’s ability to complete their PhD and the SQA PhD Experience Program on time.

f. Any other requirement in accordance with SQA eligibility criteria at the time of application.

3. Selection Criteria

a. The successful applicant will be awarded the Scholarship on the basis of:

I. academic merit,
II. professional expertise,
III. research potential and alignment to partner institution quantum research strengths
IV. alignment with SQA objectives, including objectives for diversity and
V. projects with potential for industry engagement.

b. Applications will be assessed by the SQA Scholarship Selection Committee comprising researchers and academics within the four SQA partner universities and recommendations for award made to the SQA Executive.

4. Value

a. Domestic student:

I. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of AUD $41,753per annum (2025 rate) for up to 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
II. The Scholarship will provide up to an additional 6 months of stipend allowance if prior written approval from the USYD Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Training) or relevant USYD delegate is obtained.

b. International student:

I. The Scholarship will provide a stipend allowance of AUD $41,753per annum (2025 rate) for up to 3.5 years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
II. Tuition fees are also provided for up to 14 research periods, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
III. The Scholarship will provide up to an additional 6 months of stipend allowance and up to 2 research periods of tuition fees if prior written approval from the USYD Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research Training) or relevant USYD delegate is obtained.

c. Both domestic and international recipients will also have access to SQA career development funding which is managed by the University of Sydney at a School level.

d. Both domestic and international recipients will also receive entry to the SQA PhD Experience Program.

e. Periods of study already undertaken towards the degree prior to the commencement of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum duration of the Scholarship excluding any potential extension period.

f. Successful applicants are expected to commence their Scholarship in the research period that the scholarship is awarded. Recipients can defer the Scholarship for up to 6 months subject to SQA approval. Deferment of the Scholarship for more than 6 months may be granted by SQA in exceptional circumstances. Candidates wishing to delay their candidature for reasons of personal preference will be encouraged to reapply to future rounds.

g. The recipient must advise the SQA if there is a substantial change to their research direction or a change to their supervisory arrangements. The scholarship cannot be transferred to another area of research without prior approval from SQA.

h. The recipient cannot transfer their Scholarship to another institution.

i. No other amount is payable.

j. The Scholarship will be offered subject to the availability of funding.

5. Eligibility for Progression
a. Progression is subject to the annual progress review being rated as satisfactory, meeting expectations or higher. The recipient must notify SQA within 1 week if the review cannot be completed or the outcome is not meeting expectations, unsatisfactory or marginal progress.

b. The successful applicant is expected to successfully participate in and complete the SQA PhD Experience Program. The recipient must raise any concerns about participation with the SQA for consideration of extenuating circumstances.

6. Leave Arrangements

a. The Scholarship recipient receives up to 20 working days recreation leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued. However, the student will forfeit any unused leave remaining when the Scholarship is terminated or complete. Recreation leave does not attract a leave loading and the supervisor's agreement must be obtained before leave is taken.

b. The Scholarship recipient may take up to 10 working days sick leave each year of the Scholarship and this may be accrued over the tenure of the Scholarship. Students with family responsibilities, caring for sick children or relatives, or experiencing domestic violence, may convert up to five days of their annual sick leave entitlement to carer’s leave on presentation of medical certificate(s). Students taking sick leave must inform their supervisor as soon as practicable.

c. The Scholarship holder must notify the SQA of any extended leave arrangements that may impact their ability to participate in the SQA PhD Experience Program.

7. Research Overseas

a. The Scholarship recipient may not normally conduct research overseas within the first six months of award.

b. The Scholarship holder may conduct up to 12 months of their research outside Australia. Approval must be sought from the student's supervisor, SQA, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC) and will only be granted if the research is essential for completion of the degree. All periods of overseas research are cumulative and will be counted towards a student's candidature. Students must remain enrolled full-time at the University and receive approval to count time away.

c. If granted approval for overseas research, the recipient must demonstrate how they will continue to meet the program’s requirements. Any concerns regarding participation should be discussed with the SQA for consideration. SQA may pause scholarship if the program’s requirements can’t be met.

8. Suspension

a. The Scholarship recipient cannot suspend their award within their first six months of study, unless a legislative provision applies.

b. The Scholarship recipient may apply for up to 12 months suspension of the Scholarship for any reason during the tenure of the Scholarship. Periods of Scholarship suspension are cumulative and failure to resume study after suspension will result in the award being terminated. Approval must be sought from SQA, the student's supervisor, Head of School and the Faculty via application to the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre (HDRAC). Periods of study towards the degree during suspension of the Scholarship will be deducted from the maximum tenure of the Scholarship.

9. Changes in Enrolment

a. The Scholarship recipient must notify HDRAC, the Sydney Quantum Academy (SQA) and their supervisor promptly of any planned changes to their enrolment including but not limited to: attendance pattern, suspension, leave of absence, withdrawal, course transfer, and candidature upgrade or downgrade. If the award holder does not provide notice of the changes identified above, the University/SQA may require repayment of any overpayment and/or may terminate the scholarship.

10. Termination

a. The Scholarship will be terminated:

I. on resignation or withdrawal of the student from their research degree,
II. upon submission of the thesis or at the end of the award,
III. if the student ceases to be a full-time student and prior approval has not been obtained to hold the Scholarship on a part-time basis,
IV. upon the student having completed the maximum candidature for their degree as per the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2011 Policy,
V. if the recipient receives an alternative primary stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship. Recipients should inform SQA, in writing, within one week of learning about them for assessment. In such circumstances this Scholarship may be terminated in favour of the alternative stipend and/or tuition fee scholarship where it is of higher value,
VI. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
VII. If the student ceases to meet the eligibility requirements specified for this Scholarship, (other than during a period in which the Scholarship has been suspended or during a period of approved leave).

b. The Scholarship may also be terminated by the University before this time if, in the opinion of the University:

I. the course of study is not being carried out with competence and diligence or in accordance with the terms of this offer,
II. the student fails to maintain satisfactory progress, or
III. the student has committed misconduct or other inappropriate conduct.

c. The Scholarship will be suspended throughout the duration of any enquiry/appeal process.

d. Once the Scholarship has been terminated, it will not be reinstated unless due to University error.

11. Misconduct

a. Where during the Scholarship a student engages in misconduct, or other inappropriate conduct (either during the Scholarship or in connection with the student’s application and eligibility for the Scholarship), which in the opinion of the University warrants recovery of funds provided, the University may require the student to repay payments made in connection with the Scholarship. Examples of such conduct include and without limitation; academic dishonesty, research misconduct within the meaning of the Research Code of Conduct 2023 (for example, plagiarism in proposing, carrying out or reporting the results of research, or failure to declare or manage a serious conflict of interests), breach of the Student Charter 2020 and misrepresentation in the application materials or other documentation associated with the Scholarship.

b. The University may require such repayment at any time during or after the Scholarship period. In addition, by accepting this Scholarship, the student consents to all aspects of any investigation into misconduct in connection with this Scholarship being disclosed by the University to the funding body and/or any relevant professional body.

12. Other Conditions

a. The recipient is expected to make reasonable effort to engage in the SQA community and respond to requests for information.

b. The recipient must acknowledge the SQA as a funder in all research publications and follow the SQA’s guidelines for acknowledgement.

c. Information provided by applicants will be used for the purposes of managing and assessing scholarship applications. De-identified information may be used in reports (e.g., to report on the gender balance of the applicant pool). For recipients, information will be used to administer Scholarships. This administration includes publishing the name of the Scholarship recipient in publicly accessible SQA and partner materials and channels. Recipient information (such as gender and country or origin) will also be included in SQA reports.

To be confirmed