KEY POINTS
- The main objectives of the APAs are to:
- support postgraduate research training in the higher education sector; and
- provide financial support to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.
- Awards are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years, with a possible extension of six months, for a Doctorate by research degree. Award holders receive an annual stipend and may also be eligible for other allowances.
- APAs are available to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.
- To be eligible for funding, Higher Education Providers (HEPs) must be listed in sections 16-15 and 16-20 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Eligible HEPs are provided with block grants for continuing and new awards each year under the scheme.
FACTS AND FIGURES
Legislation - Higher Education Support Act 2003
The main objectives of the APAs are to:
- support postgraduate research training in the higher education sector; and
- provide financial support to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.
Awards are available for a period of two years for a Masters by research degree or three years, with a possible extension of six months, for a Doctorate by research degree. Award holders receive an annual stipend and may also be eligible for other allowances.
Length of program and proposed annual budget over the program's life
The APAs is an ongoing program.
|
Estimated Actual
2007 – 2008
$’000
97,767 |
Estimate
2008-2009
$’000
100,234 |
Estimate
2009-2010
$’000
102,694 |
Estimate
2010-2011
$’000
105,165 |
* Appropriated on a calendar year basis
The Government has committed to double the number of APAs by 2012, beginning in 2009. This funding is yet to be appropriated and is not included in the figures above.
Eligibility and target audience
APAs are available to domestic postgraduate students of exceptional research promise who undertake their degree by research at an eligible Australian higher education provider.
To be eligible for funding, Higher Education Providers (HEPs) must be listed in sections 16-15 and 16-20 of the Higher Education Support Act 2003. Eligible HEPs are provided with block grants for continuing and new awards each year under the scheme.