InTrain Scholarships
What is an INTRAIN scholarship?
Indigenous training and recruitment initiative (INTRAIN) scholarships were introduced to improve the diversity and responsiveness of the Victorian public sector to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues by increasing employment opportunities.
INTRAIN scholarships are offered to Victorian Indigenous people to assist them to complete degrees and diplomas in the health and community sector. The aim is to contribute positively to the improvement of the general health of the Victorian Indigenous community by enhancing opportunities for employment within the department or its funded agencies.
INTRAIN scholarships will assist eligible full time or part time students to study by providing a fortnightly living allowance to:
- complete the last one or two years of an undergraduate course
- complete the last one or two years of a postgraduate course
- complete a diploma in the area of community services.
The department will be offering a limited number of INTRAIN scholarships for 2010.
Who is eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply for an INTRAIN scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
- be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent
- identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
- be accepted by the community in which you live or have lived
- currently reside in Victoria or based in Victoria
- want to work for the department
- the course is relevant to a career within the department
- will not be receiving any other financial assistance for your studies, other than Abstudy, for the duration of your INTRAIN scholarship (successful applicants will be required to provide a statutory declaration to prove this criteria)
- will not undertake full time work
- be in the final one or two years of study
- not have previously received an INTRAIN scholarship.
While applications arer welcome from all Indigenous tertiary students, priority will be given in 2010 to those undertaking undergraduate, postgraduate studies and diplomas in the areas of health and community services including:
- social work
- health, allied health and related fields
- community development and management
- public policy and administration
- accounting and finance
- housing (urban planning, research, architecture).
What is the scholarship entitlement?
The INTRAIN scholarship provides a fortnightly living allowance to students while they are studying. In 2009, the department will offer scholarships valued at $25,470 per year, paid on a fortnightly basis to successful applicants that are studying full time.
The department will offer reduced scholarships for part time students. The financial amount of the scholarship offered will be determined by the recipients study load.
How are scholarships awarded?
Applications will be assessed by the selection panel against the eligiblity criteria, taking into consideration the written application, interview and referee reports. Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria will be invited to discuss their applications with the selection panel.
What is the process for applying?
Students are required to review the guidelines document and complete the application form including Attachment A and additional information as per the checklist.
Applications should be forwarded to:
Project Officer, Aboriginal Employment Strategies
Human Resources Branch
Department of Human Services
Level 11, 50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne 3000
When do applications close?
Applications open on Monday 23 November 2009 and must be completed and received by the Department of Human Services no later than 5.00 pm on Friday 29 January 2010.
How can further information be obtained?
For further information, please contact the:
Senior Project Officer
Aboriginal Employment Strategies
on 9096 7143