Masters INTRAIN Scholarships

• Downloads
• Masters Scholarship Application Form (Word, 141kb, 19/10/2007)
• Masters Scholarships Guidelines (Word, 118kb, 19/10/2007)
• Appendix 1 - Additional Information required for Doctoral Scholarship Applications (Word, 37kb, 16/12/2005)

What is INTRAIN?

The Department of Human Services has implemented policies and programs to address the disadvantages experienced by Indigenous people in Victoria.

INTRAIN (Indigenous Training and Recruitment Initiatives Program) is a key initiative supported by the department's Indigenous Recruitment and Career Development Strategy. The Strategy was introduced to improve the diversity and responsiveness of the Victorian Public Sector to Indigenous issues by increasing employment opportunities for Victorian Indigenous people.

INTRAIN Masters/Doctoral Scholarships are offered to Victorian Indigenous people to assist them to complete Masters/Doctoral in coursework programs that have a major focus on public health issues such as Masters Public Health, Masters in Health Services Research, Social Health or other equivalent courses.

Furthermore, the aim of the Scholarships is to also assist Victorian Indigenous people to contribute positively to the improvement of the general health of the Victorian Indigenous Community.

Who is eligible to apply?

To be eligible for an INTRAIN Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be of Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
• Identify as an Australian Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person; and
• Be accepted by the community in which he/she lives or has lived; and
• Reside in Victoria or will live in Victoria upon completion of their course; and
• Must want to work for the department or its funded agencies; and
• The course is relevant to a career within the department or its funded agencies; and
• Not have previously received an INTRAIN scholarship.

The Masters/Doctoral Degree Scholarships are only available for students inrolling in a course with a major focus on public health issues such as Masters Public Health, Masters in Health Services Research, Social Health or other equivalent courses.

What is the Scholarship entitlement?

The Scholarship is a fortnightly living allowance which is currently $25,470 gross per annum.

How are Scholarships awarded?

Selection will be based on merit and consideration will be given to:

• The relevance of the course of study to employment within the department or its funded agencies.
• Referee reports.
• The ability to undertake and complete the course of study.
• Interest in working in the department or its funded agencies on completion of the course of study.
• Participation in the Victorian Indigenous community.

The Masters/Doctoral course must develop skills in:

• Research project planning, management and evaluation.
• Research design (qualitative and quantitative).
• Evidence based practice and its implementation.
• Research policy and project development.

What is involved in the Scholarship selection process?

A panel made up of representatives from the Indigenous Community, a Tertiary Institution and from the Department of Human Services will review and shortlist the applications. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview.

The panel will make a decision as to which applicants will receive a Scholarship. Successful applicants are required to sign an Agreement with the Department of Human Services. This Agreement outlines the department's and the recipient's obligations regarding the Scholarship.

What is the process for applying?

Students are required to review the Guidelines document and complete the application form including Attachments A and B and additional information as per the checklist.

Applications should be forwarded to:

Masters/Doctoral Scholarship Contact Officer
Workforce Planning & Recruitment Unit
Department of Human Services
Level 11, 50 Lonsdale Street
Melbourne 3000

When do applications close?

Applications must be completed and received by the Department of Human Services no later than 5:00 pm on Thursday, 31 January 2008.

Please note that incomplete or late applications may not be accepted.

How can further information be obtained?

For further information, application form or the conditions of the Agreement, please contact:

Lee Barclay
Public Health Branch
9096 0351

Louise Burch
Equity and Diversity Coordinator
9096 2853