The Victoria University COVID-19 2022 RTP Allowance program is available to eligible higher degree by research candidates with an opportunity to access an allowance to support their research quality and progress which are relevant to their individual circumstances and to:

  • recognise the impacts of COVID-19 on higher degree by research progress and quality
  • recognise the impacts of COVID-19 on higher degree by research mental health and well-being
  • support our HDRs to develop transferable skills through career development training opportunities.

Eligibility

Open to all HDRs who have met the eligibility criteria at the closing date for applications.

  1. Successfully completed a semester of study prior to 1 July 2021 with results of an average of 70 or more. 
  2. Approved confirmation of candidature prior to 26 June 2022
  3. Making satisfactory progress (on track for milestone presentations and not being considered for USP) supported by your Principle Supervisor.
  4. Have 6 months or more (EFT) remaining before their timely submission date for doctoral candidates and 3 months or more (EFT) remaining before their timely submission date in their Masters degree (funds must be expended by the timely duration of your degree).
  5. Recipients of Small HDR Grants in 2020 must submit brief report on impact of 2020 HDR Small Grant on quality and progress with itemised list of expenditure.

Allowance

Please discuss allowances with your Supervisor/Deputy Director prior to submitting your application.

Types of expenses allowed (but not limited to) are as follows:

  • transcription costs
  • Zoom licences (for live performances if not already available via the University)
  • support for primary data collection (but not research assistance)
  • purchase of secondary data (including subscriptions to data bases)
  • software and subscriptions
  • digitisation of archives/library materials (not available via library services)
  • software and/or subscriptions, not supported by the University but required for degree
  • research materials – replacement or additional
  • costs of data and sample analysis undertaken elsewhere/by expert technicians
  • virtual conference attendance
  • editorial support
  • publication costs (not available from Institute and/or library): prioritised for Thesis with Publication candidates
  • costs associated with research translation
  • specialist research infrastructure: computer upgrades, high-end computers
  • professional development (research technical skills/data analysis): eg ASCPRII course fees
  • professional development (transferable skills – contact RPD for further information).

The amount of funding available to each applicant (up to $4000 and $2500) is dependent on the FoR code under which their research falls.

HDR candidates enrolled in High Cost Research Codes: up to $4000

  • 3101 - Biochemistry and Cell Biology
  • 5201 - Applied and developmental psychology
  • 4004 - Chemical Engineering
  • 4005 - Civil Engineering
  • 5203 - Clinical and health psychology
  • 3103 - Ecology
  • 4008 - Electrical Engineering
  • 3006 - Food Sciences
  • 4017 - Mechanical Engineering
  • 3208 - Medical Physiology
  • 5205 - Social and personality psychology

HDR candidates enrolled in Low Cost Research Codes: up to $2500

  • 4901 - Applied Mathematics
  • 3501 - Accounting, Auditing and Accountability
  • 3801 - Applied Economics
  • 4602 - Artificial intelligence
  • 3302 - Built environment & Design
  • 4801 - Commercial law
  • 3504 - Commercial Services
  • 4603 - Computer vision and multimedia computation 
  • 4402 - Criminology
  • 4702 - Cultural Studies
  • 3901 - Curriculum and Pedagogy
  • 4606 - Distributed computing and systems software
  • 3902 - Education policy, sociology and philosophy
  • 3903 - Education Systems
  • 4009 - Electronics, sensors and digital hardware
  • 4802 - Environmental and resources law
  • 4303 - Historical Studies
  • 3204 - Immunology
  • 45 - Indigenous Studies
  • 4609 - Information Systems
  • 4803 - International and comparative law
  • 4804 - Law in context
  • 4805 - Legal systems
  • 4205 - Nursing
  • 3210 - Nutrition and Dietetics
  • 4407 - Policy and Administration
  • 4806 - Private law and civil obligations
  • 4206 - Public Health
  • 4807 - Public law
  • 4409 - Social Work
  • 4410 - Sociology
  • 3904 - Specialist Studies In Education
  • 4207 - Sports science and exercise
  • 3507 - Strategy, management and organisational behaviour
  • 3508 - Tourism
  • 3509 - Transportation, logistics and supply chains

Application process

Applications for the VU COVID-19 RTP 2022 Allowances program must be submitted through the VU online application portal.

Applicants will need to provide supporting statement from their Principal Supervisor confirming their satisfactory progress (on track for milestone presentations and not being considered for USP)

The completed application form along with relevant documents must be submitted online by 11.59pm on the closing date of the relevant round.

Late applications will not be considered.

Round Open Close Review date (week of)
1 15 November 2021 5 December 2021 15 December 2022
2 6 December 2021 23 January 2022 31 January 2022
3 24 January 2022 20 February 2022 28 February 2022
4 21 February 2022 20 March 2022 28 March 2022
5 21 March 2022 19 April 2022 25 April 2022
6 20 April 2022 15 May 2022 23 May 2022
7 16 May 2022 26 June 2022 4 July 2022

Assessment criteria

COVID-19 impact of progress and/or quality of research:

  • social distancing guidelines on research
  • limitations on access to specialist research training, infrastructure or research data
  • mental health and well-being (medically supported)
  • caring responsibilities for dependents, particularly home schooling responsibilities as a consequence of COVID-19.

Impact of grant:

  • retrieving progress and quality.

VU Research intellectual climate and citizenship:

  • committee/working group membership, seminar participation, mentoring junior graduate research.

Academic achievement to date in degree:

  • publications, external presentations/exhibitions, prizes and awards.

Payment

Funds will be distributed through the institute in the same way as standard candidature budget funds.

All allowances must be expended by the 1 December 2022 (unexpended funds cannot be rolled over into 2023).

Apply for 2022 Covid-19 RTP Allowance

Applications open 15 November 2021.

Apply through VU online portal

Applications close 26 June 2022 11:59pm AEST.

Contact us

For further assistance, please contact VU Research:

Email:[email protected]
Office hours: excluding public holidays, 9am – 5pm Monday-Friday