SHS Research Allocation Grant (SRAG) Policy
The School Research Allocation Grant (SRAG) is administered over the whole period of a students' candidature rather than on an annual basis. Thus students are expected to plan wisely how they will best use SRAG funds over the course of their candidature. Students must take into account future travel needs and recognise that the SRAG will not cover all thesis related expenditure.
How much?
PhD students are eligible for a SRAG of $1500
MA students are eligible for a grant of $750
Note that applications for TRIPS, MATS, PORES and the PhD Fieldwork Scheme, all require a school contribution and this amount is deducted from the candidate’s SRAG.
Eligibility period
Probationary PhD candidates and MA candidates in their first six months will, in most cases, be considered ineligible to apply for SRAG funding.
NB: Grants will not normally be approved for major research trips for candidates who are beyond three years EFT (PhD) or 18 months EFT (MA).
What can SRAG be used for?
The SRAG is primarily to assist candidates in the ‘field’:
- to present papers at conferences
- to undertake research away from Melbourne University
- for specialty research materials required for the thesis that are not available through the university library.
In relation to these purposes, students can request funding towards conference registration fees, travel and accommodation costs, and copying of research materials.
Thesis costs - Printing and binding
Postgraduates who are not supported by a funded scholarship can apply for a grant towards the costs associated with the printing and binding of their thesis, as long as they have SRAG funds remaining at the end of their candidature.
Not funded
Professional thesis editing - only in exceptional circumstances will permission be given to use SRAG funds for professional editing. See the MSGR policy.
Materials such as software (excluding specialty language software for students completing a thesis in a LOTE), books, stationery and local photocopying cannot be claimed.
When to apply
- When preparing an application for TRIPS, MATS, or other travelling scholarships
- When planning a conference or research related trip which will not be supported by a travelling scholarship
- The need to acquire specialty research materials should be discussed with your supervisor beforehand, and application for a SRAG should usually be made as a request for reimbursement
- If not supported by a scholarship, you may apply for a reimbursement of thesis printing and binding costs.
How to apply
Complete and submit to the Research Higher Degrees Officer (Coralie Crocker, room 306 John Medley West):
- SRAG application form [Word doc 70kb]
- Student Payment Request Form [pdf 95kb] (complete top section only)
- Application for a Student Supplier Form [pdf 104kb] (if this is a first request for a SRAG)
Your application will be assessed by the RHD Officer, and you will be notified of the amount of funding that has been recommended for approval.
Please note the following:
- Once an application is accepted it can take up to six weeks to effect payment.
- Advance payments in anticipation of future expenditure will not usually be made.
- Any item claimed which does not appear to comply with the guidelines will be referred to the School Research & Research Training Committee.
- Requests for funding will not be processed after 7 December each year. All applications will be held until January when the university resumes business