THE SEED SCHOLARSHIP

SEED Scholarship Application Form v1.20240304

The Sustainability, Excellence, Equity, and Diversity (SEED) Scholarship represents an innovative initiative by the Newcastle Australia Institute of Higher Education (NAIHE) aimed at cultivating future leaders committed to making a significant impact in the fields of sustainability, equity, and diversity.

This full scholarship is awarded annually to a standout student who not only demonstrates academic excellence but is also prepared to use their education to effect positive change globally.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  1. Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  2. Be an applicant for one of NAIHE’s part-time postgraduate programs, including Graduate Certificate and Master’s programs.
  3. Fulfill the admission requirements for their selected course of study.
  4.  Exhibit a robust commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, equity, and/or diversity.
  5. Present a clear vision for utilizing their education to contribute positively to global challenges.
  6. Consent to act as an ambassador for NAIHE.

Application

To apply for the scholarship, students must submit the following:

  1. A completed application form.
  2. A personal statement (300-500 words) that discusses their commitment to academic excellence, sustainability, equity and/or diversity.
  3. A letter of recommendation from a faculty member or another professional who can attest to their academic excellence and commitment to sustainability, equity and/or diversity.

Decision-Making Process Confidentiality

  1. NAIHE reserves the right to make decisions regarding the selection of SEED Scholarship recipients, the allocation of scholarship funds, and any modifications to the scholarship program at its sole discretion.
  2. It is understood and agreed by all applicants and recipients that the criteria, processes, and outcomes of these decisions are confidential and proprietary. NAIHE is under no obligation to disclose, justify, or explain the details of its decision-making process to any party. This includes, but is not limited to, decisions related to scholarship eligibility, selection of recipients, determination of scholarship amounts, and any changes to scholarship terms.
  3. By applying for the SEED Scholarship, applicants acknowledge and consent to this clause, agreeing to respect the autonomy of NAIHE’s administrative and evaluative procedures without expectation of disclosure.

Scholarship Amount, Duration, and Applicability

  1. The SEED Scholarship encompasses full tuition for a NAIHE Graduate Certificate and/or Master’s program.
  2. It exclusively covers tuition fees and does not cover any other associated costs.
  3. The scholarship remains in effect for the entirety of the postgraduate program, provided the recipient maintains eligibility.
  4. The scholarship does not apply to remodule fees.
  5. The scholarship applies to the upcoming intake only. Should applicants defer their upcoming intake, the Scholarship offer may be revoked.

Withdrawal and Rejoining

  1. Withdrawal from the program results in immediate cessation of the scholarship benefits.
  2. Rejoining after withdrawal necessitates re-application, with scholarship conditions reassessed based on the then-current criteria.

Progression

  1. Scholarship recipients who progress from a Graduate Certificate to the Masters program within a stipulated time frame will retain all of the scholarship benefits. 
  2. Should there be a delay in progressing to the Masters program beyond the stipulated time frame, the Scholarship may be revoked at the discretion of NAIHE. 
  3. The stipulated time frame is within the next available intake. 

Forfeiture

  1. The scholarship may be revoked if the recipient’s academic progress or behaviour falls below NAIHE’s standards of excellence.

Non-Transferability

  1. The scholarship is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and has no cash alternative.

Recipient Obligations and Ambassadorial Activities

  1. There are no bond obligations associated with the SEED scholarship.
  2. Recipients of the SEED Scholarship are entrusted with the responsibility of exemplifying the core values of NAIHE, which include a commitment to sustainability, excellence, equity, and diversity. As stewards of these principles, scholarship recipients may be called upon to engage in a variety of ambassadorial activities. These activities are designed to promote the postgraduate program and NAIHE’s mission, and may include but are not limited to:
    1. Participation in Interviews: Scholars may be invited to share their experiences and aspirations in interviews for NAIHE’s publications, websites, and promotional materials.
    2. Speaking Engagements: Opportunities to speak at NAIHE events, workshops, or conferences, offering insights into their studies, research, and the impact of the scholarship on their educational journey.
    3. Mentorship Roles: Engaging with prospective and current students as mentors, providing guidance and support based on their own experiences and achievements.
    4. Social Media Engagement: Representing NAIHE, their postgraduate program and the SEED Scholarship on social media platforms, contributing to discussions on sustainability, excellence, equity, and/or diversity, and highlighting their academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
  3. These activities not only contribute to the recipient’s personal and professional development but also serve to inspire and attract future generations of SEED Scholars. Participation is considered an integral part of the scholarship agreement, reinforcing the recipient’s role as an active and contributing member of the NAIHE community.

Amendments and Discontinuation

  1. NAIHE reserves the right to amend, suspend, or discontinue the SEED Scholarship at any time without prior notice.
  2. In the event of a dispute, NAIHE’s decision will be final and binding.

By accepting the SEED Scholarship, the awardee agrees to abide by these terms and conditions. NAIHE reserves the right to interpret and enforce these terms at its sole discretion.