Applications

1. PURPOSE

1.1 The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation, a registered charity in Australia, and the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Trust, a registered charity in England, are offering to Australians a post-graduate scholarship in law, tenable at a university in the United Kingdom from 2012. The scholarship program is partially supported by funds from the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.

1.2   The scholarship is awarded in memory of the Right Honourable Sir Robert Menzies, KT AK CH QC, Prime Minister of Australia from 1939 to 1941 and from 1949 to 1966.

2. TENURE

2.1 The universities principally in mind are those of Oxford, Cambridge, London and Edinburgh. The Trustees will, however, receive and treat on merit applications for other universities or other institutions.

2.2 The award will generally be tenable for one academic year only, although scholars wishing to enrol for longer academic courses may also apply and funding support for such courses may be considered.

2.3 Each award will be made on the understanding that it will be continued for the period for which it is granted, subject to the scholar's satisfactory progress and conduct. Scholars will be required to provide a written report on their project each six months to the Menzies Foundation at menzies@vicnet.net.au.

2.4 The Scholarship will be awarded for a program of study leading to a higher degree in any subject within the discipline of law. The letter of award will specify the university or institution where the award is tenable, the course and the period for which it may be held.

2.5 The Scholarship may not be held concurrently with another scholarship or award providing materially similar or financially significant benefits.

2.6 The successful candidates will be expected to take up the scholarship in October 2012.

3. THE AWARD

3.1 The scholarship in law will be awarded on merit to the person who best meets the qualifications and qualities set out below.

3.2 The Trustees reserve the right to make no award in a particular year.

4. QUALIFICATIONS

4.1 Candidates must be Australian citizens, have been resident in Australia for at least five of the last ten years, and be available for interview in Australia at the time of selection in mid-October 2011.

4.2 At the time of application, candidates should have at least an Upper Second Class Honours Degree in Law, normally from an Australian university.

5. PERSONAL QUALITIES

5.1 So that Australia may benefit from the experience and knowledge gained, candidates will be asked to indicate the career they hope to follow on return to Australia. The Selection Committee will seek individuals who are likely to attain prominence in Australia and, in their subsequent careers, make a contribution to British/Australian relations and understanding.

5.2 The Selection Committee will take into account in the first place academic achievement, but also those qualities in candidates which Sir Robert Menzies held in high esteem. The qualities sought include:

i. Academic excellence
ii. Leadership, both proven and potential
iii. Extra-curricular activities and interests
iv. Ability to contribute to the life of a British university
v. Interest in the service of others.

6. SELECTION PROCEDURE

6.1 Reports from three referees who have known the candidate for some years may be requested by the Menzies Foundation. Two referees should have an academic or employment association and the third should be personal.

6.2 The award will be made following consideration of a short list of candidates who will be interviewed in Australia in mid-October by representatives of the Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation, the Menzies Memorial Scholars’ Association and the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. An award will normally be offered on the day of interview. A formal acceptance is required within 48 hours, failing which the offer will lapse.

7. EMOLUMENTS

7.1 The scholarship provides emoluments to meet compulsory university fees and charges and to contribute substantially towards the cost of books, equipment, living and travel. They are revised from time to time to reflect changes in the level of fees and other expenses. Emoluments are not subject to United Kingdom income tax. The scale of emoluments at the present time is as follows:

7.2 UNIVERSITY AND OTHER EXPENSES

(a) Tuition fees or a research grant equivalent, examination and other compulsory fees - subject to approval by the Trustees.

(b) A grant of £120 towards the typing and binding of a thesis.

7.3 PERSONAL LIVING ALLOWANCE

£12,250 (if enrolled at a university outside London) and £14,250 (if enrolled at a London university) per annum, payable in three instalments.

7.4 TRAVEL

(a) A student concession fare or other approved air fare from Australia to the United Kingdom.

(b) A similar air fare to return to Australia, provided the scholar returns within twelve months of completing his/her course of study.

8. METHOD OF APPLICATION

8.1 Application forms may be downloaded from the Foundation's Web site at menziesfoundation.org.au. They are also available on written request (fax 03 9417 7049, email menzies@vicnet.net.au) from the Menzies Foundation at the address below.

8.2 Entries on the application form should be typewritten in black. Minimum acceptable font size is 10 point.

8.3 The original and two photocopies of the completed application form, a recent photograph, and an original or certified copy of the candidate's Academic Transcript(s) must be submitted by 31 August, 2011 to:

The General Manager
The Sir Robert Menzies Memorial Foundation
Clarendon Terrace
210 Clarendon Street
EAST MELBOURNE VIC 3002

Closing Date: 31 AUGUST, 2011