Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors (AIMS) Scholarship

USQ will offer a scholarship to a student commencing a Bachelor of Spatial Sciences Technology (3 year Degree) full-time at USQ Toowoomba campus in 2009.

Mine surveying is a specialist area of surveying involving the measurement, representation and management of data associated with a mining operation.

Mine Surveyors are responsible for guiding and controlling the location where mining occurs. They apply their specialised skills in dynamic and diverse environments, to accurately and efficiently plan and measure the location of mining in three dimensions to produce operational and statutory mine plans, using the latest in global navigation satellite systems (GPS), automated surveying technology and computer aided drafting.

Mine Surveyors are employed in open cut (surface) and underground mines in both the coal and metalliferous industries and also assist in mine planning, exploration and in securing and renewing mining approvals.

The Australian Institute of Mine Surveyors (Ltd) is a national body dedicated to the advancement and professional development of its members.  Membership comprises Registered and Authorised Mine Surveyors from the coal and metalliferous industries, assistant surveyors, surveying students and retired surveyors.

Scholarship Value

The Scholarship has a maximum value of $15,000.   The recipient will receive $5,000 each year for the duration of their Bachelor of Spatial Sciences Technology degree.  This will be paid in a stipend of $2,500 for Semester One and $2,500 for Semester Two each year.

Eligibility

Applicants must:

• be citizens of Australia or have permanent resident status
• be commencing a Bachelor of Spatial Sciences Technology at USQ Toowoomba, full time, on-campus, in Semester One 2009.

Conditions

• The scholarship will be forfeited if:
  • the recipient changes their mode of study from on-campus study to external study or from full-time to part-time study (except where the recipient obtains approval to complete their final year part time while working as a surveyor in the mining industry)
  • the recipient changes their program of study to a degree program offered by another faculty at USQ
  • the recipient cancels their enrolment in the program
  • the recipient fails to maintain a grade point average of 5 each semester.
    
• The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient by electronic funds transfer (EFT) as a stipend of $2,500 after the successful completion of Semester One courses and $2,500 after the successful completion of Semester Two courses each year.

Scholarship Additional Information

The option will be made available for the recipient to complete the last year of the degree part-time externally over two (2) years, while also working within the mining industry.  The scholarship will reduce to $2,500 per part time year, while the recipient is employed as a surveyor within the mining industry.  The recipient will also receive an Affiliate Membership with AIMS and will be provided such membership until such times as the scholarship has been ceased.

Selection Criteria

Applicants must:

• have a high level of achievement in Year 12 or other post-secondary studies as applicable
• display strong desire to work in the mining industry
• be willing to participate in vocational work during each year.
• participate in promotion of Mine Surveying and where possible attend AIMS events (as mutually agreed upon between AIMS and recipient)
• provide a 500 word statement as to why they would like to work in the mining industry and how the scholarship will assist with this desire

Applications

Complete the USQ Scholarship Application Form (PDF 262 Kb) and forward it to the Scholarships Officer, Student Services, USQ, Toowoomba QLD 4350. Applicants completing their year 12 studies in 2008 must also provide a Statement of Support 2009 (PDF 262 Kb)

Applications close Friday 31 October 2008.