• Section 1 - Purpose and Scope
• Purpose
• Scope
• Section 2 - Principles and Key Requirements
• Part A - Financial assistance
• UQ delivered study: Study for Staff
• Externally delivered study: Reimbursement of expenses
• Part B - Additional support
• Section 3 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance
• Section 4 - Appendix
• Definitions

Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

Purpose

(1) This Policy is established to encourage and support Eligible Employees of the University of Queensland (the University) who undertake study to progress their professional development goals.

Scope

(2) This Policy applies to all current fixed-term and continuing employees with at least six (6) months of continuous service at the University (Eligible Employees).

(3) Eligible Employees who are part-time may apply for Study Assistance on a pro-rata basis; this includes leave and other support arrangements that may form part of the assistance.

(4) Study Assistance includes support in the form of financial assistance and/or other related entitlements including leave.

(5) Program of Study under this Policy refers to any study undertaken through a recognised formal tertiary education institution (University, registered VET provider such as TAFE) leading to a recognised qualification and includes a course designed and provided by the University.

(6) Any Study Assistance provided in accordance with this Policy, ends when the staff member is no longer eligible or ceases employment with the University unless otherwise agreed to in writing with the Authorised Officer.

Section 2 - Principles and Key Requirements

(7) This Policy should be read in conjunction with Study Assistance for Staff Procedure.

(8) Eligible Employees must be Performing Well or Exceeding Expectations in their role to be considered for and continue to receive support through the terms of this Policy.

Part A - Financial assistance

UQ delivered study: Study for Staff

(9) An employee may seek financial assistance through an upfront subsidy of student tuition fees (Study for Staff), for study undertaken in approved Programs of Study set out in the Study Assistance for Staff Procedure.

(10) The following levels of upfront Study for Staff subsidy are available, provided eligibility criteria and associated conditions set out in the Study Assistance for Staff Procedure have been met:

Externally delivered study: Reimbursement of expenses

(11) An employee may seek financial assistance through reimbursement of expenses for a Program of Study undertaken by an external provider, for the following categories of study:

1. Category A: study that is deemed ‘directly relevant’ to their current position and duties by the Authorising Officer and Head of Organisational Unit; or
2. Category B: study that is not Category A study but is undertaken predominantly for career development or personal purposes and is considered by the Authorised Officer or Head of Organisational Unit, to be of benefit to the University or Organisational Unit.

(12) The level of financial assistance available under reimbursement is, for:

1. Category A: up to 100%.
2. Category B: at the full discretion of the Approving Officer and/or Head of Organisational Unit.

Part B - Additional support

(13) Financial support may be linked to a package of support that also includes leave, as set out in the Study Assistance for Staff Procedure and the Leave Entitlements Policy.

(14) Flexible working arrangements may also be considered in accordance with the Flexible Work Policy to support the attendance to study activities by agreement.

Section 3 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance

(15) The Authorised Officer is responsible for ensuring compliance with legislative obligations and the application of this Policy.

(16) Human Resources is responsible for reviewing and monitoring the effectiveness of this Policy.

Section 4 - Appendix

Definitions