Request Access

Getting Access to RACE

Access to RACE services is available through several funding schemes. This page explains the options and how to request access.

Funding Schemes

RACE offers multiple funding schemes to support different user types and research needs. All schemes include access to the RACE team for comprehensive support including technical consultation, infrastructure deployment, training, troubleshooting, and one-on-one guidance.

Start-up Scheme

For: RMIT PhD students (HDR) and early career researchers (Staff)

The Start-up Scheme provides eligible RMIT PhD students and early career researchers with RACE credits to access cloud services and advance their research.

User Type Credit Allocation
Staff $700 USD per staff member
HDR Students $350 USD per student

Note: Credits are allocated per individual, so multiple team members each receive their own allocation.

Included Services:

  • Access to AWS services (EC2, S3, etc.)
  • Full RACE team support

Application Process:

  1. Submit application through RACE portal
  2. RACE team actions the request (no review process)
  3. Credits allocated and auto-renew annually

Merit Allocation Scheme

For: RMIT researchers with active research projects

The Merit Allocation Scheme provides RMIT researchers with “free” access to AWS services through a merit-based selection process.

Eligibility:

  • RMIT researchers with active research projects
  • Competitive application process
  • Research impact and cloud suitability assessed

Included Services:

  • Free access to AWS services (EC2, S3, and related services)
  • Full RACE team support

Application Process:

  1. Submit detailed research proposal
  2. Include expected outcomes and cloud resource requirements
  3. Merit review by selection committee
  4. Successful applicants receive credit allocation

Allocation Periods:

  • Runs twice per year
  • Period 1: January 1 - June 30
  • Period 2: July 1 - December 31
  • Credits must be used within the allocated period

Pay for Service Scheme

For: RMIT staff with project funding

The Pay for Service Scheme enables RMIT staff to access AWS Cloud Services at a discounted rate.

Eligibility:

  • RMIT staff members
  • Projects with dedicated funding
  • All research areas and scales

Included Services:

  • Discounted AWS service rates
  • Full RACE team support
  • Flexible resource allocation

Cost Structure:

  • Pay for actual AWS resource usage at discounted institutional rates
  • Transparent cost tracking and reporting
  • Budget management support

Industry Partner Scheme

For: RMIT researchers collaborating with industry partners

The Industry Partner Scheme promotes and supports academic-industry collaborations using cloud infrastructure.

Eligibility:

  • RMIT researchers collaborating with industry partners
  • Joint research projects
  • Industry-sponsored research initiatives

Included Services:

  • Facilitated access to cloud resources for collaborative projects
  • Full RACE team support
  • Support for industry partnership development
  • Flexible funding arrangements

Application Process:

  1. Submit collaboration proposal
  2. Include industry partner details and commitment
  3. Review by RACE team
  4. Custom arrangement based on project needs

Access Types

Standard Access

Requirements:

  • Completed account setup form
  • Valid university email and affiliation
  • Acceptance of terms of service
  • Basic security training completion

Approval Process:

  1. Submit online request form
  2. Automated verification of credentials
  3. Account provisioning within 2-3 business days

Timeline: 3-5 business days from request to active account

Expedited Access

Requirements:

  • All standard access requirements
  • Justification for expedited timeline
  • Department head or PI approval
  • Urgent research need documentation

Approval Process:

  1. Priority review by platform team
  2. Direct consultation with RACE team
  3. Accelerated provisioning

Timeline: 1-2 business days from approval

Research Grant Access

Requirements:

  • Active research grant with cloud computing budget
  • Grant documentation showing cloud services allocation
  • PI authorization
  • Compliance with grant terms

Benefits:

  • Dedicated budget tracking
  • Custom quotas
  • Priority support

Timeline: 5-7 business days

Pilot Program Access

Requirements:

  • Novel research application
  • Willingness to provide feedback and usage data
  • Presentation of research outcomes
  • Limited to 3-6 month pilot period

Benefits:

  • Subsidized or free credits
  • Dedicated technical support
  • Priority access to new services

Timeline: 2-4 weeks from application

How to Apply

Request Access

To request access to any RACE platform or funding scheme, contact the RACE team:

Include the following information:

  • Your name and RMIT ID
  • Your role (researcher, HDR student, staff)
  • Which platform(s) you need access to
  • Which funding scheme you’re applying for
  • Brief description of your intended use
  • Expected duration of access
  • Any specific requirements (GPU, large storage, quantum computing, etc.)

Special Requirements

Some services require additional approval:

GPU Instances

  • Submit use case and expected duration
  • Approval within 3-5 business days
  • May be subject to scheduling during peak periods

Quantum Computing (AWS Braket)

  • Technical assessment of quantum suitability
  • Training or consultation session required
  • Project plan and expected outcomes

Generative AI Services (Bedrock, Azure OpenAI)

  • Use case review required
  • Data privacy assessment
  • Compliance with AI ethics guidelines
  • Approval within 1 week for standard research use

Large-Scale Deployments

Projects exceeding $5,000/month estimated cost require:

  • Architecture review
  • Budget approval from department
  • Ongoing cost monitoring and reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does approval take? A: Typically 3-5 business days for standard requests. Expedited requests can be processed in 1-2 days.

Q: Can I request access to multiple platforms? A: Yes, you can request access to any combination of platforms.

Q: What if I’m not sure which funding scheme to apply for? A: Contact the RACE team - they can help assess your needs and recommend the best option.

Q: Is there a cost for RACE access? A: This depends on the funding scheme. Start-up and Merit schemes provide credits, while Pay for Service charges discounted rates.

Q: Can I share my access with others? A: No, access is individual. Team members should request their own access.

Q: What happens when my credits run out? A: You’ll receive notifications as you approach your limit. Contact the RACE team to discuss options for additional credits or transitioning to Pay for Service.

Need Help?

The RACE team is here to help you get started:

Next Steps

Once your access is approved:

  1. Check your email for access credentials and instructions
  2. Follow the platform guide for your approved service:
  3. Complete any required onboarding steps
  4. Contact the RACE team if you need help getting started