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Changing Your Research Enrolment

Change of research degree program

Students who wish to transfer between programs should discuss the transfer with their supervisors first and be aware of implications the change may have for any scholarships you currently hold, for fee levels and visa requirements (visa requirements refer to International Students only). Restrictions may apply on when you can apply for a transfer.

To transfer to the new program, you will need to either complete an application form for admission to the program or write a detailed letter, approved by the Delegated Authority, to the Enrolments Office.

In some cases you will need to lodge a new application rather than an application for transfer.

Transfer to part-time enrolment

Domestic students may apply to transfer to part-time enrolment at any time during their studies. You should check the conditions of your award and with the Enrolments Office before you do so whether there will be implications for any scholarships you currently hold. International Students are not able to study part-time owing to visa requirements.

To transfer to part-time enrolment, you will need to write to your Head of Department and have the approval of your supervisor, Head of Department and Delegated Authority. In your letter, you must provide assurances that you can devote 20 hours per week to your thesis and give evidence as to how you will manage that.

Transfer to another area within the University

In the case that you change your thesis topic or principal supervisor, you may wish to transfer to another area within the University. If you hold a scholarship, you should check the conditions of your award to see if it is transferable. To transfer areas, you should first have the agreement of both your current area and new area and the relevant Prescribed Authorities. You must then request that your new Head of Department writes to the new Prescribed Authority for approval.

Note: if you are radically changing you thesis topic or completely changing discipline areas, you may need to complete a new application for admission.

Leave of absence (suspending your studies)

If you are unable to continue your program for personal or professional reasons, you can apply for leave of absence from your program. You should apply for leave before the start of the proposed period of absence and give your department sufficient time to assess your request. If there are circumstances which mean you where not able to apply before taking leave (such as illness) then you should contact your supervisor immediately to make interim arrangements. Retrospective applications for leave may not be approved and can have serious consequences.

For domestic students, there is no maximum period of program leave, but it is usual to allow up to one year on personal grounds and up to one further year owing to other extenuating circumstances. International Students may be granted up to six months only. International Students should also be aware that there are legal requirements which must be satisfied for you to be granted leave and that you will be expected to be outside of Australia during your leave unless you can provide evidence of exceptional circumstances.

To apply for leave of absence, complete an application form and submit it to your supervisor.

Extension of research degree program

If you are not going to be able to submit your thesis by the final day of your program, you may lodge an application for extension of program. Complete an application form and submit it to the Enrolments Office or with your local area administration. You will need to submit your application in the last three months of your program. Applications will be considered where the research has been delayed by circumstances beyond the scholar's control related to the research; however unusual personal circumstances may also be considered. You will remain liable for fees during the extended time.

Withdrawing entirely from your program

You may withdraw from your program at any time before you submit your thesis, but you should discuss the withdrawal with your supervisor and Head of Department first to cover all possible alternatives and help available to you. If you do decide to go ahead with withdrawing, you will need to write to your supervisor or Dean and your withdrawal will be effective from the date your letter is received. Note that if you withdraw after the commencement of a research semester, you will still be liable for fees for that semester.