Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Prospective Research Degree Students
- What are the admission criteria for research degree programs?
- What forms do I need to use to apply for admission?
- Are there application fees
- What are the fees?
- If I do not meet the entry requirement for the research programs, are there any pathway programs?
- Can I study part-time?
- Can I apply for PhD admission and do the research in my home country without coming to Australia?
- What is the difference between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and Professional Doctorate?
- What is the University's English language requirement? If the medium of instruction of my undergraduate studies was in English, do I still have to show Proof of English?
- How do I seek an English language waiver?
- If I do not meet the English language requirements, can I come to Macquarie and do some English courses first?
- Can a Higher Degree Research Student apply for and start a PhD all year round?
Continuing Research Degree Students
- I need to go overseas to get data, how do I go about it?
- I want to go back to my home country for a holiday, do I need to inform HDRO?
- Are there any restrictions on my non-research work while I am studying?
- I was enrolled as an International student but now I have obtained my Permanent Residence Visa, what do I do to change to a domestic student status?
- My student visa is expiring soon, what do I do to extend my student visa?
- I am a scholarship recipient and my scholarship will expire soon but I still need to work on my research. Do I have to pay fees?
- Can I enrol part-time?
- Can I change to an external student?
- What is the last date of fee payment?
- If I need to revise and resubmit my thesis, what date should be on the revised thesis?
- What Insurance do I need?
Scholarship Related Questions
- Are there any scholarships for research degree students and what do they cover?
- What is the academic referee report for? How many referee reports should I submit? How long are they valid? Can they be used more than once?
- Does my referee have to be a senior academic?
- Has my referee report arrived?
- What if my referee cannot send the referee report before the closing date?
- Can I apply for more than one scholarship and how can I do that?
- Can I get an advance for relocation and travel expenses and what expenses can I claim?
- Can I make multiple relocation/travel expense claims and how long do they take to come through?
- How do I activate my scholarship payments and what do I need to do this?
- After submitting my living allowance form when will my scholarship payments start?
- Where do I get money for my research expenses?
- Can I defer my scholarship start date?
- How soon will I hear about my scholarship application?
- When will I be advised of a nomination?
- I am a scholarship recipient and my scholarship will expire soon but I still need to work on my research. Do I have to pay fees?
- What Insurance do I need?
International Research Student Issues
- How do I apply for the visa?
- I have now got my student visa, where can I find accommodation?
- What happens if I miss the Orientation and Commencement programs?
- How can I apply for my family members to visit me while I am studying in Australia?
- How do I renew my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
- Under what circumstances can I suspend my study and how long can I suspend it for?
- Can I suspend my study to go overseas for medical reasons? How long can I suspend my study for?
- I have submitted my thesis but my student visa allows me to stay here for another 6 months. Can I stay here and wait for my examination results?
- If I am asked to make corrections for my thesis and my visa expires. What do I do?
- Can I work full-time after I have submitted my thesis?
- Further FAQs relating to international students
- What Insurance do I need?
Annual Progress Reports
- Why is an Annual Progress Report (APR) necessary?
- Are there other uses for this Report?
- Who needs to complete the 2008 APR?
- Who does not need to complete the 2008 APR?
- Do HDR candidates who are still enrolled in the coursework component of their degree have to complete the APR?
- Do I need to complete the APR if I am re-submitting my thesis for re-examination?
- What happens if I don’t complete and submit the APR by the due date?
- Can I attach additional pages to the APR?
- Will I see the comments made by my supervisor and the Dean?
- Will I be able to request a review of the assessment?
- What if I don’t want my supervisor to see my comments?
- What happens to the APR form and my APR Cover Page after the process is completed?
Prospective Research Degree Students
What are the admission criteria for research degree programs?
A bachelor degree with Honours, or equivalent, with at least upper second class level is required for admission to a research degree. Admissions to the higher degree research programs are outlined in our Postgraduate Rules for research in the University's Postgraduate Handbook. Further information can be found under "New Students Section".
What forms do I need to use to apply for admission?
The Application form for research candidature and scholarship can be downloaded from the Higher Degree Research Office's site.
Two sets of application and supporting documents are required for candidature/scholarship application. If you are applying for candidature only, one set is used for candidature processing and the other set as file copy. If you are applying for scholarship as well, the second set of application and supporting documents will be used for scholarship processing.
Are there application fees?
No application fee is required for research degree applications.
What are the fees?
All programs for international students are fee-paying programs. A flat fee is generally charged for each program. Fees are payable for the entire period for which the student is enrolled.
Domestic students (Australian citizens/ Permanent Residents and New Zealand citizens) are granted exemption from tuition fees for most research degree programs under the Research Training Scheme (RTS). Certain programs such as professional doctorates at Macquarie are tuition fee payment programs for domestic students.
If I do not meet the entry requirement for the research programs, are there any pathway programs?
Prospective candidates may apply to enrol in a Graduate Certificate/Diploma which includes a 50% research component, or a Masters program which includes a minimum 25% research component. A list of pathway programs are available for all Divisions.
Can I study part-time?
All international students who are studying in Australia under the student visa must study full-time. Domestic students may choose to study full-time or part-time. All scholarship recipients (including both domestic and international) must study full-time, unless there in exceptional circumstances where approval has been granted.
Can I apply for PhD admission and do the research in my home country without coming to Australia?
The University normally expects international students to do their research on-campus. If you are applying for external candidature, prior approval must be obtained from the department. The University's policy and required arrangements for external studies are as follows. The admission of candidates to undertake external research degrees is possible in special circumstances with the approval of the Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC). Before admission can be approved, the applicant and the Department in which the student is to be registered must provide detailed information about how the following conditions will be met.
Minimum On-campus Attendance: a minimum of one month per year of equivalent full-time enrolment with an overall minimum of two months for a Master degree and three months for a Doctorate, sufficient part of which must be during the final phase of thesis preparation.
The place of study and research (with appropriate facilities for the research concerned) outside Macquarie University must be approved by the HDRC. The HDRC, on the recommendation of the Head of Department will appoint a suitably qualified person at the place of study as an external associate supervisor for the candidate.
What is the difference between a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and Professional Doctorate?
A PhD is a research degree with a theoretical base. It is expected to form a distinct contribution to the knowledge of the subject area and afford evidence of originality through the discovery of new facts or through the exercise of independent critical power. It generally does not have a formal coursework requirement. A professional doctorate is more applied in nature and the research completed for the award of the degree is expected to make a distinctive contribution to the improvement of professional practice. It generally has a small coursework component but two thirds of it is the actual research. Professional doctorates are available for the following programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration
- Doctor of Applied Linguistics
- Doctor of Professional Communication
- Doctor of Psychology
What is the University's English language requirement? If the medium of instruction of my undergraduate studies was in English, do I still have to show Proof of English?
When prospective students apply to Macquarie University for admission to the research degree programs, they will have to meet both the academic criteria as well as the English language criteria. This applies to both domestic and international students whose qualifications were not obtained from English speaking countries. English speaking countries refers to the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the English -speaking states of Canada, and South Africa. If students' qualifications are not from these English-speaking countries, they will have to show proof of English either through an IELTS or a TOEFL test.
The University's English language requirements are:
- TOEFL (computer-based): Overall of 237 with no less than 19 in each section and TWE of 5.0
- TOEFL (paper-based): Overall of 580 with 53 in Section 1, 51 in Section 2, 52 in Section 3 and TWE of 5.0
- IELTS (academic version): Overall of 6.5 with minimum of 6.0 in each band
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL): Overall score of 92 with 23 in Speaking, 18 in Listening, 22 in Writing and 22 in Reading.
Some International students may be required to have a valid academic IELTS test result for their visa. It is advised that students should check the requirements with the Australian Embassy in theircountry for this requirement.
Scholarship applicants needing to meet English language proficiency requirements are expected to have an overall IELTS score of 7.0 (or an equivalent overall score of 250 in Computer-based TOEFL or 600 in Paper-based TOEFL, or 100 in iBT with 25 in Writing and 23 in other sections).
How do I seek an English language waiver?
No waiver to this language requirement is given.
If I do not meet the English language requirements, can I come to Macquarie and do some English courses first?
Applicants for Macquarie's research degree programs must meet the University's English language requirements before a full unconditional offer for the research program can be issued. Normally, there is no packaged offer for research degree programs.
Can a Higher Degree Research Student apply for and start a PhD all year round?
Students seeking admissions to research candidature at Macquarie may apply at anytime. There are two intakes for research students: first half yyear and second half year. The University expects that students commencing in first half year will commence early in the enrolment period. However it is important that every effort is made to commence in time to attend the Central Commencement Program and the associated Divisional Commencement Programs to ensure you have the best possible start. You will be disadvantaged in terms of a good start to your research if you do not attend these programs at the beginning of your research.
Continuing Research Degree Students
I need to go overseas to get data, how do I go about it?
If you are required to go overseas for more than 4 weeks to get data as part of your research, you should complete the Overseas Research application form and submit to the Higher Degree Research Office at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure. This application cannot be processed at the last minute and must be submitted on time.
I want to go back to my home country for a holiday, do I need to inform HDRO?
Generally speaking, no official leave will be granted to candidates in their first year of candidature. If you are an international student and would like to go back to your home country for a holiday at the end of the first year and this holiday is less than 4 weeks, you do not need to inform HDRO. However, in any circumstances, you must discuss your leave with your supervisors prior to taking leave. Your leave should not interfere with your research.
Students wishing to take leave for over 4 weeks must apply for Leave of Absence. Approval for Leave of Absence will be at the discretion of the Higher Degree Research Committee. Leave of Absence is generally approved under exceptional circumstances. International students need to be aware that normal Leave of Absence requests are generally not allowed under the student visa conditions. Further enquiries can be directed to the Senior International Officer on hdrint@vc.mq.edu.au.
Are there any restrictions on my non-research work while I am studying?
Under the current Higher Degree Research policy, all research students are expected to work about 40 hours per week or more on their research. International students must apply for a work visa under their student visa after they have formally enrolled in order to be able to undertake other work. However, the same principle applies - that is, they are expected to work at least 40 hours per week on their research although the work visa allows them to work no more than 20 hours per week on other work. Scholarship recipients can work no more than 10 hours per week on non-research work.
I was enrolled as an International student but now I have obtained my Permanent Residence Visa, what do I do to change to a domestic student status?
International students enrolled in either a PhD or Masters by research program and who are given Australian Permanent Residency (PR) status will need to report this to the HDRO. If the PR status has been granted before the Census Date (7 February in first half and 7 August in second half), you will need to bring your passport with the appropriate Visa label which shows your permanent residency status to HDRO immediately and complete the required form. This will enable you to be given a Research Training Scheme ( RTS) place which means that you will no longer be required to pay tuition fees for the remainder of the period in which you are enolled.
If the PR status is given after the Enrolment Period Census date, the change to an RTS place will take effect from the beginning of the next Enrolment Period, so you will be required to pay tuition fees for that full Enrolment Period. You should bring the proof of PR status and the completed form to the HDRO as soon as you are able, but before the end of the Enrolment Period (end of June or end of December).
Any delay in advising HDRO of changes in permanent residency status may result in a delay, until the next Enrolment Period, of being granted an RTS place.
My student visa is expiring soon, what do I do to extend my student visa?
International students whose visas are expiring need to contact the International Officer at the Higher Degree Research Office for a new "Confirmation of Enrolment" (COE) in order to apply for an extension of visa. Before a new COE is issued, the International Officer will check to ensure that there is no fee in arrears, and that a valid Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is in place. Students also need to bring their passport to verify their details. Once a COE is issued, students should contact DIAC (formerly DIMIA) to have their visa extended.
I am a scholarship recipient and my scholarship will expire soon but I still need to work on my research. Do I have to pay fees?
If you are an international student and you have not completed your thesis when your scholarship runs out, you will have to pay for your tuition fee unless an approval has been given to extend the scholarship, or your department/Division has agreed to pay your fees from external income. Fees will be payable until the date you submit.
If you are a domestic student, you will continue to enrol under the Research Training Scheme when your scholarship runs out (except for Domestic Fee paying programs).
Can I enrol part-time?
Domestic students may study part-time under the RTS scheme. However, international students must remain in full-time study under the student visa conditions. Furthermore, all scholarship recipients must enrol in full-time study mode as part of the scholarship conditions, unless specific exceptional circumstances apply.
Can I change to an external student?
Once a student has enrolled as an internal student and would like to change to an external candidate, they will need to get support from the department for this change. External candidature will only be approved if the University's requirements for external candidature are complied with. Applications for change must be made in advance of the half year in which the student requests a change to external attendance on the special form. This form requires the University's conditions of a nominated adjunct supervisor in an appropriate tertiary institution and on-campus sessions to be defined and approved by the Higher Degree Research Committee. Please note that from 2005 candidates will only be registered as external if they are resident overseas or interstate (not including ACT).
An EXT form needs to be completed, which is to be signed by the supervisor and the Dean of Division, and then forwarded to HDRO for processing. The request to change to external mode needs to be approved by HDRC before the change can take place. Macquarie's policy regarding on-campus attendance requirements should also be adhered to.
If an international student has their external study request approved, the student will be reported to DEST via PRISMS (the same mechanism through which Confirmation of Enrolment is generated). Once the student is reported to commence their external study mode, DIAC (formerly DIMIA) will be informed and the student must leave Australia as the student visa no longer allows the student to stay in Australia.
What is the last date of fee payment?
Fees are payable in advance. International students are expected to pay a Commencement fee which is equivalent to one semester's fee upon their acceptance of the offer. The Commencement fee is the tuition fee for the first commencing semester paid upfront. After the student is enrolled, they will have to pay fees at the beginning of each half year - in January and in July.
As from 2007, Student Fees will no longer be sending out Tax Invoice to students. Students are expected to check their Statement of Outstanding Charges through 'My Finances' via e-Student. They are expected to pay their fees by the due date shown on the Statement of Outstanding Charges. If they have a problem with their fees payment, they should contact Student Fees on student_fees@mq.edu.au. Payment due dates can also be found at the University's site.
Students who do not pay their fees by the due date may run the risk of having their enrolment cancelled under the University Policy. Fees paid after the Payment Due Date will also attract a late Payment Penalty of A$200.
If I need to revise and resubmit my thesis, what date should be on the revised thesis?
Normally, students take a full year to revise and resubmit a thesis. The actual date of this second submission is the date that should be used.
This example might help Students:
Scholarship Related Questions
Are there any scholarships for research degree students and what do they cover?
Scholarships are available for research students by competitive application. Further details on scholarships open for application can be found in our Scholarship section.
Domestic students applying for coursework programs should contact the Postgraduate Studies Section for information on Equity and other coursework scholarships.
International students applying for coursework programs should contact Macquarie International on information relating to international coursework scholarships or visit Macquarie International's scholarship website.
What is the academic referee report for? How many referee reports should I submit? How long are they valid? Can they be used more than once?
Academic referee reports should be submitted by all applicants who have applied for both domestic and international scholarships at Macquarie University. At least two Academic Referee reports need to be submitted and sent to the Scholarship Officer directly. They are valid for six months and can be used to apply for more than one scholarship.
Does my referee have to be a senior academic?
Generally a senior academic is preferred but we realise that sometimes it may not be possible for students to have access to academic staff. We would recommend that students should nominate someone who has supervised them and has seen their research potential in a relevant area to their topic.
Has my referee report arrived?
We process hundreds of applications and do not have resources to respond to every enquiry so please contact your referee in the first instance. We will email your referee a reminder should we need the reference and it has not arrived yet.
What if my referee can not send the referee report before the closing date?
We can usually still match them to your application if they arrive in the first week or two after the closing date. Please have the referee fax the report to us on +612 98506198 as soon as possible.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship and how can I do that?
Yes, applicants may apply for more than one scholarship on the same form. All scholarships applied for must be clearly stated on the form.
If you wish to add another scholarship to your list after submission please email hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au with your request to be assessed for the additional award. Please note that applicants using generic terms like "all" or "any" scholarships will not be processed.
Can I get an advance for relocation and travel expenses and what expenses can I claim?
Unfortunately we can not make payments in advance of your commencement. Travel expenses refer to your airfare and relocation expenses to items like shipping, removalists or excess baggage. We can reimburse you to a set maximum on the production of proper receipts if this is your first trip to Australia for a postgraduate research. You may claim for spouse and children if they are relocating to Australia with you but not for a visit. If you are already in Australia when the offer is made then you would not be eligible for travel and relocation expenses.
Can I make multiple relocation/travel expense claims and how long do they take to come through?
Multiple claims can be made to the maximum entitlement. You have six months from the commencement of your course to make your claims. Depending on the number of students applying at any one time it can take up to two months for reimbursement, to be banked in your account. Each application has to be checked, converted and approved by your Division before processed by Accounts Payable.
How do I activate my scholarship payments and what do I need to do this?
You will need to have your Australian bank account details (Account number and BSB number) and complete a Living Allowance claim form available in HDRO. This form needs to be authorised by your supervisor confirming your arrival date and then must be submitted to HDRO.
Scholarships payment can only be made after you have formally enrolled with the University and have an Australian Bank Account set up.
After submitting my living allowance form when will my scholarship payments start?
The University pays fortnightly on a Thursday. HDRO staff can advise the approximate date at the time of submission.
Where do I get money for my research expenses?
Your scholarship pays you a stipend. For money specific to other research expenses you should approach your Division/Department research administrator for advice or see the Research Office website for the latest information on the Postgraduate Research Fund (PGRF) that allows for requests of funding up to $4000.
Can I defer my scholarship start date?
You can apply to defer your start date by sending an email stating your reasons to hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au. Providing the terms of the specific scholarship will allow a deferral your request is forwarded to your supervisor and Dean of Division seeking their support. Generally the maximum deferral allowed is 1 semester.
How soon will I hear about my scholarship application?
After closing, applications are processed by the HDRO and are forwarded to the Division for nomination. On return to the HDRO the nominations are sent to the Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC) for authorisation to offer. This will generally take 4-6 weeks and depends on the number of awards being concurrently processed at that time of year.
How will I be advised of a nomination?
You can expect to be advised by email once we have a nomination and once we have results from HDRC. If you are a MQRES applicant you will also be advised if we have a project proposal signed off. If there is no additional news to report you will not hear from us between these times. Please be assured this does not mean that there is no follow up on your application progress; as soon as we have additional information, we will update you.
I am a scholarship recipient and my scholarship will expire soon but I still need to work on my research. Do I have to pay fees?
International scholarship recipients are not required to pay fees while they are on scholarships which include payment of tuition fees. However, unless approval has been given to extend the scholarship, once the scholarship expires, the normal international fee rate applies. If the scholarship expires before the end of the enrolment period, fees may be charged at the beginning of the enrolment period. Students are expected to pay this fee in advance. If you have any problems with fee payment or need to make arrangements for fee payment, you should contact Student Fees on student_fees@mq.edu.au to make arrangements prior to the due date. Students who do not pay their fees by the due date may run the risk of having their enrolment cancelled under the University Policy.
International Research Student Issues
How do I apply for the visa?
International students who have been offered a place in a research degree program will need to apply for a student visa before they can come to Australia to study. Step by step guides on "how to apply for a student visa" can be found on DIAC's website.
I have now got my student visa, where can I find accommodation?
Macquarie International office offers international students assistance in airport pickup and accommodation. Students are requested to contact the Accommodation Team on housing@io.mq.edu.au directly or to visit Macquarie International's website to apply on-line.
What happens if I miss the Orientation and Commencement programs?
The Higher Degree Research Office organises an Orientation program for new commencing international research students, and there is also a Central Commencement Program for all commencing research students. International students are normally expected to arrive prior to the Orientation and Commencement Program dates. In the event that the student is unable to do so (e.g. due to visa delay), an information pack will be distributed on arrival to the University. Students who miss out on the Central Commencement Program will be invited to participate in the next available Commencement Program, which is usually at the beginning of the following semester, or to complete the program online.
How can I apply for my family members to visit me while I am studying in Australia?
International students who have enrolled at Macquarie University may apply for their family members to come to Australia to visit them during their study period in Australia. Students should check with DIAC regarding the exact details for such an application. They may contact the International Officers on hdrint@vc.mq.edu.au for further assistance.
How do I renew my Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)?
International students on a student visa must ensure that their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is valid at all times. They should renew the OSHC before expiry. Macquarie University's official Health Provider is OSHC Worldcare. Students whose OSHC has been arranged through the university in the first place may wish to check on Macquarie International's site on how to renew your OSHC
Under what circumstances can I suspend my study and how long can I suspend it for?
International students who come to study in Australia under a student visa cannot apply for Leave of Absence unless it is in exceptional circumstances. For example, helping your parents' business does not fall under this category and hence study cannot be suspended based on this reason alone. It is suggested that students should check with DIAC for further advice. Students may contact DIAC on 131 881 for further information.
Can I suspend my study to go overseas fir medical reasons? How long can I suspend my study for?
International students who have been approved for Leave of Absence (LOA) due to medical reasons will suspend their study during the approved LOA period. The International Officer will inform DIAC regarding the suspension of study and the student will have to leave the country during this LOA period. The International Officer will also arrange their visa extension if their visa is due to expire. International students who have been approved for this LOA must contact DIAC prior to their departure in order to obtain the necessary visa arrangements for their return.
Under the Macquarie University Policy, LOA is considered on a case by case basis and the accumulated period of which should not exceed 12 months.
I have submitted my thesis but my student visa allows me to stay here for another 6 months. Can I stay here and wait for my examination results?
Generally speaking, once a student has submitted the thesis, the Completions Officer will also check their visa expiry date. If a student's visa is found to have more than 4 weeks' validity, the Higher Degree Research Office has an obligation to report to DIAC on the student's completion. Once this is done, it is the student's responsibility to contact DIAC regarding their change of visa status. If they wish to stay in Australia to wait for their examination results, DIAC would be able to advise on the most appropriate way which may allow the student to stay in Australia for this period depending on individual circumstances. Students need to contact DIAC directly for this advice.
If I am asked to make corrections for my thesis and my visa expires. What do I do?
Students who are asked to make major or minor corrections to their thesis will be given a period of 1 month and 2 months respectively. If the student needs to extend their visa for this period, they should seek assistance from the International Officers to arrange to extend their visa.
Students who are asked to revise and resubmit for their thesis will be required to re-enrol for their research program. They will be given a maximum of 12 months for this revision and then resubmit their thesis for re-examination. Fees will be payable for thie re-enrolment period. The International Officers will be able to arrange a new Confirmation of Enrolment for these students to stay in Australia to do the revision if required. International students may also elect to do the revision in their home country and they will be enrolled externally for this purpose.
Can I work full-time after I have submitted my thesis?
International students who have submitted their thesis will not be enrolled as full-time students. Should they wish to work, they would need to check with DIAC directly on their visa status and their work eligibility.
There is no work issue for domestic students who have submitted their thesis.
Further FAQs relating to international students
Please check DIAC's site for further information.
What insurance do I have
Macquarie University covers researchers for Travel, Public Liability and Accident. More information is available from the 'Resource Assistance' section within Current Students,
Annual Progress Report
Why is an Annual Progress Report (APR) necessary?
The APR is primarily designed to provide a structure for planning and reflection on your progress. It facilitates the formal discussion and evaluation of your progress whilst providing you with an opportunity to discuss and revise your future research goals.
Secondly, it is an opportunity for you to evaluate all aspects of your candidature and document any difficulties or problems which may have had an impact on your research program and which may either immediately or in the future necessitate a variation in the candidature. This is especially important if you are a scholarship holder and there are circumstances outside of your control impacting on your research progress. In the event that you need to apply for an extension of your scholarship (where extensions are permitted, e.g. APA, APA(I) scholarship holders), you will need to document these problems in the APR. If there is insufficient space to provide this detail, please attach additional pages as necessary.
Finally, the APR is intended to demonstrate that you are active and making progress as a higher degree research candidate. Without evidence of progress, the University will review your standing as a candidate. This is particularly important in light of the time limit for your candidature and to ensure that you will complete within this time limit.
Are there other uses for this Report?
Yes. Your Annual Progress Reports are reviewed as part of the assessment process if you apply for Postgraduate Research Funding (PGRF) support.
Who needs to complete the 2008 APR? (dates to be confirmed)
a) Candidates who are required to complete the 2008 APR are candidates who are:
• currently enrolled in the time-based (i.e. research component) of their degree or have been enrolled for any length of time between the period of 1 January and 1 September 2008, irrespective of being within or outside of their maximum period of candidature;
• currently on Leave of Absence but have been enrolled for any length of time during the period between 1 January 2008 and 1 September 2008.
b) Principal Supervisors of higher degree research candidates. However, in cases where for example the Principal Supervisor is on leave the Acting Supervisor should complete the Report in consultation with either/both Associate Supervisor and/or Co-Supervisor.
Who does not need to complete the 2008 APR? (dates to be confirmed)
- Candidates
• new candidates who have enrolled and plan to enrol between the period of 1 September 2007 and 31 December 2008.
• current students who have been on Leave of Absence for the entire period between 1 January and 31 December 2008.
• candidates who have submitted their thesis to the Higher Degree Research Office on or prior to 13 October 2008.
• candidates who have notified the University of their complete withdrawal from their degree on or prior to 13 October 2008. - Academic supervisors
• Associate Supervisors or Co-Supervisors of higher degree research candidates. However, in cases where the Principal Supervisor is on leave, the Acting Supervisor may complete the Report in consultation with either/both an Associate and/or Co-Supervisor.
Do HDR candidates who are still enrolled in the coursework component of their degree have to complete the APR?
No. Annual Progress Reports are not required for candidates in professional doctoral programs (e.g. DBA, DAppLing, DProfComm) who are still undertaking coursework units and have not yet commenced their time-based unit.
Do I need to complete the APR if I am re-submitting my thesis for re-examination?
Yes. If you have been requested to “revise and resubmit” your thesis for re-examination, you will have also been informed that you are required to be re-enrolled while carrying out this additional work and therefore need to complete this report.
What happens if I don’t complete and submit the APR by the due date?
Continuation of your candidature and, where relevant, your scholarship is conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory progress report. If you do not complete and submit the APR you will be given a show cause determination. If you are a scholarship holder, your scholarship will be suspended effective from the APR due date. Candidates are required to contact HDRO and their Divisional Administrator immediately if there are any concerns about submitting the APR by the due date.
Certain candidates such as those sponsored by AUSAid or under a US Loan agreement must submit their report on-time or risk having this support withdrawn.
Can I attach additional pages to the APR?
Yes. Additional information can be provided by attaching additional pages.
Will I see the comments made by my supervisor and the Dean?
Yes. At the end of the annual progress review process candidates will be sent a completed APR, which will also include the candidate’s APR Cover Page containing the Dean’s (or nominee's) comments.
Will I be able to request a review of the assessment?
Yes, through the process set up by your Division. Your Divisional Research Administrator will be able to provide further information.
What if I don’t want my supervisor to see my comments?
The University acknowledges that some candidates may experience issues that are affecting their progress but which they do not wish to put in writing in their Annual Progress Report. If you are unable to discuss these with your supervisor(s) or the Division’s Director, Higher Degree Research or the Dean of the Division, you may request a confidential appointment with the Dean, Higher Degree Research, Professor John Hooper. Alternatively, candidates may separately submit a document to Professor Hooper for his consideration.
Phone: (+ 61 2) 9850 8718
Fax: (+ 61 2) 9850 6596
Email: john.hooper@vc.mq.edu.au
Web: http://www.research.mq.edu.au/structure_staff/deanhdr
What happens to the APR form and my APR Cover Page after the process is completed?
The complete APR is retained as an important student document on the central student file.
