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 my place of research from "within Australia" to "Outside Australia" ?
- 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, or a Master's degree with a significant research component is required for admission to a research degree. Admission requirements for 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 a back-up 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 Tuition 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.
Tuition fees for the time-based research unit are calculated on a pro-rata basis and are based on load and the liability category. For detailed calculation of tuition fees, please visit the University 's Fees website.
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 doctoral degrees at Macquarie are tuition fee paying 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 Faculties.
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 and 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 candidates to do their research on-campus. If the place of research is outside Australia, prior approval must be obtained from the Faculty. The admission of candidates to undertake research degrees outside Australia 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 candidate is to be registered must provide detailed information about how supervisory arrangements are scheduled. Adequate supervision must be ensured through face-to-face contacts, emails and/or phone contacts especially 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 Faculty Associate Dean Higher Degree Research and Head of Department will appoint a suitably qualified person at the place of study as an adjunct 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 one year coursework component and then two years are spent undertaking the actual research. Professional doctorates for 2009 are available for the following program:
Please note that no further professional doctorates programs will be offered beyond 2009.
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?
Prospective candidates applying to Macquarie University for admission to a research degree programs will have to meet both the academic criteria as well as the English language criteria. This requirement 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 academic qualifications are not from these English-speaking countries, applicants will need 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 minimum 19 in Listening, 19 in Reading, 25 in Structure/Writing and TWE of 5.0; OR
- TOEFL (paper-based): Overall of 580 with 53 in Listening, 52 in Reading, 59 in Structure/Written Expression and TWE of 5.0; OR
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL): Overall score of 92 with 23 in Speaking, 18 in Listening, 17 in Reading and 22 in Writing; OR
- IELTS (academic version): Overall 6.5 with mimimum of 6.0 in each band
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 their country for this requirement.
While there is a minimum level of English proficiency expected, some Macquarie discipline areas such as English, Law, Linguistics and Medicine generally require higher levels of English proficiency. Macquarie research scholarship applicants needing to meet English language proficiency requirements are also expected to achieve a higher level of attainment. Such scholarship applicants are expected to attain one of the followings:
- TOEFL (computer-based): Overall of 250 with minimum 19 in Listening, 22 in Reading, 26 in Structure/Writing and TWE of 5.0; OR
- TOEFL (paper-based): Overall of 600 with 53 in Listening, 56 in Reading, 61 in Structure/Written Expression and TWE of 5.0; OR
- iBT (internet-based TOEFL): Overall score of 100 with 23 in Speaking, 23 in Listening, 23 in Reading and 25 in Writing; OR
- IELTS (academic version): Overall 7.0 with no less than 6.0 in each band.
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 year 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 Faculty Commencement Programs to ensure the best possible and informed start to research degree candidature.
Continuing Research Degree Students
I need to go overseas to get data, how do I go about it?
Candidates who are required to go overseas for more than 4 weeks to obtain data as part of the research program should complete the Overseas Research application form and submit it to the Higher Degree Research Office at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
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 the first year of candidature. International candidates wishing to return home for a holiday at the end of the first year do not need to inform HDRO if this leave is less than four weeks. However all candidates must discuss leave timing and arrangements in advance with the Principal Supervisor. Annual leave arrangements should not interfere with research program plans.
Students wishing to take leave in excess of eight weeks must apply for Leave of Absence. Approval for Leave of Absence will be at the discretion of the Faculty and 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 student visa conditions. Further enquiries can be directed to the Commencements Team on hdrfuture@mq.edu.au.
Are there any restrictions on non-enrolment work during enrolment?
Under the current Higher Degree Research policy, all research students are expected to work on average about 40 hours per week or more on enrolment research. Part-time candidates are expected to spend an average of 20 hours per week on enrolment research. International students may apply for a work visa after enrolment if wanting to undertake other work. Although the work visa allows international candidates to work up to 20 hours per week on other work, at least 40 hours per week on average must still be spent on enrolment research . Scholarship recipients are restricted to an average of 14 hours per week on non-enrolment 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 candidates enrolled in a research program who obtain Australian Permanent Residency (PR) status before the enrolment period Census date will need to contact the HDRO, present passport and visa proof of this change and lodge a completed Notification of Change of Residency Form. Completion of these requirements before or on the Census Date (7 February for the first half Enrolment period and 7 August for the second half Enrolment Period), will enable HDRO to record a change of status and allocate a Research Training Scheme ( RTS) place. Tuition fees will not be required to be paid for the remainder of the enrolment period.
If PR status is granted after the Enrolment Period Census date, the change of status and allocation of an RTS place cannot take effect until the beginning of the next Enrolment Period, providing the appropriate form is completed and lodged before the Census date of the following Enrolment Period. The candidate will maintain the international status for that Enrolment Period and will be liable for any tuition fees for that Enrolment Period until the Change of status takes effect from the following Enrolment Period.
My student visa is expiring soon, what do I do to extend my student visa?
An International student whose Visa is expiring will need to contact the Higher Degree Research Office and obtain a new "Confirmation of Enrolment" (COE) in order to apply for a Visa extension. A new COE will be issued, providing there are no outstanding University payments required and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for teh extended period is in place. The passport will be required in order to verify details. Once a COE is issued, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship should be contacted for the Visa extension.
I am a scholarship recipient and my scholarship will expire soon. Will I need to pay fees?
International scholarship holders who have not submitted the thesis before scholarship expiry date will be required to pay tuition fee unless either approval has been given to extend the scholarship, or a Completion scholarship has been approved, or the Department/Faculty has agreed to pay fees. Tuition fees are payable until the day of thesis submission. For details about calculation of Research tuition fees, please visit the University's Fees website for details.
Stipend payments will cease for scholarship holders who have not submitted the thesis before the scholarship expiry date unless either an approval has been given to extend the scholarship, or a Completion scholarship has been approved.
Can I enrol part-time?
Domestic candidates may study part-time under the RTS scheme. However, international candidates must remain in full-time study under the student visa conditions. All scholarship recipients must enrol in full-time study mode as part of the scholarship conditions, unless specific exceptional circumstances apply and approval for part-time enrolment has been granted.
Can I change place of study from "Within Australia" to "Outside Australia"?
Once a candidate has enrolled as an internal student (undertaking their research study within Australia) and would like to change their place of research to "Outside Australia", they will need to get support from the department for this change. Place of research outside Australia will only be approved if the University is satisfied that adequate supervisory arrangements have been arranged. An Adjunct Supervisor may need to be appointed.
If an international candidate has been approved to undertake their research "outside Australia", the candidate will be reported to DEST via PRISMS (the same mechanism through which Confirmation of Enrolment is generated). Once the canddate is reported to undertake their research outside Australia, DIAC (formerly DIMIA) will be informed and the candidate must leave Australia as the student visa no longer allows the candidate 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 equivalent to the tuition fee for the first commencing semester and will be credited agains that tuition fee. After enrolment, fees must be paid at the beginning of each half year - in January and in July.
Tax Invoice are no longer sent to students. Students are expected to check the Statement of Outstanding Charges through 'My Finances' via e-Student. Fees are to be paid by the due date shown on the Statement of Outstanding Charges. Any queries about fee payment should be addressed to Student Fees section at 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 risk enrolment cancellation 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, candidates are given a full year to revise and resubmit a thesis. The actual date of the second submission is the date that should be used for the revised thesis.
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 the Scholarship section.
Domestic students applying for coursework programs should contact the Coursework 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?
Two separate academic referee reports are to be submitted for applicants who have applied for both domestic and international scholarships at Macquarie University. Completed Academic Referee reports are forwarded from the referees directly to the HDRO Scholarships Manager. Referee reports 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?
A senior academic is preferred. However, it is not always possible for applicants to have access to academic staff familiar with recent work. In such cases, applicants should nominate a referee who has provided some form of supervision and who has had an opportunity to assess research potential in relation to the topic.
Has my referee report arrived?
Scholarship applicants will need to contact the nominated referees to ensure the report has been completed and sent to HDRO within the required timeframe.
What if my referee is not able to send the referee report before the closing date?
Reports must be sent within two weeks of the scholarship closing date. Forms can be faxed to +61 2 9850 6198.
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. Each scholarship name must be clearly stated on the form.
Applicants wishing to nominate another scholarship after submission should email hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au with a request to be assessed for the additional nominated 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? What expenses can I claim?
Payments in advance of scholarship commencement are not possible. Travel expenses may be claimed and can include airfare as well as relocation expenses for shipping, removalists or excess baggage items. Eligible reimbursement claims up the the maximum allowable can be made on the production of appropriate receipts for the first trip to Australia to undertake higher degree research. Claims can be made for partners and children if relocating to Australia, but not for visits to Australia. Travel and relocation expenses are unable to be claimed for scholarship applicants already in Australia at the time a scholarship offer is made.
Can I make multiple relocation/travel expense claims and how long do they take to come through?
Eligible multiple claims can be made to the maximum entitlement. Claims must be made within six months of degree commencement. Claims are generally paid within two months of form submission to HDRO, providing all documentation is in order. Payments are deposited into a nominated Australian financial institution account.
How do I activate my scholarship payments and what do I need to do this?
Scholarship payments are activated soon after Australian financial account details (Account number and BSB number) and completed a Living Allowance claim form are submitted to HDRO. These forms are forwarded to successful applicants for completion. The Living Allowance Claim (LAC) form requires authorisation of the study commencement date by the Principal Supervisor .
Scholarships payment can only be made after enrolment commencement and payments can only be made to an Australian financial institution.
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 of first payment at the time of LAC form submission.
How do I obtain funding for my research expenses?
Funding to support research expenses is available within each Faculty. Principal Supervisors and Faculty HDR Managers should be contacted for further information about the financial support available to assist with research expenses.
Can I defer my scholarship start date?
Scholarship start dates may be deferred with approval from the University subject to the conditions of the award. Requests can be made by email to hdrschol@vc.mq.edu.au. A deferral request is considered for approval by the Principal Supervisor, the Faculty and HDRO. 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 Faculty for assessment. Recommendations for award offer are made by the Higher Degree Research Committee (HDRC). The assessment process generally takes 4-6 weeks depending on the type of award under consideration.
How will I be advised of a nomination?
Applicants are advised by email of the application outcome.
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 on a scholarship which includes 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 candidates experience problems with fee payment or need to make other arrangements for fee payment, Student Fees should be contacted at student_fees@mq.edu.au so that alternative payment arrangements can be made prior to the due date. Students who do not pay their fees by the due date risk enrolment cancellation 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 coming 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 with 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 a Central Commencement Program for all commencing research students. International students are expected to arrive prior to the Orientation and Commencement Program dates. In the event that the student is unable to arrive prior to the program (e.g. due to visa delay), an information pack will be distributed on arrival at 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. The program may also be completed 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 visit Australia during their study period in Australia. Students should check with DIAC regarding the exact details for such an application. For further information and assistance, contact hdrint@vc.mq.edu.au
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. OSHC should be renewed 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 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 in exceptional circumstances such as personal or serious family illness. Candidates should check with DIAC for further advice by calling 131 881.
Can I suspend my study to go overseas for medical reasons? How long can I suspend my study for?
International students with approved Leave of Absence (LOA) due to medical reasons have study suspended during the approved LOA period. HDRO will inform DIAC regarding the suspension of study and the student generally will need to leave the country during this LOA period. HDRO will also assist in arranging a visa extension if required. International students on approved LOA must contact DIAC prior to departure in order to confirm the necessary visa arrangements for return to Australia.
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, HDRO will also check the visa expiry date. If a student's visa is found to have more than 4 weeks' validity, the Higher Degree Research Office will report the thesis submission to DIAC. The candidate has responsibility for contacting DIAC regarding any change of visa status. Candidates wishing to stay in Australia while under examination should contact DIAC directly for advice about the relevant Visa conditions.
If I am asked to make corrections for my thesis and my visa expires. What do I do?
Candidates who are asked to make major or minor corrections to the examined thesis will be given a period of 1 month and 2 months respectively to make the required changes. For information about Visa expiry during this period, contact HDRO.
Students who are asked to revise and resubmit for the thesis will be required to re-enrol for their research program and will be given a maximum of 12 months for this revision. The revised thesis is then submitted for re-examination. Fees are payable for the re-enrolment period. HDRO is able to arrange a new Confirmation of Enrolment for such candidates if required. International students may also seek approval to complete the revision offshore.
Can I work full-time after I have submitted my thesis?
International students who have submitted the thesis will not be enrolled as full-time students and should check with DIAC directly about current visa status and work eligibility.
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 progress. It facilitates the formal discussion and evaluation of progress whilst providing an opportunity to discuss and revise future research goals.
It is also an opportunity to evaluate all aspects of candidature and document any difficulties or problems which may have had an impact on the research program and which may either immediately or in the future necessitate a variation in the candidature. In the event of a need for scholarship holders to apply for an extension of scholarship (where extensions are permitted, e.g. APA, APA(I) scholarship holders), it will be necessary to document any progress problems in the APR.
The APR is intended as an opportunity to demonstrate academic progress as a higher degree research candidate. This is particularly important in light of the time limit for candidature and to ensure that candidature completion within this time limit.
Are there other uses for this Report?
Yes. Annual Progress Reports are reviewed as part of the assessment process for applications for Postgraduate Research Funding (PGRF) support.
Who needs to complete the current APR?
-
Candidates who are required to complete the APR are:
• candidates currently enrolled in the time-based (i.e. research) component of their degree and have been enrolled for any length of time between the period of 1 January and 31 August, irrespective of being within or outside of the maximum period of candidature;
• candidates currently on Leave of Absence from candidature but have been enrolled for any length of time during the period between 1 January and 31 August. - 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 curent APR?
- Candidates:
• new candidates who have enrolled or plan to enrol between the period of 1 September and 31 December 2009.
• current HDR candidates who have been on Leave of Absence for the entire period between 1 January and 31 December.
• candidates who have submitted their thesis to the Higher Degree Research Office on or before 13 October.
• candidates who have notified the University of their complete withdrawal from their degree on or before 13 October. - 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. Candidates who are still undertaking coursework units and have not yet commenced their time-based unit in professional doctoral programs (e.g. DBA, DAppLing, DProfComm) are NOT required to participate in the Annual Progress Report review.
Do I need to complete the APR if I am in the process of revising and re-submitting my thesis for re-examination?
Yes. Candidates requested to “revise and resubmit” the thesis for re-examination 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 candidature and, where relevant, scholarship is conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory progress report. Failure to complete and submit the APR will result in a show cause determination. If a scholarship holder, the scholarship will be suspended effective from the APR due date. Candidates are required to contact HDRO and their Faculty HDR Manager 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 the 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 Faculty comments.
Will I be able to request a review of the assessment?
Yes, contact your Faculty Research Administrator who 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 Department’s Director, Higher Degree Research or the Associate Dean HDR of the Faculty, 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.
