Suspensions of HDR Candidature - International Students
What is a suspension of candidature?
Suspension of candidature is an approved period of time during which you are not enrolled in any subjects. The University may grant a suspension of candidature for personal, compassionate or other compelling circumstances.
Usually students can be granted a suspension for up to one year, during which they are not expected to be engaged in any study related activities.
If you are granted a suspension of candidature, the University must notify the Department of Immigration (DIAC) of the changes in your enrolment. The reason for taking leave will affect your student visa.
How do I apply for a Suspension of Candidature?
If you wish to apply for a suspension of candidature, you should contact Research Services well in advance. You will need to submit a Suspension of Candidature Application Form.
What are the implications for my student visa?
Leave for compassionate or compelling circumstances
Compassionate or compelling circumstances are generally beyond the student's control and have an impact on the student's health, wellbeing or ability to study, for instance:
- serious illness or injury (supported by medical certificate which states the student was unable to attend classes)
- bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents (supporting documentation required)
- major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel, which has impacted on the student's studies (supporting documentation required)
- a traumatic experience eg, involvement in, or witnessing a serious accident,
- witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime (supported by police or psychologists' reports)
- UNE University was unable to offer a prerequisite unit or courses needed to meet award requirements
- delay in receiving a student visa (supported by relevant, dated visa documentation)
- other (attach supporting documentation)
Your application for suspension of candidature must be supported by appropriate documentation, such as medical certificates or police reports.
If you are granted a suspension of candidature for compassionate or compelling circumstances, you are not required to depart Australia. Your visa will remain valid to resume your studies by the approved end date of your leave. As the suspension of candidature varies the expected duration of your course, International Marketing and Pathways will issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and inform DIAC. You may need to renew your student visa before it expires if the duration of your course is extended beyond the expiry date of your visa.
Suspension of Candidature for other reasons
If you have applied for and been granted a suspension of candidature and there are no compassionate or compelling circumstances, the University must inform DIAC that you have ceased your studies. Your COE may be cancelled based on the length of your suspension and your student visa may be subject to cancellation also. You have 28 days from the start date of your leave to depart Australia or make other visa arrangements with DIAC. Before you return to Australia to resume your studies, you must ensure that you have a current COE and Student Visa. If you do not, you will need to obtain a COE and apply for a new student visa.
Circumstances that are not compassionate or compelling could include:
- Difficulties in adjusting to living in Australia or academic life
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Travel or employment opportunities
- Family or customary obligations such as weddings of a relative or friend
Applications for suspension of candidature without supporting documentation
If you do not provide appropriate documentary evidence that compassionate or compelling circumstances exist, the University must inform DIAC that you have ceased your studies. Before you resume your studies, you must obtain a COE and apply for a new student visa.
For access to more detailed information please refer to the English Language and International Services website.