Variations to Candidature

A variation to candidature is any change to the conditions stated in your candidature offer letter.

Taking a leave of absence

A leave of absence effectively ‘stops the clock’ on your candidature, wherever possible, you must apply at least two (2) weeks prior to the requested leave of absence start date. Exceptions may be but are not limited to; applications submitted on the day due to emergency sick leave. This is particularly important for scholarship holders, as you may need to apply for an unpaid leave of absence, as well as for international candidates for Visa requirements.

While you are on a leave of absence you are not covered by insurance, and therefore may not participate in UNE endorsed research activity in your capacity as a HDR candidate (i.e. fieldwork, conference travel, etc.)

Note: If you are a scholarship holder, you must refer to your scholarship terms and conditions and the letter of offer for any conditions surrounding your eligibility to apply for a leave of absence, whether it is paid or unpaid.

To apply for a leave of absence, make sure you have discussed any proposed leave of absence period(s) with your Principal Supervisor before submitting the online Leave of Absence form

Resuming your studies: you are required to complete the online Return from Leave form to enable the Graduate Research School to update your record. If you are receiving scholarship payments, your fortnightly payments will not be reactivated until you have completed this form.

Extending your candidature

When applying for an extension to your candidature, you will need to have considered your thesis completion plan and timeline. This must be documented, as it forms the basis of your new submission date.

If your candidature is extended it can affect you in the following ways:

  • Additional tuition fees (for international students)
  • You may need to apply for an extension of your student visa (for international students)
  • Additional Student Services and Amenities Fee charges
  • In most cases, the duration of scholarships cannot be extended (refer to scholarship terms and conditions and the offer letter)

International candidates must refer to the conditions of their visa and consult with International Office for advice on your eligibility to be granted an Extension of Candidature.

To apply for an Extension of Candidature, make sure you have discussed the extension with your Principal Supervisor before you submit the online Extension of Candidature form

Changing your Attendance Type or Mode

Your attendance type or study load refers to whether you are studying part-time or full-time.

Your attendance mode or study mode refers to whether you are studying on or online.

Changing your details may impact your course duration, scholarship eligibility (refer to scholarship offer letter), Visa status, tax status and tuition fees.

To change your attendance, make sure you have discussed it with your Principal Supervisor before you submit the online Change of Attendance Variation Application.

Changing your supervision team

Changing your supervision team may occur at anytime during your candidature for a range of reasons which may include but are not limited to the following:

  • Supervisor retires
  • Supervisor leaves UNE
  • Your research aligns better with another supervisor's expertise
  • An additional supervisor is added to your supervision team

To make changes to your supervision team you will need to complete the Change of Supervision form. The form will also need to be completed and approved by the school prior to processing by the Graduate Research School

Withdrawing from your candidature

You may want to consider taking a Leave of Absence from your studies before you decide to withdraw from your candidature. The advantage of taking a Leave of Absence, rather than withdrawing, is that this could give you some more time to consider your options, as well as ensuring that a supervision team will remain available for you if you resume your studies.

To withdraw from your candidature, please submit the online Withdraw from HDR Candidature form