HDR program extension protocol
The College of Science (CoS) and the College of Health & Medicine (CHM) are committed to improve HDR completion times, maximise funding, and ensure that candidates are continuing to make satisfactory progress.
| Timeline For Completion | PhD (Full-time) | MPhil (Full-time) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Program Duration (= Maximum Submission Date) | 4 years | 2 years |
| Maximum Period for Completion (MPC) | 5 years (10 years Part-time) - extended for any period of leave | 3 years (6 years Part-time) - extended for any period of leave |
| Maximum Program Leave of Absence | Up to 2 years (PhD and MPhil) | |
| Standard Program Extensions | 12-month duration (Up to the MPC) (PhD and MPhil) | |
| Extension of MPC | Up to 2 years (PhD and MPhil) | |
ALL program extensions require Associate Dean HDR (ADHDR) approval, however, those beyond the MPC date also require Pro Vice-Chancellor Graduate Research (PVC-GR) approval.
| Standard Program Extensions to the Maximum Period for Completion (MPC) | |
|---|---|
| Full-time (PhD and MPhil) | Part-time (PhD and MPhil) |
| 6-month extension (max 1 year) | 12-month extension (max 2 years) |
| Program Extensions beyond the MPC date | |
|---|---|
| Full-time (PhD and MPhil) | Part-time (PhD and MPhil) |
| 3-month extension or less (max 2 years) | 6-month extension or less (max 2 years) |
| Extensions over 2 years – in exceptional cases only | Extensions over 2 years – in exceptional cases only |
Process - for candidate
- Candidates should discuss the extension with their supervisory panel; and
- Ensure their milestone progress reports are up-to-date prior to submitting an application.
- ALL applications must include a detailed justification of why the extension is necessary and include a timeline outlining the agreed plan in place to ensure that submission within the extension period will be achieved.
- Candidates should submit the ‘Application for extension of program’ eForm, attaching the justification and timeline at least one month before their current program end date. Apply via ISIS MMD-HDR (except in cases where the maximum submission date has passed - then they should use the application for extension of research program form).
Process - for HDR Administrator
- The HDR Administrator must highlight on the eForm, as relevant, that the candidates will be extending beyond the five or three year limit, so that the candidates Chair of Panel and Delegated Authority are informed prior to endorsing the request.
- All extensions of program must be passed to the CoS/CHM Associate Dean (HDR) for approval.
- Where applicable, the HDR Administrator must obtain Pro Vice-Chancellor Graduate Research (PVC-GR) approval prior to sending to GRO to issue a revised program end date to the candidate.
Extensions of more than six months (full-time) or more than 12 months (part-time) at any one time will not be approved.
Extensions will not be approved for candidates who are not making progress to the satisfaction of the delegated authority, and their candidature will be managed under the Research Awards Rule.