Intermit my candidature

You may apply to intermit your candidature in special circumstances, such as illness or another reason preventing you from carrying out the work for the degree.

HDR students are normally eligible for up to 12 months’ intermission during candidature.

You are not an enrolled student during intermission.

Please note: HDR students are entitled to 20 working days’ recreation leave (‘rec leave’) per full-time equivalent (FTE) year which do not affect candidature dates. You don’t need to apply formally but you must first confirm with your supervisors that your proposed rec leave fits with your milestones and program of study.

How to prepare

read Higher Degrees by Research Policy Section 4.6
read HDR Admission and Enrolment Procedures Section 6
consult your supervisor (you may still apply if they disagree)
organise documentary evidence to support your request. Please note: applications for more than 3 consecutive months’ intermission must also provide a statement explaining how they will be able to resume study following intermission, i.e. how circumstances will change so you will be able to submit your thesis by the new due date. You may be invited to meet with the OGR HDR Progression Team upon your return to study
ensure your milestones are up to date before applying (except in the case of illness)
confirm your contact and candidature details are correct in the Student Information System

Scholarship holders

Your application for intermission will be reviewed by Student Finance Services as part of the workflow in Inspire. Scholarship holders must apply for rec leave, sick leave or maternity leave on the prescribed form. If you have any additional questions please contact rhdscholarships@flinders.edu.au

Confirm your leave entitlements.

International students on a student visa

Intermission will only be approved in compassionate or compelling circumstances beyond your control (e.g. serious illness or injury, or bereavement of a close family member) and must be supported by documentary evidence.

Making this change will affect your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and the University is required to inform the Department of Home Affairs of your decision which may have implications for your current visa.

If you have questions, please contact internationalcompliance@flinders.edu.au

How to apply

Complete the request online in Inspire and submit it at least four weeks before the proposed change (except in the case of illness).
If you submit your application after the census date it may affect your Research Training Program (RTP) fee offset or international tuition fees.
You may seek changes to prior enrolment periods only if extenuating circumstances exist and you must include supporting evidence such as medical documentation for the Dean of Graduate Research to review.
The Office of Graduate Research will notify you of the outcome via your Flinders email address.