Chapter 4: Changes to candidature

4.5 Withdrawal

Candidates withdrawing from their research program should consider the impact of that withdrawal in relation to any enrolled coursework unit/s. Before applying to withdraw, candidates should check any key dates to avoid academic and financial penalties.
If a candidate’s withdrawal application is approved, any current coursework enrolment will be discontinued. Depending upon when this withdrawal is applied for, one of the following scenarios applies:

  • If a candidate withdraws before the census date, any enrolled units will have the status of “Withdrawn early”. An exception is “Withdrawn no load”, which applies to some teaching periods.
  • If a candidate withdraws after the census date but before the withdrawn fail date, any enrolled units will have the status of 'Withdrawn Late'.
  • Where a candidate withdraws after the withdrawn fail date, any enrolled units will show 'Withdrawn Fail'.

See Section 10.1 of the Doctorate Regulations.

Any candidate considering withdrawal from his/her research program should discuss the difficulties he/she is facing with the supervisor(s), graduate coordinator or head of the academic unit so that all options are considered.

Candidates who do not wish to continue with their research program are required to notify the University in writing of their intention to withdraw, by way of a signed letter, an email or by completing a Withdrawal from Candidature Form (Monash only) and submitting it to the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR) Office for approval purposes. Applications must be approved by the MIGR Office.

Where a candidate withdraws from candidature, the candidate will not normally be readmitted within four years of the withdrawal date. The Graduate Research Committee (GRC) will only approve readmission following withdrawal where suitable facilities and effective supervision are available to support the candidature and where GRC is satisfied that the candidate is now in a position to undertake research towards a successful thesis completion. Where appropriate, GRC may request certification by a registered medical practitioner that a former candidate is now in a position to resume candidature.

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