Chapter 4: Changes to candidature

4.6 Writing-up away status

The thesis should normally be written and submitted for examination before the end date of candidature. A candidate may, however, apply for ‘writing-up away status'. This status allows a candidate to relocate overseas or interstate or take up full-time employment near the end of candidature. ‘Writing-up away status' may be granted for an initial period of three months with a possible extension of up to three months. International candidates do not incur tuition fees during periods of approved ‘writing-up away status'. For a request to be approved, the main supervisor and head of the academic unit must certify in writing that the candidate has completed a first draft of the thesis. Where a complete first draft has not been submitted, an application for transfer to external candidature may be more appropriate.

Where a candidate is relocating overseas or interstate, up to three months of intermission may be requested before the ‘writing-up away status' comes into effect. This three-month intermission period may be in addition to the 12 months' intermission normally permitted during candidature.

Candidates who have been granted ‘writing-up away status' are required to maintain their enrolment at the University until the thesis is submitted.

Applications for writing-up away, supported by the candidate's main supervisor and head of the academic unit or graduate coordinator, should be submitted on the Application for Writing Up Away Form (Monash only). Applications must be approved submitted to the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR) Office for approval purposes.

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