Chapter 4: Changes to candidature

4.3 Studying away from the University

See section 16.2 of the Master Degree by Research Regulations.

Written permission must be obtained from the Graduate Research Committee to pursue research overseas for any period of time, or to pursue research at a site other than a candidate’s approved study location for periods greater than six weeks’ duration.

Study away will only be approved where the proposed travel is an integral part of the research program. Some examples of this include: where the candidate is attending a conference; undertaking field work or research; conducting interviews; visiting an external supervisor; consulting with experts in the field of research; or accessing equipment and other resources which cannot be found on campus. Study away will not be approved for personal reasons. Where a candidate wishes to relocate away from campus, a transfer to external candidature should be considered (see Conditions of candidature).

Applications to study away, supported by the candidate’s main supervisor and head of the academic unit or graduate coordinator, should be submitted on the Study Away Form (Monash only). Applications should be submitted six weeks prior to the candidate’s proposed departure date to the Monash Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR) Office for approval. Candidates with a coursework component in their degree must obtain faculty approval for any applicable coursework amendments, prior to submitting the application to the MIGR Office. Candidates may also be restricted by the requirements of their skills training and coursework components.

4.3.1 Supervision while on study away

Where a candidate proposes to study away from the University, supervision arrangements will need to be specified.

4.3.2 No study away in the first six months

The Graduate Research Committee considers the first six months of candidature to be critical to the framing and establishment of a candidate’s research project. Therefore, requests for study away during the first six months are normally approved only in exceptional circumstances. It is acknowledged that in some particular disciplines it may be essential to embark on fieldwork prior to confirmation of candidature.

4.3.2.1 Research master’s candidates in the Faculty of Arts

For research master’s candidates in the Faculty of Arts, study away is also approved by the faculty. Candidates must normally already be confirmed to be approved for study away for periods over three weeks. 

4.3.3 Duration of study away

For research master’s candidates, a maximum of six months’ study away may be approved.

4.3.4 International travel

The University’s international travel policy and procedures also apply to graduate research candidates. Candidates are encouraged to use Monash University-preferred Travel Management Companies.
Use of these companies ensures your travel options meet the guidelines developed by the University in consultation with Procurement, Human Resources and Occupational, Health and Safety.

4.3.4.1 Security and risk management for overseas travel

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) issues travel advisories for Australian travellers. Candidates are required to read the latest travel advisories for the country where they will be travelling and to attach a copy of the advisories to their application for study away. Travel to countries with travel advisories categorised as Level 3 (“reconsider your need to travel”) and 4 (“do not travel”) will only be approved in exceptional circumstances and requires approval from the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Global Engagement) or nominee.

4.3.4.2 Travel insurance

All candidates travelling on approved study away are required to register for travel insurance, which can be done online. Successful completion of the online travel insurance form provides candidates with a confirmation of cover certificate and an emergency telephone number if required overseas.

Note: Candidates who travel to countries where the DFAT warning is Level 4 or above may not be covered for evacuation expenses should this become necessary. Travel insurance will usually only cover periods of up to six months. Additional travel insurance may be required for longer absences.

4.3.4.3 Pre-travel health check for overseas travel

A pre-travel health check is an important part of planning any international travel. A pre-travel health check can be undertaken at any of Monash University's health services or by a private physician. It is important that candidates make an appointment sufficiently in advance of travel to allow adequate time to follow through with recommended health advice and vaccinations if required.

4.3.5 International candidates

International candidates should contact Monash Connect when applying to study away. Under government regulations, there are visa implications for international candidates and their dependents should they leave Australia for an extended period of study away.

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