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 satisfactory first draft of the thesis. Where a satisfactory first draft has not been submitted, lapse of candidature or 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 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 submitted to the Monash University Institute of Graduate Research (MIGR) Office for approval purposes.

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