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Cessation of candidature without obtaining a degree

For students who do not submit a thesis, candidature may be ended in one of four ways.

  1. Withdrawal
  2. Lapse
  3. Termination of candidature
  4. Expiration of Time

1. Withdrawal

Doctoral students wishing to withdraw from candidature must apply to do so through the Monash Research Graduate School (MRGS) and be aware that if they withdraw they will not be permitted to be re-admitted to candidature within four years from the date of withdrawal.

Masters students who wish to withdraw from their course should consult with their supervisor, and then inform the Research Degrees Committee (RDC) in writing via the Graduate Studies Officer.

2. Lapse

Students who fail to enrol after acceptance of their application or who fail to re-enrol in subsequent years are technically no longer students of the university. Their candidature will be automatically regarded as having lapsed. In such cases candidature may only be reinstated at the discretion of the Research Graduate School Committee (RGSC) (doctoral students) or Research Degrees Committee (RDC) (masters students).

3. Expiration of Time

Students whose time has expired or is nearing expiration shall have their candidature reviewed by the Research Degrees Committee (RDC). The committee may grant an extension if the candidate makes a written application with the written support of their supervisor; otherwise it will confirm that candidature has expired and inform the Faculty Board of such expiration. If an extension is not granted, the candidate may appeal in writing to the Faculty Board asking it to review the decision of the Research Degrees Committee (RDC).

4. Termination of Candidature

If the Research Degrees Committee (RDC) regards a candidate's progress as unsatisfactory, candidature may be terminated by Faculty Board (masters students) or the Research Graduate School Committee (RGSC) (doctoral students). In such a case the candidate is informed in writing that termination has been recommended and of the reasons for that recommendation. The candidate may submit written evidence appealing against the recommendation.

Further information