Are you an HDR student? Has your research project been impacted by COVID-19?
If so, UNE will support extensions to candidature and stipends for HDR Candidates in cases of demonstrated impact on research projects due to extenuating circumstances, currently COVID-19. The HDR Candidate must be able to demonstrate, with supervisor support, that progress was significantly impacted for a specified period of time.
The HDR candidate must be able to demonstrate that alternative approaches to managing such impacts were explored. For example, writing tasks, drafting of journal papers, desktop study, expansion of analyses from completed works, conversion to Masters etc.
If the HDR candidate can demonstrate the above, UNE will:
Support extensions of candidature
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- Candidature extensions will normally be available for a period of six months (depending on nature of project impact)
- Length of extensions will need to be fully justified and quantified in respect to the impact on research progress
- All extensions will take due consideration of progress to date relative to the period of candidature already consumed.
Assess UNE HDR scholarship extensions on a case by case basis. Support will be considered for HDR candidates (both Masters and PhD) who are currently in receipt of a full-time scholarship from UNE, based on the following criteria:
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- Demonstrated severity of impact on ability to pursue planned research (eg; demonstrated incapacity to undertake data collection, laboratory, or interview work; demonstrated limitation on planned and approved travel to undertake research; demonstrated impact on supervisor/supervisory team capacity to mentor, etc)
- Extended period of physical or mental health issues resulting from impact of these severe events. Medical evidence must be provided.
To apply for an extension to candidature and/or scholarship, the HDR Candidate should:
- Apply within the specified round dates
- Complete and submit the online Extension of Candidature form.
- Provide the following supporting documentation with their application:
- Statement from their Principal Supervisor which provides specific details on:
- Student progress to date
- How the research has been impacted
- Other options explored
- Detailed support case for the students’ request
- Appropriate supporting evidence, for example Medical Certificate, Service notice, letter from employer or statutory declaration.
- Statement from their Principal Supervisor which provides specific details on:
- Request will then be sent to the HDR Coordinator in the School for appropriate approval.
- For International HDR students, the request must be approved by UNE International in respect to the length of visa and any impact an extension may have.
- Request will then be assessed by the University’s HDR Scholarships Committee for determination of the outcome.
Other support available for candidates who do not have a stipend
More information on these processes and round dates can be found here.
