Current students: mid stage to submission

The University recognises that circumstances and events may require a student to take a temporary break from study.

Domestic students are eligible to apply for 12 months full-time equivalent suspension in total throughout their enrolment in a higher degree.

International Students are also able to apply for 12 months full-time equivalent suspension in total throughout their enrolment in a higher research degree. However, it is important to note that international Students are only eligible to reside in New Zealand while on suspension for a maximum of three months, over a 12-month period. Time on suspension within New Zealand beyond three months will affect student visas.

The final submission date will be extended to incorporate the suspension time. Accumulated suspension periods must not exceed 12 full-time equivalent months.

During a period of suspension, the student will cease to have rights of access to university resources related to the thesis project, including access to the library. No fees will be payable during this time. A credit or refund of fees may be possible if they have already been paid.

Students who would like to request a suspension of enrolment should seek advice from the Scholarships Office regarding any implications for their scholarships, or from the Research & Enterprise Office or their sponsoring agency as appropriate.

Retrospective suspensions are not likely to be approved by the Postgraduate Research Committee. Therefore, students requiring a suspension are strongly advised to submit an application at the point when they are aware that they are unable to devote appropriate time to their studies, due to extenuating circumstances.

Full-time or part-time status change

Domestic students can enrol under full-time or part-time status and may apply to change this status at any time during their enrolment in higher research degree study. The final submission date will be adjusted to reflect the status change. Students who would like to change their status should seek advice from the Scholarships Office regarding any implications for their scholarships, or from the Research & Enterprise Office or their sponsoring agency.

International Doctor of Philosophy domestic fees entitlement

International Doctor of Philosophy students enrolled in recognised research programmes at New Zealand universities may qualify for domestic student status. To hold domestic student status, international Doctor of Philosophy Students must be resident in New Zealand during their study, except for temporary absences for the purposes of their research (conducting research and fieldwork appropriate to their course of study). The University defines a "temporary absence" as no more than 12 months in total during the period of their candidature. A student enrolled in a New Zealand university but remaining resident overseas does not have domestic student status.

International students studying on a study permit/student visa in New Zealand may only enrol full-time.

International students are eligible for domestic tuition fees when enrolled in the PhD programme. All other doctoral qualifications incur full-time international tuition fees.

In certain circumstances, students enrolled in a Master of Philosophy degree may be permitted to transfer their studies to a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. A transfer can only take place after a minimum of six months full-time or 12 months part-time study.  The transfer may only occur if it is supported in writing by the student's supervisor(s) and approved by the Head of School as well as the Associate Dean (Postgraduate).

Students enrolled for a PhD degree or for Part 2 of an EdD or SJD may apply to the Postgraduate Research Committee to transfer to an MPhil at any time prior to submission of the thesis. It is also possible for students enrolled in Part 2 of an EdD, DHSc or SJD to apply to transfer to a Master's degree in their specialist area.

All applications to change qualifications can made submitted through MyWaikato (Research tab).

There is an expectation that changes in supervisory panels will occur only in exceptional circumstances, for example

• A major change in research topic
• The resignation, serious illness or redeployment of a supervisor
• The identified need of an additional supervisor with specialist knowledge
• An irreconcilable working relationship between supervisor and student

Where a change to a supervisory panel is required, an Application for a Change of Panel can be completed and submitted to Te Mata Kairangi School of Graduate Research, for approval by the Postgraduate Research Committee.

Please note this process cannot be completed in MyWaikato and you will need to email your completed form to sgr@waikato.ac.nz

Students may withdraw from their programme of study at any time. This should be done in writing by emailing the School of Graduate Research. Access to university resources, including supervision, is not available to students who have withdrawn from their programme of study.

Students who have withdrawn from higher degree study may reapply at a later date, but will have to develop a new research proposal, and will not be able to use date collected during the previous period of enrolment.