Leave of Absence
It is preferable to progress your research program without interruption as far as possible. However, in some circumstances, for example in the case of illness, financial or family difficulties, it may be sensible to take a leave of absence until the problems have been resolved. When leave of absence is granted, the ‘clock’ stops ticking, which means that precious candidature and scholarship time are not being eroded during a period when you are not able to work at full capacity.
A maximum of 12twelve months of leave of absence over your candidature may be taken with the endorsement of your School. The Research Education &and Development Committee will consider applications for leave beyond 12twelve months only where there are exceptional circumstances that are beyond your control.
It is important to note that if you are granted exceptional leave, the University will endeavour to ensure, but cannot guarantee, that it will be possible for you to resume the project you were pursuing prior to taking leave. On your return from leave, several factors will need to be considered: for example, is your research still current, or, have advances in the field superseded theworkthe work that you were doing? Are the same supervisor(s) still available to supervise your research? Because of staff departures, study leave and/or work load issues, it may not be possible for you to be placed with the same supervisor(s) on returning from leave and in extreme cases, particularly in very specialised fields, there may be no staff in the Discipline who are equipped to supervise your research. Regrettably, in these cases, you should be aware that continuation of your candidature may not be possible.
If you wish to apply for leave of absence, first discuss your situation with your supervisors and then complete the form 'Application for leave of absence/study leave', attaching a medical certificate if you are applying for leave on medical grounds. Your supervisors and the Head of School or Postgraduate Coordinator must support your application. Coordinator must support your application.
It is important to note that, except with the written approval of the Dean of Graduate Studies, if you are enrolled in both a higher degree by research and another program(s), you will only be granted leave of absence from your research higher degree if all other programs in which you are enrolled are also intermitted. When leave of absence is approved, your candidature will be extended by the period of time for which the leave was granted.
Note that you are entitled to take four weeks of annual leave per year without submitting an application for leave of absence
Scholarship Holders
Continuation of a scholarship after a period of leave exceeding the maximum entitlement will be subject to the approval of your School and the Dean of Graduate Studies. Some scholarship holders may be entitled to receive additional paid sick leave of up to a total of 12 weeks during the term of their (major) scholarship for periods of illness lasting longer than ten days and for which a medical certificate has been provided. If you are unsure of your entitlements, please contact the Graduate Centre for advice.
As your scholarship payments will be suspended whilst you are on leave (excepting paid medical leave), it is advisable to apply for leave of absence at least two weeks in advance of the commencement date of the leave, where possible, to ensure that your scholarship payment can be adjusted before an overpayment is incurred. You will be required to reimburse the University in the event of a scholarship overpayment.
International Students
International students are normally expected to complete their studies without interruption. Leave can only be granted in exceptional medical or compassionate circumstances and for a maximum of six months. If you wish to apply for a leave of absence, it is advisable to check the visa and fee implications with the International Student Centre before lodging your application.
