Confirmation of Candidature Review

A key milestone in your research degree

The Confirmation of Candidature Review marks a critical milestone in your PhD or Master of Philosophy candidature. As part of this progress review, relevant researchers will evaluate your skills, motivation, and capacity to successfully complete your degree within the expected timeframe. It must be completed within 12 months of starting your degree (or part-time equivalent).

Your review will be assessed by a Confirmation of Candidature Review Committee (CCRC). The committee will evaluate the planned scope of the project, your research progress, your ability to communicate your work, and your engagement with Graduate Research & Innovation Training (GRIT).

Graduate research students who meet the requirements will be confirmed in candidature. If more time is needed, an extended review may be recommended. In some cases, a transfer from the PhD to the Master of Philosophy may be considered.

What you need to complete

To successfully complete your Confirmation of Candidature Review, you will need to provide:

• a seminar presentation to your School or Institute
• a substantial piece of writing (e.g. draft publication, thesis chapter, outline of initial data gathered, or other output approved by the School)
• a one-page report on your research progress
• a completion plan (e.g. updated Gantt chart)
• a summary of your GRIT progress and future planning.

Before you start

Step-by-step review process

Tracking your review

You are responsible for tracking the progress of your review. Log in regularly to check that your supervisor and chair have completed their sections. If delays occur, follow up with your Principal Supervisor. If an extension is needed, ask your Principal Supervisor to email the Graduate Research School with the reason and requested timeframe.
 

Extended Confirmation of Candidature Review

If your Confirmation of Candidature Review raises concerns, your provisional candidature may be extended. During this time, the review committee will set clear milestones for you to complete.

At the end of the extension, you will meet again with the committee and your supervisors to assess your progress. If your progress is satisfactory, your candidature will be confirmed. If not, the School may recommend a further extension (up to six months total), transfer to a Master of Philosophy (if applicable), or termination of candidature. You and the committee must complete and sign the Extended Confirmation of Candidature Review form and return it to the Graduate Research School.

If you believe extenuating circumstances have affected your progress, you can request a confidential discussion with your College Dean of Research, the Pro Vice Chancellor – Graduate Research Training or the Graduate Research School. You’re welcome to bring a support person to the meeting.

Additional information