At Adelaide University, graduate research students and their supervisors are expected to design a research project that enables thesis submission within scholarship duration (if applicable) or the maximum time allocated for the degree.
This timeframe begins when you commence as an enrolled graduate research student and includes provisional candidature, any prior research degree enrolment, and internships related to your research project. Approved deferment and leave of absence are excluded.
Thesis submission timeframes
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Structured for submission within 3.5 years, with a maximum of four years to complete - Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
Maximum of two years to complete - Master of Research (MRes)
Maximum of 1.5 years to complete (one year for research project, half year for coursework)
Candidature extensions
If you are unable to submit your thesis by your candidature expiry date, you may apply for an extension:
- PhD candidates
Up to 12 months (taking your PhD to five years total) - Master of Philosophy candidates
Up to six months (taking your MPhil to 2.5 years total) - Master of Research candidates
Up to three months (taking your MRes to 1.75 years total)
Extensions must be approved by your School and must not be viewed as an alternative to the appropriate use of leave of absence. Submit your application well before your expiry date. The Graduate Research School will send a reminder approximately three months before your candidature is due to lapse.
Use the Application for Extension to Candidature form to apply.
International graduate research students
International scholarship holders are subject to tuition fees when enrolled on extended candidature. If you are a sponsored international graduate research student, please consult your sponsor about the possibility of extending your sponsorship before lodging an application for extension of candidature. For assistance, contact International Student Support, who will also issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) aligned with your extension.
Lapsed candidature
If you do not submit your thesis or apply for an extension before your candidature expiry date, your candidature will lapse. You will no longer be enrolled and will lose access to University resources, supervision and insurance.
The Graduate Research School will send a reminder approximately three months before your candidature is due to lapse.
A lapsed candidature may be reactivated for submission purposes only, and only if submission occurs within 12 months of the lapse date. If more than 12 months have passed, approval from the Pro Vice Chancellor – Graduate Research Training is required. Approval will only be granted if:
- you have support from your supervisors and School
- your thesis remains aligned with your original research
- the work is current, including the literature review.
