HDR milestones

In accordance with the Higher Degree by Research Student Progress Procedure, HDR students must complete three milestones as outlined in the HDR Milestone Table.

HDR Milestone Table

Milestone	Doctor of Philosophy		Master of Research
Milestone	Full-time	Part-time	Full-time	Part-time
Confirmation of Candidature	1 year*	2 years*	0.5 years	1 year
Progress Review**	Annually**	Annually**	Annually**	Annually**
Examination	3 years	6 years	Up to 2 years	Up to 4 years

*Or earlier at the request of the HDR student and with the approval of the supervisory team.

**Provisional candidates are not required to complete progress reviews.

Note: Measured from the start date in the program (admission date), excluding periods for leave of absence.

Confirmation of Candidature represents the first milestone and is to be undertaken in accordance with the process set out in the Higher Degree by Research Confirmation of Candidature Schedule. Oversight and guidance of the confirmation of candidature process are the responsibilities of the student's HDR supervisory team. However, it is the student's responsibility to ensure that they prepare sufficiently and complete all requirements within the allocated timelines.

Compulsory progress reviews are used to monitor a student's progression in their HDR program. Progress reviews are an important record of a student's progress and may be referred to later in their candidature, for example, if a variation to candidature is requested.

All HDR students will be allocated a thesis submission date, which is calculated based on their admission date, study mode and program. HDR students will work with their supervisory team to submit their thesis by the due date. If a student cannot submit by their due date, they must submit a request for an extension of candidature.