Admission to a Higher Degree by Research (HDR) program is normally provisional until the student successfully completes the confirmation of candidature process.
HDR students are normally considered to be provisional candidates in their respective programs until they have completed the confirmation of candidature process. Once they have completed that process, they are considered to be confirmed candidates. A confirmed candidate has access to their USQ research funding allocation, and has greater access to the University resources they need in order to complete their studies. Confirmation is a requirement of all USQ HDR programs.
The full confirmation of candidature process would be expected to be completed within the timelines in the table below. The Graduate Research School (GRS) contacts each provisional candidate to inform them of the specific deadline by which they are expected to have completed the confirmation process. It is recommended that students begin the confirmation process at least 18 weeks prior to that deadline to ensure this timeline is met.
Program | Full-time | Part-time |
Doctor of Education (DEDU) |
1 year | 2 years |
Doctor of Business Administration Research (DBAR) Doctor of Creative Arts (DCAR) Doctor of Professional Engineering (DPEN) |
1.25 years | 2.5 years |
Master of Business Research (MBSR) |
0.5 years | 1 year |
There are 2 components to the confirmation of candidature process:
- a written Confirmation Proposal, normally no longer than 20 pages
- an oral presentation, normally of 30 to 45 minutes duration to a review panel.