HDR Transfer of Enrolment Procedure

Intent

This procedure has been established to specify the processes by which:

1. A JCU Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidate may transfer their enrolment to another HDR at the same or lower level;
2. A JCU HDR candidate may transfer enrolment to another HDR at a higher level.
3. A JCU HDR candidate may apply to transfer their candidature to another University; and
4. A HDR candidate at another university may apply to transfer to JCU.

This procedure addresses HESF Standards 1.2: Credit and Recognition of Prior Learning, and 4.2: Research Training.

Scope

This procedure applies to currently enrolled HDR candidates and HDR candidates from other universities wishing to transfer their candidature to JCU. This procedure also applies to University staff involved in the enrolment transfer process.

Definitions

Terms mentioned in this document and not defined here are defined in the Policy Glossary in the Learning and Teaching domain of the University Policy Library, and in the Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Requirements.

Procedure

1. Transfer of enrolment within HDR courses at the same or lower level at JCU

1.1 A HDR candidate who has met the entry requirements for an alternative degree at the same or lower level (for example from Professional Doctorate to PhD, or from Doctorate to Research Masters) may apply to transfer to the alternative degree with some or all of the same advisory panel and no change to discipline or college, at any time using the Variation of Candidature Form.

1.2 If the transfer of enrolment includes a change of discipline or college and/or the entire advisory panel, the HDR candidate must also complete APP-FORM-01, which must accompany the Variation of Candidature form for approval. Candidates must also address any outstanding matters with their advisory panel such as data access and storage, publication matters and intellectual property matters.

1.3 If the application is successful, the HDR candidate will be notified by the Graduate Research School (GRS) including any conditions associated with the transfer.

1.4 If the application is successful, a formal offer for the course will be sent to the candidate by the University which must be accepted and returned.

1.5 The EFTSL consumed as part of the original degree enrolment will be deducted from the EFTSL required for the degree to which the candidate wishes to transfer.

1.6 HDR candidates transferring to another degree within JCU will be subject to the policies and procedures in place for that degree at the time of enrolment, as amended from time to time.

2. Transfer of enrolment within HDR courses at JCU to a higher level

2.1 A Master of Philosophy (MPhil) candidate who meets the entry requirements for a Doctorate (Professional Doctorate or PhD) at JCU may apply for admission at any time using the HDR Application Procedure.

2.2 If the Doctorate application is successful, the following will apply:

2.2.1 a formal offer for the course will be sent to the candidate by the University which must be accepted and returned.

2.2.2 The candidate will be withdrawn from the MPhil and enrolled in the Doctorate.

2.2.3 The full course duration/EFTSL of the Doctorate will be available to the candidate.

2.2.4  Any scholarships paid by JCU cannot be transferred to the Doctorate.  Approval must be sought from the funding body by the HDR candidate for continuation of any scholarships funded externally to JCU.

3. Transfer of a JCU HDR candidature to another university

3.1 JCU will not permit the transfer of enrolment of a candidate who has been enrolled for more than 2 EFTSL (Doctorate) or 1 EFTSL (Masters).

3.2 A HDR candidate who wishes to transfer their enrolment to another university must withdraw from their candidature in accordance with the HDR Variation and Extension of Candidature Procedure.

3.3 The candidate may request a statement from the GRS outlining the EFTSL consumed to date and any other relevant information regarding their candidature, such as their progress against milestones, to be supplied to the other enrolling university.

3.4 Candidates must address any outstanding matters with their advisory panel such as data access and storage, publication matters and intellectual property matters.

3.5 Scholarships paid by JCU cannot be transferred to another university.

4. Transfer of HDR candidature from another university to JCU

4.1 A HDR candidate from another university who wishes to transfer their enrolment to JCU should submit an application for HDR candidature in accordance with the HDR Application Procedure. A statement from the HDR candidate’s current university which confirms EFTSL consumed to date, any milestones achieved, and any subjects undertaken as part of the HDR candidature must also be provided at the time of application to JCU.

4.2 HDR candidates transferring to JCU will be subject to the policies and procedures in place at the time of transferred enrolment, as amended from time to time.

4.3 As part of the application process, applicants may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning. Such recognition must be approved by the Dean, Graduate Research.

4.4 Applicants are advised not to withdraw from their HDR candidature at their university of enrolment until they have formally accepted a place at JCU.

4.5 HDR candidates will have the EFTSL consumed at their previous institution deducted from the EFTSL allowed for completion of their degree at JCU.

4.6 HDR candidates who transfer to JCU must not commence any research work at JCU until any relevant ethics and other permits required by JCU or external agencies have been obtained.

Related policy instruments

Higher Degree by Research (HDR) Requirements

HDR Application Procedure

HDR Variation and Extension of Candidature Procedure

APP-FORM-01 Application Form

VOC-FORM-01 Variation of Candidature Form

Recognition of Prior Learning Application Form

Schedules/Appendices

Nil

Administration

Approval Details

Revision History