Once you have obtained a place in a research degree you must obtain candidature approval to become an 'official candidate' in your course. This occurs when you receive final approval for your research proposal. Until then you are in the pre-candidature phase and your enrolment is provisional. 

Pre-candidature commences when you first enrol in the research component of your degree, and continues up to the point your application for candidature receives final approval by your Faculty. You undertake initial research towards your thesis project and prepare for candidature during this phase.

Preparing for candidature in a research degree with a coursework component

Step 1

Successfully complete all coursework with an average greater than 70%.

Step 2

To progress to the research component of your degree, submit an Application for Admission to a Masters by Research Doctorate.

Step 3

If your application is approved your Faculty will advise you the pre-candidature phase has commenced. If the standard required to proceed to the research component of the degree is not achieved, you may apply to have completed units credited towards a Masters by Coursework in a relevant field. We will provide counselling and advice about your options.

Step 4

Once pre-candidature has commenced, prepare to apply for candidature (below).

Applying for candidature

Unless you have been admitted with advanced candidature you must apply for candidature no later than the 7th month following your enrolment. An extension of pre-candidature may be granted for a defined period. To apply follow the five steps below:

Step 1

Obtain a specific candidature application guidelines from your Faculty and commence preparation for your candidature as soon as practicable.

Step 2

Work with your supervisor to prepare for candidature in accordance with your Faculty guidelines. 

Your application for candidature should contain a detailed research proposal that includes:

• literature review
• methodology
• proposed analysis
• detailed budget outlining the resources required for the project
• timeline
• other Faculty requirements 

Contact the Student Advice Officer in your Faculty to obtain an Application for Candidature form.

Step 3

Your Faculty will use the following criteria to assess the suitability of your project in relation to the degree in which your are applying to become a candidate:

• academic merit, feasibility and viability of your project
• capacity of the Faculty to ensure adequate supervision, resources and infrastructure are available to support the proposed project
• your capacity to successfully undertake the project within the time frame stipulated for the degree, taking into account the enrolment time fraction proposed
• other relevant criteria determined by your Faculty 

Step 4

The Candidature Confirmation Research Committee in your Faculty may:

• reject your proposal
• endorse it outright
• endorse it subject to you making changes

If the proposal is endorsed it will be forwarded to the Faculty Postgraduate Research Committee for final approval.

Step 5

The Faculty Postgraduate Research Committee will grant candidature or declare the application unsuccessful. If you fail to achieve candidature you will have one opportunity to resubmit.

Extension of pre-candidature 

Your pre-candidature may be extended for a defined period up to a maximum of 12 months (effective full-time) from the commencement of your pre-candidature phase. To obtain an extension you must have experienced unanticipated difficulties during the pre-candidature period as a result of one or more of the following:

• disruption to supervision
• change in focus and direction of the proposed project
• revision required in the review process leading up to presentation for candidature
• difficulties in scheduling of candidature confirmation deliberations and/or in convening a suitable confirmation panel
• documented personal illness or other serious personal difficulties
• other unforeseen disruptions beyond your control that have directly impacted on your capacity to prepare for candidature

If you need to extend your pre-candidature, please contact the Student Advice Officer in your Faculty within 6 months (effective full-time) of the commencement of your pre-candidature.

Advanced candidature

If you have commenced candidature at another university and want to transfer to VU with advanced candidature you must:

• have been admitted for candidature at another university for the project proposed in your application to VU
• satisfy VU degree entry requirements
• be enrolled for a minimum of six months before submitting your thesis for examination
• not be within 12 months of the maximum duration of the degree (exceptions may be granted)

Contact the Student Advice Officer in the Faculty relevant to your area of study to obtain an Application for Advanced Candidature form. You must include the following documents with your application:

• your candidature proposal
• statement setting out the reasons for the request to transfer
• statement of progress from your previous supervisor (not necessary if you are transferring to VU with your supervisor)
• letter of confirmation of candidature from previous institution
• other supporting documentation

You must also contact the Admissions and Scholarships Coordinator to determine if a place is available.

Failure to achieve candidature

If your application for candidature is unsuccessful you will have one opportunity to resubmit. If candidature is not confirmed in the second attempt you will be advised that your progress is unsatisfactory and will be counselled about the options available.

Contact us

If you require further information please contact the Office for Postgraduate Research or the Faculty relevant to your area of study.