Candidature changes
Switch between full-time and part-time study or apply for a suspension or extension of your degree.
Changing between full-time and part-time study
If your commitments change it may be possible to change your registration status from full-time to part-time, or from part-time to full-time.
Changing your registration status will affect your candidature timeframes including the minimum registration periods. You must discuss any change between full-time and part-time study with your supervisor and the approval of the Associate Dean (Postgraduate Research) in your faculty is required.
International students with a study visa and scholarship holders must be registered on a full-time basis.
For students registered on a part-time basis your school may not be able to provide you with a dedicated desk or office space.
Complete the online form for Application to Change Between Full-time and Half-time Enrolment.
Suspending your study
In the event of an unavoidable interruption to your study, you may be eligible for a leave of absence. This is known as a suspension.
Wherever possible, you should apply for a suspension in advance. If you need to apply retrospectively (in the case of illness, for example) you need to apply as soon as possible after the interruption, and within two months. You cannot work on your thesis during a suspension.
If you are an international student there are additional restrictions on the length of time you may suspend your study. See our information for international students for more information. If you’re thinking of taking a leave of absence you should also contact International Student Experience to discuss your plans.
If you hold a Victoria University of Wellington scholarship you must inform the Scholarships Office so that your payments can be suspended. You will also need to let the Scholarships Office know when your suspension ends so your payments can be reinstated. Before applying for a suspension, you should check both your scholarship contract and regulations, as you may be limited in how long you can suspend your study.
Complete the online form for Request for leave of absence (suspension) or extension to Doctoral/Master's Thesis
Extensions
If you’ll exceed the timeframe within which your thesis is due to be submitted, you must apply for an extension.
If you have not submitted your thesis for examination within twelve months (or equivalent, if you are studying part-time) then you must apply for an extension. Extensions are approved on the basis that satisfactory progress is being made and that there’s a clear and achievable plan for completion.
If you think you may need an extension, talk first with your supervisors. You will then need to complete the Request for leave of absence (suspension) or extension to Doctoral/Master's Thesis form.
If your application is successful, you will be required to re-register and pay fees for the additional period of registration.