Academic matters

Academic support

You are strongly encouraged to make use of the academic support services available to you from your school/faculty or Academic Skills. If you still need help after using the available services, you can apply for tutorial assistance.

Supplementary Academic Support/tutorial assistance

Tutorial assistance is available if you are having difficulties in a subject, for thesis editing, using computer packages, statistical analysis, English language support or for attendance at a conference in an Australia related to your studies/research.

Refer to the Scholarships Handbook (Section 12.2) for the conditions of your Supplementary Academic Support/tutorial assistance.

How to apply

  1. Find a tutor. You can arrange for a tutor yourself, or try asking your course coordinator or lecturer for recommendations. We can also help you find a tutor.
  2. Complete the Supplementary Academic Support form (PDF, 51kB)

Thesis support program for research students

This program provides you with individualised support through an Academic Skills adviser. It aims to develop your writing skills, including your ability to identify and self-correct errors. It concentrates on issues with language and writing such as organisation and structure, flow and critical engagement. You must submit draft thesis chapters before the tutorials.

These tutorials can be arranged at any time after your first year of candidature (on your supervisor's recommendation) once you have drafted a substantial portion of your thesis.

Advisers generally read part of a chapter, identify areas of concern, then develop strategies and suggest resources for improvement. Advisers may also recommend short courses and workshops. Their role does not include reading and commenting on an entire thesis, or to edit and proofread.

The supervisor's comments on revised chapters and continuing areas of concern are welcome at any time and will be sought by the Academic Skills adviser at intervals during the program.

How to apply

  1. Talk with your supervisor and complete the application form together and return it to an AusAID Student Contact Officer.
  2. Academic Skills will organise the first meeting between you, your supervisor, and a language adviser and then proceed with the individual tutorials.

Progress reports

Coursework students

Your study progress will be reported to AusAID at the end of each semester. If you fail a subject, see your course adviser as soon as possible so that arrangements can be made to complete your course by your award end date, or within the shortest possible extension. Options that are considered include:

  • Sitting for a supplementary exam
  • Taking an additional subject in the following semester
  • Repeating a failed subject during the summer semester
  • Transferring to another program

Your scholarship may be terminated if you repeatedly fail subjects.

Research students

You will receive a progress report form by e-mail towards the end of each semester. You must fill out the form in conjunction with your supervisor where appropriate. This is different from the Melbourne School of Graduate Research's Annual Progress Report.

The academic progress report indicates the progress of your research and any problems that may affect your progress. You must answer all relevant questions in the report and return it to an AusAID Student Contact Officer by the due date.

Award variations

Award variations will only be considered if there are no other options that will allow you to successfully complete your course. Refer to the Scholarships Handbook for more information. It is important that you discuss any academic issues you have with an AusAID Student Contact Officer, so that we can determine the best course of action.

Course transfers

A transfer will only be approved if:

  • the new course can be completed within your original scholarship period
  • The new course is relevant with your country's program priorities and the Partner Government requirements
How to apply
  1. Discuss your intention of course transfer with an AusAID Student Contact Officer.
  2. Contact your faculty/school and apply for admission to the course that you want to transfer to.
  3. When your course transfer is approved by your faculty/school, an AusAID Student Contact Officer will seek approval from AusAID.

Scholarship suspension

You can suspend your scholarship if:

  • you are ill or have family/personal issues. You must return home during the suspension (unless circumstances do not allow it)

  • you will be doing an approved practical attachment (as a compulsory part of your academic program) and no contribution to living expenses is payable

The maximum suspension period is 12 months.

Extensions

An extension will be considered after all other options have been explored. Only one extension can be approved from the second year of your course. The maximum extension period is 6 months.

How to apply
  1. Talk to your supervisor/course coordinator if you think that you are unable to complete the course by your award end date
  2. Contact the AusAID Student Contact Officer if you need an extension
  3. Complete the AusAID scholarship extension form with your supervisor or course coordinator and submit it to an AusAID Student Contact Officer.
  4. The AusAID Student Contact Officer will submit an extension request to the AusAID office in your home country. It will then be considered by AusAID and your country's government. This can take up to two months.
  5. We will contact you when the outcome of your application is known.