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University of Sydney HDR policies

University of Sydney HDR policies

Research students are required to follow all relevant policies, procedures and rules of the University, as well as those of your faculty, throughout your candidature. If you have any questions about the below policies, contact SUPRA for help.

Degree requirements

All of the formal requirements and legislation that apply to higher degree by research (HDR) students are set out in the policy below. If you want to check time limits or the requirements for the award of your degree, this is the relevant policy:

University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026.

Progress reviews and Show Good Cause

The procedures listed below govern how your progress is reviewed. In section 3.11, the procedures also explain when and how a student may be asked to Show Good Cause. If you have concerns about how a progress review was administered, or you’ve been asked to Show Good Cause, check these procedures:

Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures 2026.

Supervision

The University’s supervision policy and procedures cover your rights and responsibilities when it comes to receiving supervision at the University of Sydney. If you’re concerned about the supervision you’re receiving, or need to clarify your obligations with supervision, check the policy and procedures:

Thesis and examination

The requirements of a thesis in full, or partial fulfillment of a higher degree by research award, are defined in the policy and procedures below. They also set out the requirements for the examination of a thesis. These policy and procedures are useful to check if you have questions about the nature of your project, who can examine it, and how it will be examined:

Placements and projects

The requirements for HDR and coursework students engaging in placements, or in problem-based learning experiences presented by a project partner external to the university (projects), are set out in the policy below. If a placement or project will be part of your candidature, check this policy so you know how this should be administered and what you will need to do:

Student Placement and Projects Policy 2015.

Internships

Requirements for any internships carried out by HDR students as part of their project are covered in section 2.3 of these procedures. If you have been asked to complete an internship, or wish to incorporate an internship into your project, review this policy to ensure the internship is compliant with requirements:

Higher Degree by Research Candidature and Progress Procedures 2026.

Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS)

The Postgraduate Research Support Scheme (PRSS), which supports students to attend international conferences or complete research or fieldwork overseas, is explained in the policy below. Check this policy if you’re planning on applying for PRSS funds, or if you wish to understand how your PRSS application will be assessed: