Normally, research higher degree candidates at the University of Queensland are initially admitted as 'provisional' candidates. Exceptions may be made in some cases for those who have

• transferred from MPhil to PhD, or
• from confirmed candidature at another institution.

Confirmation of candidature (also called "transfer to full candidature," "first year review," or "review of provisional enrolment") is a critically important moment in every research higher degree candidature for

• the academic development of the candidate,
• reviewing resources for the school, and
• quality assurance for the university.

At this time, the candidate receives formative advice about the direction, scope, planning, and feasibility of the project; the school reviews the resources that are needed to sustain the candidature (the advisory team, technical support, physical and financial resources), compliance with relevant university, disciplinary, and external regulatory protocols; and the University is assured by the school's review that a continuation of the candidature is likely to lead to an examinable thesis in about the "normal" amount of time for which the student, the school, and the university are funded.

The process upon which a recommendation is made for a candidate to be transferred ("upgraded") from MPhil to PhD candidature is normally similar to that for confirmation of PhD candidature.

The guidelines below outline the principles and the broad processes that must be followed. Each school will adapt these principles and processes in ways that are appropriate to its discipline, its size, and its student cohort.

Each school must provide clear written advice to every provisional candidate at the commencement of their candidature about the procedures to be followed, including the timing, the format, and the expectations of scope, quality and amount of work to be presented for confirmation to be recommended.

It is also strongly recommended that the procedures and school expectations be explained at a formal induction session for all commencing students.

At each stage, candidates must receive written advice of what is required of them to meet the standard expected of them in order to achieve confirmation; they must also be directed to the appropriate school and Graduate School forms and documents so that they understand the procedures and the criteria. Above all, the process must always be transparent.