A scholarship is intended to support full-time enrolment in a research higher degree program. However, if you have substantial caring responsibilities or a medical condition you may apply for permission to hold your scholarship on a part-time basis while enrolled part-time in your research higher degree.

Note: stipends for part-time scholarships are not tax exempt.

You request permission to hold a part-time scholarship using the Change of Candidature Status form. If the Dean, UQ Graduate School approves your request, your enrolment status is changed to part-time.

You must demonstrate that you:

• are the primary carer for a pre-school child, or
• are the primary carer for a school-aged child and a sole parent with limited access to outside support, or
• are the primary carer for an invalid or disabled spouse, child or parent, or
• have a medical condition which makes full-time research and study impossible or unreasonably onerous (a medical certificate is required).

Work commitments or concurrent enrolment in another program are not appropriate reasons for a request to hold a scholarship on a part-time basis. The standard restrictions on employment still apply to holders of part-time scholarships.

You may apply for permission before commencing your scholarship or while holding your scholarship. If your circumstances change and the conditions that led to your request for permission no longer apply, you are required to revert back to full-time status. Likewise, if you apply to enrol as a full-time research higher degree candidate, your scholarship reverts to full-time status.