The Australian Government requires that all research higher degree candidates are enrolled as internal students. Unlike undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students, PhD and MPhil candidates cannot enrol as external students.

However, the University recognises that candidates who live a substantial distance from their principal place of University study do not always have the same type or frequency of access to school and University resources (including advisory contact). Thus, domestic candidates whose place of residence is more than 250km from their principal place of University study may apply for remote status using the Change of Candidature Status form. International students may not reside that far from their place of study while they hold a student visa, so the only international students who can be remote are those who are living overseas.

Remote status must be endorsed by your principal advisor and school, then approved by the Dean, UQ Graduate School. When remote, you and your advisors must maintain satisfactory contact (by email, telephone, or in person); you must have access to all necessary facilities (such as equipment, library resources, and the like); and you must continue to make satisfactory progress with your research. Not all research projects can be conducted on a remote basis, and your school may not be able to endorse remote status if these conditions cannot be met. Please check your school for its policy on remote candidates before applying for remote status.

In some cases, a suitably-qualified local associate advisor may be appointed so that you can continue to meet in person with a member of your advisory team. There is also a requirement to attend your principal place of University study for a minimum period of time over the total period of your candidature: the default period is 9 weeks.

The University expects that remote candidates will attend the University from time to time to obtain library materials, to consult with their supervisors and to undertake other relevant activities within their school. The University Library provides remote access to its catalogue and databases as well as electronic journals and Internet services. However, remote candidates will need access locally to appropriate computer hardware and software and will need to obtain training from the Library. Detailed information on the services available can be obtained by contacting the University Library.

Additional links:

Information about tuition fees for research higher degrees