Research Quarters

On 1 January 2012, the UQ academic year was divided into Research Quarters for research higher degree (RHD) students. 

Why were the Research Quarters introduced?

Prior to the introduction of Research Quarters, international students undertaking a PhD or an MPhil at UQ were enrolled and charged on a semester-by-semester basis and their fees due dates and census dates matched those of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework students.  Unlike coursework students, UQ RHD students are able to submit an Application for Admission & Scholarship and commence candidature at any time during the year. Whilst this provides a great deal of flexibility, the date of arrival, interruption to candidature and departure of international students had an impact on fee liability.

RHD candidates also work in a pattern similar to full-time employment (i.e. working 48 weeks out of 52 weeks each year).  Research Quarters were introduced to:

  • reduce the pressure on international RHD students to submit their thesis prior to a semester census date to avoid an additional semester of fees, thereby reducing the risk of a thesis being submitted prematurely;
  • allow international RHD students to gain maximum advantage from the fees paid for their tuition; and
  • ensure that UQ’s enrolment and fees schemes adequately match RHD student enrolment and work patterns.

How will Research Quarters benefit my studies?

The new model has a number of benefits for students and enrolling units, including:
  • greater simplicity in fee structures;
  • increased flexibility, particularly in terms of commencement and thesis submission dates;
  • maximum value for money for students;
  • alignment with existing RHD scholarship rounds.

What are the Research Quarter key dates?

Research Quarter Start date of Quarter Due date for payment of charges Census date / final date to cancel without financial penalty End date of Quarter
RQ1 1 Jan 15 Jan 1 Feb 31 Mar
RQ2 1 Apr 15 Apr 1 May 30 Jun
RQ3 1 Jul 15 Jul 1 Aug 30 Sep
RQ4 1 Oct 15 Oct 1 Nov 31 Dec

What is the importance of the census date?

The census date is the date by which all of your enrolment requirements must be finalised for a period of study (e.g. a Semester or Research Quarter).  Note that the census date is different from the date that your fees are due. All fees must be paid by the “Due date for payment of charges”. Payments made after this date will incur a late fee.  For more information, see Census date.

How much will my fees be?

All international students are required to pay tuition fees while undertaking their research higher degree. The fees vary depending on your enrolling School/Institute and your research project.  Fee rates are listed on your letter of offer and following enrollment, the fees due each Research Quarter will display on your mySI-net Financial page.  For more information see International Research Higher Degree fees.
 
Domestic students are not required to pay fees.

When will my fees be charged?

International students will be charged fees on a quarterly basis from the first quarter 2012. This provides RHD students with better value for money as they are only required to pay fees for the quarter in which they study.

How do Research Quarters impact my scholarship commencement date?

Research Quarters align with the current scholarship rounds, which significantly shorten the period of time between scholarship award and commencement. This ensures RHD students awarded a scholarship will gain the maximum value of fees paid for their tuition. Research quarters, and applicable fees, will fit with the current scheme.  We recommend students commence as close as possible to the start of a research quarter to maximise the value of their scholarship.

How do Research Quarters affect my thesis submission?

If a thesis is submitted after the census date, or not considered by the Graduate School as submitted until after the census date, the student will remain fee liable.

It is very important to note that a thesis is not considered as submitted until the thesis, the abstract and the Thesis Submission form (fully endorsed) have all been uploaded to the UQ eSpace, and that the thesis meets UQ requirements. The Graduate School recommends that international students submit their thesis seven days prior to the census date to ensure any submission problems can be rectified prior to the census date to avoid incurring fees.  Read more about submitting your thesis.

Can I apply for a scholarship extension if I intend to submit my thesis in RQ4?

No. Candidates submitting in RQ4 will not be considered for scholarship extensions outside of the normal conditions of that scholarship.

I am a research candidate completing coursework. Are there any transition arrangements that will impact me?

No transition arrangements will be required for RHD candidates undertaking coursework as a mandatory component of their degree. In these cases, normal coursework rules will apply.

 

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