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Change your mode of attendance
Your mode of attendance refers to whether you're enrolled full time or part time. You may be able to change, depending on your circumstances.
Coursework students
If you're a coursework student wanting to change, you should read our Change your study load page.
As a research student you can enrol in part-time or full-time candidature.
The year is divided into 4 research periods, each with an apportioned measure of enrolment value that is referred to as equivalent full time study load (EFTSL). Read our Research dates page to find out the EFTSL value for each research period.
Part-time students enrol in 50% of the EFTSL of full-time students.
You’re able to change your mode of attendance from full time to part time or vice versa at any stage in your enrolment, subject to:
- visa requirements if you’re on a student visa
- stipend conditions if you’re receiving a scholarship
- our deadlines to apply.
It is important for you to make your changes as soon as possible. You can choose for these to:
- take effect from the next research period
- be backdated to the start of a research period, provided you apply before the deadline. This may result in an overpayment if you receive a stipend - make sure you check the terms and conditions of your stipend before you apply.
If you’re receiving government payments, you'll need to tell the Australian Government about any changes to your study.
Deadlines to apply
The deadlines to apply are listed in the table below. If you apply after the deadline for a research period, the changes will be effective from the start date of the next research period.
| Deadline to apply to change your mode of attendance | Date |
|---|---|
| Research Period 1 (S1CRR1) | 16 January 2025 |
| Research Period 2 (S1CRR2) - student visa holders | 17 March 2025 |
| Research Period 2 (S1CRR2) | 23 March 2025 |
| Research Period 3 (S2CRR3) - student visa holders | 17 August 2025 |
| Research Period 3 (S2CRR3) | 23 August 2025 |
| Research Period 4 (S2CRR4) - student visa holders | 17 October 2025 |
| Research Period 4 (S2CRR4) | 24 October 2025 |
International students
If you’re an international student on a student visa, you’ll only be able to change your mode of attendance to part time in certain circumstances. You’ll need to contact the Higher Degree by Research Administration Centre to find out if you’re eligible.
If you’re an international student, you can also speak with a compliance officer at student.compliance@sydney.edu.au.
Domestic students
If you’re thinking of changing your mode of attendance to part time you should be aware of the following:
- for scholarship recipients - check the terms and conditions of your stipend on your offer letter. In some cases, stipends may be terminated when a student changes to part time. If you are unsure, email hdrac.scholarships@sydney.edu.au before you apply to change your mode of attendance
- reducing your enrolment load can affect your eligibility for government assistance such as Youth Allowance, Austudy, Abstudy and travel concessions
- your supervisor and faculty or school will need to approve your change
- there are time limits for completing your course requirements. Generally, you’ll need to complete your course requirements within 10 years, however for some courses you may have a shorter time period. This information is outlined in the University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule (pdf, 568KB).
How to apply
To submit a request to change your mode of attendance you must apply by the deadline through RECS. Go to ‘HDR Research Project’, ‘Candidature Maintenance’, then ‘start a new request’. Select ‘mode of attendance’ and complete the required form.
Last updated: 22 November 2024
