Extension of time: research component submission

We recognise that things may happen that are outside of your control and affects your ability to complete your studies.

An extension of time means that you are asking for additional time to complete your research component beyond the expected submission date due to exceptional circumstances.

An extension request is based on exceptional circumstances so you will need to provide some evidence to support your application. 

For more information, please see Postgraduate extensions and suspensions supporting evidence.

We understand that providing evidence can be difficult in some circumstances. If you have any concerns about providing evidence, please contact us by email.

Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care is also available to you and provides a safe, confidential and free service to support the health, wellbeing and safety of everyone at University.

For more information, please see Te Papa Manaaki | Campus Care.

Masters

• Thesis, research portfolio: you can apply for an extension to your submission date, usually for no more than eight months, in exceptional circumstances

• Dissertation, research essay, research project: you can apply for an extension to your submission date, usually for no more than two months, in exceptional circumstances

Bachelor (honours)

• Dissertation, research essay, research portfolio, research project or thesis: you can apply for an extension to your submission date, usually for no more than two months, in exceptional circumstances

Postgraduate diploma

• Dissertation, research essay or research project: you can apply for an extension to your submission date, usually for no more than two months, in exceptional circumstances

Postgraduate certificate

• Postgraduate Certificate programmes do not allow for an extension of time to submit research, but do allow for an extension to the duration of your programme, please see Extension of time: postgraduate programme duration

If you’ve applied for an extension, you will be charged additional fees for the additional months you take to complete your programme. 

Please note:

• If you’re receiving funding from StudyLink, including a student allowance or student loan living costs, you must notify StudyLink. To contact StudyLink, please see Contact us
• If you’re an international student, an extension may impact your visa. You should speak with an International Student Adviser to discuss these impacts. For more information, please visit Contact the International Office
• If you’re a scholarship recipient, an extension may also impact your scholarship payments. Please refer to the terms and conditions of your scholarship to understand the impacts of a suspension

If you have a supervisor, you must discuss your request with them before applying for an extension. Your supervisor needs to support your application in writing for an extension.

You will need to also confirm with your supervisor if they are able to continue supervising you after the extension period ends.

If you’re applying for an extension, please note that your application must be submitted at least two weeks before your final submission date. This is to allow time for a decision to be made.

If your submission date has passed, please contact us to discuss your situation:

You can submit an application for an extension for a: 

• Thesis
• Research portfolio
• Dissertation
• Research essay
• Research project

If you’re approved for an extension:

• Enrol into your courses for the upcoming enrolment period
• You will need to pay the required additional fees

If you're not approved for an extension to submit your research component, and you are in a masters, bachelors (honours), or postgraduate diploma programme, you may appeal this decision. 

The appeal must be made in writing to the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) within one month of the decline being officially communicated. 

Your application must: 

• Clearly set out the grounds of your appeal
• Contain all relevant documents to support your appeal

The decision by the Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) is final.