Doctoral Covid-19 Fees-Free Extension

Doctoral candidates within 3-year programmes (EdD, DClinPsy, DMus, DMA) can apply for a fees-free extension, if their progress has been affected by the Covid-19 situation. This is a fees-free extension period of up to four months, available after 3 years (or part-time equivalent).

For candidates within 3–4 year programmes (PhD, DMedSc, DocFA), please see Doctoral Covid-19 Fees Waiver.

Some doctoral candidates whose work has been affected by Covid-19 may be eligible for a fees-free extension. This could be you if:

• You were enrolled on or before 1 August 2021
• You are currently in New Zealand
  
• Your fees cannot be covered through other funding (including PBRF/FRDF)
• You have not passed 35 months of enrolment (or part-time equivalent) at the time of your application. 
  

Any suspensions of your enrolment during or in relation to any periods of University closure due to Covid-19 alert levels will be taken into account when your application is considered.

Eligible candidates can apply for the fees-free extension once they have reached 34 months (or part-time equivalent) of enrolment. Applications prior to meeting the 34 month requirement may not be considered.

At 34 months of active, full-time enrolment (or equivalent for part-time candidates), you will become eligible to apply for the fees-free programme extension.

When you apply, we’ll ask you to show how your progress was affected, so now is a great time to start saving those email conversations with your supervisors about the ways in which Covid-19 has disrupted your work.

We encourage you, wherever possible, to keep working on your research or writing to the best of your ability. Speak to your supervisors about what you can do and give it your best shot.

Remember, you’ll need to show how you’ve been affected. Start saving any relevant emails now - and be sure to keep them backed up for when the time comes for you to apply.

If you have reached the 34th month (or part-time equivalent) of your enrolment, you are ready to apply.

Simply fill in the DOC-6 form to apply for an extension, and state that you’d like to be considered for the Doctoral Covid-19 Fees-Free Extension in your memo. Make sure you include details and evidence about how Covid-19 has impacted your research to be considered.

Access the DOC-6 form.