Postgraduate by Coursework (PGCW) and Honours overseas research projects

It is possible to undertake overseas research as part of your postgraduate by coursework or Honours course. Upon approval, you will receive a Monash Abroad Travel Scholarship and Monash University Travel Insurance. You will need to complete the following steps before you make your travel arrangements:

  1. Discuss research proposal and ethics approval processes with your supervisor.
  2. Complete a Risk Register via S.A.R.A.H and include planning documentation before assigning (Online) to the School Safety Officer* for approval (Director of Program to advise).
  3. After the School Safety Officer has approved the Risk Register, submit all documentation (research proposal, risk register, ethics proposal) to Director of Program for school-level approval. School Level approval will need to be in writing by the Director of Program or Head of School.
  4. Register your overseas travel through the Monash Abroad Portal (you will be required to upload the written approval (email) from your Director of Program or Head of School as proof of faculty endorsement)
  5. Monash Abroad to notify you of final approval and pay Monash Abroad Travel Scholarship ($200) and Monash University Travel Insurance.

If you are proposing to do research in a location with a DFAT warning of “reconsider your need to travel” or “do not travel” you will need approval from Monash Security.  You will need to have all preparatory documentation (research proposal, risk register, ethics proposal) complete at least six (6) weeks prior to departure.  You may then be instructed to complete a security plan by Monash Security who will escalate approval to relevant parties. 

Check your destination’s travel warning at smartraveller.

*Advice for completing the Risk Register

The university requires that a comprehensive plan be in place for OHS requirements of any student travelling overseas on university business. A Risk Register (via S.A.R.A.H) is required to be conducted by the student in conjunction with their supervisor that includes an itinerary and documenting planned tasks taking into consideration emergency planning and focus on hazards that are likely to be encountered during international travel, examples of these may include:

  • Effects of climate
  • Disease
  • Natural Disasters
  • Threats to personal security, e.g. terrorism, civil unrest

A listing of personal contacts (family members including phone numbers) must be included as well as a plan to the best of their ability of medical centres within the vicinity they are planning to carry out the work.

A regular contact regime will also need to be considered dependent on the risk level of the country.