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Notes for Research Scholars

(1) Holiday Leave

Holiday leave application may be done online.

i) A research scholar is eligible for paid holiday leave of 21 working days per calendar year for the duration of the research scholarship. Depending on the start date and end date of the research scholarship, the leave entitlement for the year will be pro-rated accordingly.

ii) During the period of extension of research scholarship, no added leave balance will be granted in lieu of the extended period. However, any unconsumed leave may be used if the extension period falls within the same year.

iii) Holiday leave excludes Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. There is no half-day leave application.

iv) Holiday leave must be earned in that calendar year before it can be taken. Unconsumed leave in any one year will not be carried forward to the next year.

v) Medical leave that falls within the applied holiday leave period will not be considered.

vi) When the research scholarship is terminated, the leave entitlement will be pro-rated according to the termination date. If excess leave had been taken, the scholarship stipend will be deducted accordingly. Holiday leave not utilized prior to the scholarship termination date will lapse and there will be no payment of stipend in lieu thereof.

vii) For transfer of candidature (upgrading/ downgrading), the holiday leave entitlement will be adjusted accordingly.

viii) Students who are undertaking trial projects and have not formally registered as research scholars will not be entitled for holiday leave.

(2) Leave of Absence (Unpaid)

i) Leave of absence is inclusive of Sundays & public holidays.

ii) All holiday leave balance must be fully used before applying for leave of absence; unless the Faculty/ School decides otherwise.

iii) Maternity leave is considered as leave of absence.

Please complete and submit the Leave Application Form (for Graduate Research Students).

(3) Medical Leave

Paid medical leave is granted up to 30 days per calendar year for out-patient and 60 days per calendar year if hospitalization is required. Valid supporting medical certificates or letter must be submitted with the Leave Application Form (for Graduate Research Students).

(4) Compassionate Leave

Each research scholar can be granted a maximum of five consecutive days per demise of an immediate family member (including spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother/sister, parent-in-law and son/daughter-in-law). Please complete and submit the Leave Application Form (for Graduate Research Students).

Paid leave will be granted unless the Department decides otherwise; a copy of the notice must be attached with the Leave Application Form (for Graduate Research Students). However, those who are required to serve the balance of the NS liability period will not be given paid leave.

(6) Exemptions & Revisions

i) The University may revise this Scheme from time to time in its absolute discretion

ii) The University shall be entitled to make and issue additional guidelines with respect to this Scheme from time to time and to revise or amend such guidelines as it deems fit. All such guidelines shall be deemed to be part of the Scheme.

(7) Others

Research scholars do not have to apply for leave separately to attend conferences, field trips, overseas courses or attachement as long as the Faculty has given approval.

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