The official resource about oral PhD examinations at UQ is:

3. Thesis examination

It is wise to review that resource first.

Examination process

The chair of examiners will be using this official guide to conduct the meeting

The Director of HDR has written this guide too:

Oral Exam Prep_RQ2 2026.pdf

The process generally contains 3 steps

• Respond to the poll that arrives via email to find a time for the examination, providing as much flexibility as possible to accommodate your examiners
• The agenda, as per the UQ HDR website, is below. The Chair of Examiners will usually paste this into the calendar invitation.
• After the examination, respond to the feedback provided by the panel

Where can I get help?

Your supervisor will likely have excellent advice and can help you prepare for the examination, but cannot be in the examination with you. Consider asking them to do a practice with you.

You can also attend one of the drop-in sessions with the Director of HDR and HDR Liaison as well.

I have questions

• How do I add questions or comments to this page?
• Should I be nervous?
• How can I practice?
• What kinds of questions will examiners ask?