Step-by-Step Guide to Submitting Your Thesis or Dissertation

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Reminders Before You Begin

  • Submission Guide
  • Frequently Asked Questions: Thesis Submission
  • The Library reviews each submission in the order of the latest submission timestamp. No expedited review service is available. Each review typically takes two business days, but during peak times (such as the two weeks before a semester starts), the volume may increase. Please plan ahead to avoid delays in your graduation process.

Before You Enter the Submission System

Make sure

  • Your PDF file follows the formatting guidelines in the "Regulations Governing the Formats of Graduate Thesis/Dissertation at National Tsing Hua University." Incorrect formatting will result in rejection and require resubmission and re-approval by your advisor and the library.
  • Your PDF does not contain watermarks or security settings. (The system will automatically apply these.)
  • You have discussed the open access date and any embargo application with your advisor. (This is addressed in Step 3 or Step 4 below.)

Submission Steps (After Logging In)

  1. Confirm Degree Information
    • The system will import your basic data from the "Oral Defense Application System." Please check for accuracy.
    • If changes are needed, update your information in the Academic Information System and log back into the Repository. The system will retrieve the revised data automatically.
  2. Enter Bibliographic Information and Upload Full-Text
    • Copy bibliographic information directly from your thesis to ensure accuracy.
    • After uploading the PDF, preview it to confirm that the watermark and security settings were applied successfully. If not, the process will revert to Step 1.
    • If watermarking fails, it may be due to incompatible software. Use official PDF tools or visit the Main Library to convert your file using a public workstation.
  3. Select Open Access Option and Submit Embargo Request (if applicable)
    • All theses must be authorized for open access. Discuss this with your advisor before uploading.
    • You may choose:
      • Immediate open access after approval
      • Open access six months after approval
      • Apply for delayed open access (embargo)
    • According to Article 14 of the "National Tsing Hua University Doctoral/Master's Degree Examination Regulations": "Degree theses shall be publicly accessible in principle to facilitate academic exchange and knowledge sharing. However, theses involving confidential information, patent matters, or those legally restricted from disclosure may apply for delayed open access upon submission of supporting documentation and approval by both the faculty advisor and department chair."
    • For considerations related to ongoing research or patent applications, please submit supporting documentation in PDF format, which must include: (1) justification for the embargo request, and (2) potential implications of immediate open access. The documentation must not exceed one page, contain a minimum of 100 words, and bear the signatures of both the thesis author and faculty advisor.
    • System-approved embargoes are generally limited to five years. In cases involving confidentiality agreements, the open access date must follow the expiration of such agreements. Should an extension be required upon expiration of the embargo period, the thesis author must submit a "Application for Thesis/Dissertation Modification" prior to the expiration date, subject to review and approval by authorized university personnel.
  4. Advisor Review
    • Advisor Review Guide
    • Your advisor will review:
      • Whether the thesis meets formatting and committee requirements
      • The selected open access option and any embargo documentation
    • Notification will be sent via email. If not approved, the system will return to Step 1 for resubmission.
  5. Library Review
    • The Library will check:
      • Formatting compliance
      • Watermark and security settings
      • Completeness of embargo application and supporting documents
    • Review order is based on submission timestamp. No urgent processing is available.
    • Each review takes about 2 business days. Results are emailed.
    • If not approved, the submission returns to Step 4 for the advisor to review and decide whether to send it back to the student.
  6. Print and Submit Hard Copies
    • Upon approval, you will receive a notification email.
    • Download the approved:
      • Full-text PDF
      • Authorization form (incorporating both the University and National Center Library authorization)
      • Embargo application form (if applicable)
      • Supporting documents (if applicable)

Printed Thesis Submission Guidelines

  • Use the "Checklist Before Submitting Printed Thesis" and follow the official formatting guidelines. Bind the "Authorization Form" directly after the title page.
  • If you applied for an embargo, print the signed application form and supporting documents, get them approved by your department chair, and make one photocopy.
  • Insert the original and copy of the embargo application and documents (not bound) into both printed copies of your thesis. Submit them to the Library. One copy will be archived at NTHU and one at the National Central Library.
  • Submission Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00–12:00 and 13:00–17:00
    Location: Main Library, Counters 4 and 5