Ethics Applications

IS ETHICS CLEARANCE REQUIRED?  

  • Click HERE to determine if you need to apply for ethics clearance at the Research Ethics Committee: Social, Behavioural and Education Research (REC: SBE).
  • Postgraduate students can refer to slides 7 and 8.
  • Undergraduate students can refer to slide 9.
  • Click HERE to listen to a recorded presentation (REC: SBE) from Mar ’23.
  • Click HERE to listen to a recorded presentation (HREC) from Feb ’24.

COMPLETE MODULE 4 (RCR COURSE):

  • If you plan to submit an ethics application to any SU Research Ethics Committee (REC), you must complete Module 4 of the Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) course.
  • This requirement applies to postgraduate students, supervisors submitting applications on behalf of undergraduate students, and research projects for non-degree purposes.
  • Module 4 takes approximately 6 hours to complete. On successful completion (minimum 80% pass mark), you will receive a digital badge.
  • This digital badge is valid for three years and must be uploaded under Section 9 of your ethics application form.
  • Applications submitted without the digital badge will not be reviewed by the REC, as it is a compulsory requirement under the National Department of Health Guidelines.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE:

  • Please ensure that your first or initial submission reaches the FESC by 1 Sep ’26.
  • Please ensure that your amended application reaches the FESC by 16 Nov ’26.
  • The FESC will only receive your application if you and your supervisor have signed it.
  • Late submissions will unfortunately only be reviewed at the end of Jan ’27.

CONFIRM RECEIPT:

  • You will receive a confirmation email from Tanya Ficker within two working days after your supervisor submits your ethics application.
  • Please contact Tanya Ficker if you do not receive this email.

FAQ: 

  1. Do I need to apply for ethics clearance? (PG students refer to slides 1 & 2)
  2. When should I apply to the HREC (Health)?
  3. When should I apply to the REC: SBE (Social, Behavioural and Education)?
  4. How do I know if my application will be classified as low, medium or high risk?
  5. What are the submission deadlines for applications (medium-risk only)?
  6. Is there an APPLICATION GUIDE with standard responses for each question?
  7. Where can I download the various templates?
  8. How do I know if Institutional Permission is required?
  9. Can I include a Lucky Draw to motivate people to participate?
  10. How can my supervisor sign/submit my application form?
  11. How do I respond to changes requested by my supervisor or by the FESC?
  12. Troubleshooting – how do I sign in to Infonetica?
  13. How do I edit my application form?
  14. When can I start with my data collection?
  15. How long will it take to obtain ethics clearance?
  16. How do I update my personal details in the application form?
  17. How do I change my email address in the application form?
  18. How do I share my application form?
  19. How do I respond to stipulations or modifications from the REC?
  20. Is there a template for the REC Response Letter?
  21. How do I submit an amendment/final report to the REC (after approval by REC)
  22. How do I submit a progress report for the renewal of REC approval?
  23. How do I apply for an amendment to my REC-approved project?
  24. What are the REC Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)?
  25. Ethics clearance for a joint degree (partnership with international institution)

 

APPLY FOR ETHICS CLEARANCE