Leave of Absence Overview
You may be eligible for up to 12 months of leave from your studies during your course. Additional leave may be granted in extenuating circumstances. However, it is important to consider the academic and financial implications before taking a leave of absence. For example, if you are enrolled in any units and the census date has passed for that block, you remain financially liable for them.
Domestic Students
- Taking leave does not remove your financial obligations for units you are already enrolled in.
- You must apply for leave before the census date to avoid tuition fees for that teaching period.
- If you do not return within 12 months, your enrolment may lapse, and you will need to reapply for admission.
International Students
- Taking a leave of absence may impact your student visa status, as visa conditions require continuous enrolment.
- Leave is only approved in compassionate or compelling circumstances (e.g., medical reasons) and must be supported by documentation.
- If your leave is approved, you may need to depart Australia during this period or apply for a visa extension upon your return.
- If you do not return within the approved leave period, your enrolment may lapse, and you will need to reapply for admission, which could affect your visa.
Eligible grounds
- Serious illness or injury (student or immediate family).
- Bereavement of a close relative.
- Compassionate or compelling circumstances (e.g., natural disasters, housing disruption, legal obligations).
- Academic or administrative reasons (e.g., unit unavailability, course delivery delays).
- Other exceptional circumstances deemed reasonable by the Institute.
Application process
- Complete the Application to Amend Course Enrolment Status form.
- Submit supporting evidence (e.g., medical certificate, official report).
- Submit before the leave period begins, if possible.
- Applications assessed by the Registrar or authorised delegate.
Approval
- Leave is generally granted after two semesters unless medical or compassionate grounds apply.
Written notification includes duration, conditions for returning, and any impact on enrolment, progression, or visa compliance.
Important Advice
Before applying for a leave of absence, we strongly recommend speaking with Student Services to understand the impact on your academic progress, financial obligations, and visa conditions.
[Student Services Contact form]
For more detailed information, please visit our Course Rules and Progression Policy and Procedures
Course Rules and Progression Policy and Procedures
