Reduce study load - International students
Published 30/10/2017 12.52 PM
Updated 04/04/2024 11.23 AM
Can I reduce my study load as an international student?
What are my study load requirements on a student visa?
If you are a student visa holder, you must meet your study load requirements to be able to complete your studies within your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa timeframes. Generally, a full-time study load is:
- for semester-based students: four subjects (or 60 credit points) in each compulsory semester
- for term-based students: two subjects (or 30 credit points) in each compulsory term
Can I automatically reduce my study load?
You can reduce your study load (also called underloading) without needing further approval if:
- You have formal credit-point enrolment restrictions set by the University due to academic progress issues, or
- You have mapped your study plan accordingly to still be able to finish your course by your CoE end date. Please contact ASK La Trobe for study plan enquiries
Note: It is your responsibility to confirm if you meet the above criteria before making any changes to your study load.
When do I need to formally apply for a reduced study load?
You will need written University approval to reduce your study load for the following reasons:
- course structure reasons, such as subject unavailability or inability to enrol due to not meeting the subject pre-requisite conditions, or
- compassionate or compelling circumstances that are beyond your control. These may include (but are not limited to):
- serious medical illness or injury to you or a close family member
- death of a family member such as a parent or grandparent
- a major political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country
- a traumatic experience e.g. accident or crime
- note: reducing your study load for financial reasons is not sufficient
How do I formally apply for a reduced study load?
- Log into StudentOnLine.
- Go to the Forms tile.
- Complete the Request to Reduce Study Load form. Your application will require supporting documentation based on the reason you have provided. Please review the form for examples of the supporting documentation you must provide.
You are strongly advised to apply prior to the study period commencement (and before the relevant census date, at the latest) as well as to maintain full-time enrolment while waiting for the outcome of your application. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you are granted approval to reduce your study load, it is your responsibility to withdraw from the subject/s via StudentOnline prior to the relevant census date.
What should I consider when reducing my study load?
- reducing your study load may increase the amount of time it takes to complete your degree. If you cannot complete your studies by your CoE end date, you may need to apply for a new CoE, extend your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), and apply to extend your visa. You will need to cover the relevant costs, and the University cannot guarantee approval for a new visa. For more information regarding your visa conditions, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website
- it may change the sequence of subjects and have unanticipated enrolment consequences for you
- it may have financial and/or academic implications if you reduce your study load and withdraw from a subject after the relevant census date and the 'Last Withdraw Without Fail' date. Visit our Withdrawing from a subject FAQ for more information
- we recommend that you take core subjects in standard study periods and, where possible, catch up by choosing electives in alternate study periods such as Summer or Winter
- you cannot reduce your study load to zero credit points (i.e., only enrol in non-credit bearing LTU0AIM and ABS0WOM). This will cause your enrolment to lapse, and you will become Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). You must remain enrolled in at least 15 credit points in a compulsory study period
- if you are a sponsored student, you need permission from your sponsor to reduce your study load. Please seek advice from the Sponsored Programs team
- If you have received a scholarship from La Trobe University, check the scholarship terms and conditions first. Some scholarships may require full-time enrolment
For further support, contact ASK La Trobe who can assist with general enrolment questions and/or book an appointment for you with an International Student Advisor.