Taking leave from your studies

Published 12/12/2013 11.17 AM Updated 21/12/2023 11.53 AM

How do I take time off from my studies?

Responsibilities of all students
 

To maintain your active student status and avoid an Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL) status, you must be enrolled in at least one subject worth 15 credit points OR be on official Leave of Absence (LOA). You must apply, and receive approval, for the leave via the online Leave Of Absence form. If you have a scholarship, taking leave may impact your scholarship. Check your scholarship letter for taking leave conditions.
 

New students

If you are a new student (you have been offered a course but haven't started yet or haven't passed your first census date) you should apply to defer instead of taking leave. If you're not sure which applies to you, please check the difference between deferral and Leave of Absence.

Current coursework students
 

Domestic students

  • With approval, you can usually take 6-12 months' of leave from your current course. You can speak with your Student Advisor or course coordinator before you apply to discuss the possible impact on your study plan (e.g. you may need to take 12 months of leave if you want to take Semester 1 off but your Semester 2 subjects have Semester 1 subject pre-requisites).
  • If you are ready to apply for leave, fill out the online application. Be sure to submit your request by the relevant teaching period census date or you will usually be liable for fees (for that teaching/study period as applicable) and could receive withdraw/fail results for your enrolled subjects.
  • Note: There is a maximum time allowed to complete most courses - usually twice the standard course length plus one year. If leave or part-time study puts you beyond the maximum time allowed, you may not be eligible to complete your course.
     

Maximum course completion time  
 

Please note that taking leave from your studies may mean you exceed the maximum time allowed to complete your course. Exceeding the maximum allowed time may mean you are not eligible to complete your course. Check the maximum course length FAQ for more information.  

If you reach the maximum allowed course completion time, this may trigger Academic Progression intervention as outlined in the Academic Progress review policy.  
 

International student visa holders

  • If you are an international student visa holder, you will need to attach evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances when you complete the online Leave of Absence form.

While on leave

While you are on leave from your studies, check your student email regularly to make sure you don't miss out on important info about your course. You may need to re-enrol in StudentOnLine while you are away.

Other students
 

Partner institutions

If you study through a partner, e.g. Open Universities Australia (OUA), please contact the institution directly to request leave from your studies.

Graduate research students

Contact the Graduate Research School (GRS) to discuss a variation to your candidature.

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