Study load and course extensions
As an international student on a student visa, you are expected to complete your course by the course end date on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Usually this requires you to enrol in a standard load of 50 points per half year. You can only extend the duration of your course, if you need to reduce your load due to compassionate or compelling circumstances or as directed by the University. You must seek approval from a Student Advisor prior to making changes to your enrolment.
When can I reduce my study load?
You are allowed to reduce your study load if:
- you are ahead of your course (e.g. due to credit) and able to complete your course by the course end date on your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE);
- you are unable to enrol in a standard load due to:
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- compassionate or compelling circumstance (e.g. illness, disability, bereavement or involvement in a traumatic experience) as evidenced by appropriate supporting documents; or
- course structure or limited subject availability as confirmed by a Student Adviser;
- you are identified as a student at risk of not achieving satisfactory course progress and the University recommends a restricted study load.
How do I obtain approval to reduce my study load?
If you are unable to maintain a standard load due to a compassionate or compelling circumstance, you must submit a Reduced Study Load Application form and return it to your Student Centre or Graduate School together with supporting documents.
In all other cases (e.g. subject availability or unsatisfactory progress), you should contact a Student Adviser at your Student Centre or Graduate School and discuss your circumstances.
DownloadReduced Study Load application form
Minimum enrolment load
If you have permission to reduce your study load, you must enrol in at least one subject that is not delivered online or via distance education. Otherwise you will need to apply for leave of absence from your course.
Can I extend the duration of my course?
You can only extend the duration of your course as a result of:
- an approved reduced load (see above)
- an approved leave of absence or suspension
- an occasionally failed subject
What are the implications for my student visa?
If you need to extend the duration of your course for approved reasons, you should obtain a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and renew your student visa a few weeks before it expires.
The University can only extend a student’s course duration and issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) for approved reasons. If you reduce your study load without approval or supporting documents and you require an extension to your course, the University is not permitted to issue a new COE. You may not be able to complete your course at the University.