Leave of Absence
What is leave of absence?
Leave of absence is an approved period of time during which you are not enrolled in any subjects. The University may grant leave of absence for personal, compassionate or other compelling circumstances in accordance with the Academic Services Policy on Leave of Absence. Usually students can be granted leave for up to one year, during which they are not expected to be engaged in any study related activities.
If you are granted leave of absence, the University must notify the Department of Immigration (DIAC) of the changes in your enrolment. The reason for taking leave will affect your student visa.
How do I apply for Leave of Absence?
If you wish to apply for leave of absence, you should contact your Student Centre well in advance. You will need to submit a Leave of Absence application form for international students on student visas together with the necessary supporting documents.
What are the implications for my student visa?
Leave for compassionate or compelling circumstances
Compassionate or compelling circumstances are generally beyond the student's control and have an impact on the student's health, wellbeing or ability to study, for instance:
- Serious illness or injury
- Pregnancy or childbirth
- Serious illness or bereavement of close family members
- Course structure, subject availability or approved study abroad for credits
- Inability to commence or resume your studies due to visa processing delays
- Traumatic experiences, such as involvement in or witnessing of a serious accident or crime
- Political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country
Your application for leave of absence must be supported by appropriate documentation, such as medical certificates or police reports.
If you are granted leave of absence for compassionate or compelling circumstances, you are not required to depart Australia. Your visa will remain valid to resume your studies by the approved end date of your leave. If leave of absence changes the expected duration of your course, International Student Services will issue a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) and inform DIAC. You may need to renew your student visa before it expires if the duration of your course is extended beyond the expiry date of your visa.
Leave for other reasons
If you have applied for and been granted leave of absence and there are no compassionate or compelling circumstances, the University must inform DIAC that you have ceased your studies. Your COE will be cancelled and your student visa is subject to cancellation. You have 28 days from the start date of your leave to depart Australia or make other visa arrangements with DIAC. Before you return to Australia to resume your studies, you must obtain a COE and apply for a student visa.
Circumstances that are not compassionate or compelling could include:
- Difficulties in adjusting to living in Australia or academic life
- Relationship problems
- Financial difficulties
- Travel or employment opportunities
- Family or customary obligations such as weddings of a relative or friend
Applications for leave without supporting documentation
If you do not provide appropriate documentary evidence that compassionate or compelling circumstances exist, the University must inform DIAC that you have ceased your studies. Your COE will be cancelled and your student visa is subject to cancellation. Before you resume your studies, you must obtain a COE and apply for a new student visa.