Study load
When can I reduce my study load?
What are the implications for my student visa?
How do I apply for a reduced load?
Background
As an international student on a student visa, you are expected to complete your course within the time given on your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). Usually this requires you to enrol in a standard load of 50 points per semester. You can only reduce your study load or extend your course duration in limited circumstances. You will need to seek permission from a course adviser to reduce your study load.
When can I reduce my study load?
You are usually allowed to reduce your study load if it will not extend the duration of your course as indicated on your COE. For instance when you have been granted credit or completed subjects in a Summer or Winter term and you are ahead of your course, you could reduce your study load in the following semester.
Extending your course duration
You can only extend the duration of your course in the following compassionate and compelling circumstances:
- Course structure or subject availability
You are unable to enrol in 50 points due to the structure of your course or limited subject availability. - Illness, bereavement or traumatic experience
You are unable to enrol in 50 points due to an illness, a disability or injury, illness or bereavement of close family members, or involvement in or witnessing a serious accident or crime. You must attach appropriate medical certificates or other documentation in support of a reduced load. - Academic progress assistance
You are identified as a student at risk of making unsatisfactory academic progress and you are advised by a course adviser or progress committee to reduce your study load.
What is the minimum enrolment load?
You must enrol in at least one subject that is not delivered online or via distance education, if you have permission to reduce your study load. Otherwise you will need to apply for leave of absence from your course.
Do I need to seek approval to reduce my study load when I am enrolled in year-long subjects or my final semester?
You do not need to seek approval to reduce your study load, if:
- You are enrolled in year-long subjects (in combination with semester-long subjects) and you do not need to extend the duration of your course.
- You are undertaking the final subjects of your course and are enrolled in your last semester.
What are the implications for my student visa?
Visa renewalYou can remain in Australia until your visa expires, if you enrol in a reduced load and are able to complete your course by the expected completion date on their COE (see: Student visas). If you need to extend the duration of your course for compassionate or compelling circumstances, you must obtain a new COE and renew your student visa a few weeks before your current COE and visa expires.
If you have failed occasional subjects, you should try to make up for the failed subjects in Summer or Winter term. If this is not possible, you can extend the duration of your course and renew your visa a few weeks before your current COE and visa expires.
The University can only extend a student’s course duration and issue an extension COE if there are compassionate or compelling circumstances. If you reduce your study load without approval or supporting documents and you require an extension to your course, you cannot be issued a new COE in order to renew your visa. You may not be able to complete your course at the University.
How do I apply for a reduced load?
You should contact a course adviser and discuss your request for a reduced load. Complete a Reduced Study Load (RSL) form and attach appropriate supporting documentation if required.
| Step 1 | Make an appointment with a course adviser to discuss your course plan. |
| Step 2 | Hand in a Reduced Study Load Application and attach appropriate supporting documentation if required. |
| Step 3 | A reduced load can be approved in the following circumstances (subject to course or subject requirements): |
| Step 4 | You will need to renew your student visa a few weeks before your current student visa expires, if the duration of your course is extended. |
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