Deferment : Academic Services Policy : The University of Melbourne

Deferment

Information about deferment should be advertised to students on the University's website and in other relevant publications.
Such information should include clear advice about the possible implications for students of deferring the commencement of their studies.

Course content, including the availability of subjects and subject areas, may be altered during the period for which a student has deferred commencement of their studies. Students will only be able to plan their course on the basis of the subjects and subject areas available when they commence their studies.
Tuition fees (including Australian or International fees, or HECS liability) for the relevant course may increase during the period for which a student has deferred commencement of their studies. Students will be liable for tuition fees at the rate applicable upon commencement of their studies.

Students may receive offers throughout the year for commencement in a future semester.
Students must apply to defer direct to the University online citing their reasons for the request and the year/semester in which they intend to commence their studies and providing their email address for correspondence.
Applications for deferment must be received:
- By the end of the enrolment period (VTAC applicants)
- By the Offer Lapse Date (Direct applicants)
This allows alternative offers to be made if required.

Applications for deferment are assessed by the body responsible for selection into the degrees.
Responses to applications should include a request to notify the University if:
- Contact details change during the period of deferment or;
- The student decides not to take up their place in the degree.

Prior to the applicable enrolment period the University will contact those students who have deferred commencement of their course until the following semester.
Deferred students will be asked to indicate whether or not they intend to take up their place.
Once a student has indicated that they intend to take up their place they should be managed as a commencing student.

Students who fail to respond to instructions regarding enrolment, and those who indicate their intention not to take up their place will forfeit.
Students who have forfeited may re-apply for entry to the same degree at a later stage according to the admission process and selection criteria in operation at that time. Selection will not be guaranteed.

The body responsible for selection into the degrees has discretion to vary the application of this policy as follows:
- Deferment may be granted for up to two years in situations where the reasons for the request are serious and outside the student's control. (e.g. A student is required to perform two years of national service in their home country).
- Deferment of a place in an Honours or postgraduate coursework degree may not be possible for various reasons concerning the availability of academic staff or resources (e.g. availability of research project, subjects or supervisor unable to be guaranteed).