Face-to-face requirements and online study limitations
As an international student, you are required to meet specific enrolment conditions to avoid risking your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) being cancelled.
What are my study requirements and limitations?
All international student visa holders are required to:
- Study onshore in Australia
- Enrol in a minimum of one face-to-face subject in each compulsory study period
All international students must not exceed one-third of online enrolment overall (for the remainder of their course cumulative from 1 July 2023 onwards)
Can I study online subjects as an international student?
Yes, according to Standard 8 of the National Code, international students may study online subjects if they comply with the one-third rule (online allowance).
This means you can complete up to one-third of your course online. However, you must enrol in at least one face-to-face subject in each compulsory study period unless you are completing your final subject of study. On-campus and blended/multi-model subjects will count towards your face-to-face study requirements. If you exceed this limit, you won’t be eligible for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE), which might require you to return to your home country to finish your course online.
Visit the Subject delivery mode meanings FAQ for more information.
Online allowance
You are allowed to study one-third of your course online. This is your online allowance.
Your online allowance is the total number of credit points you can complete and pass in your course. It’s calculated by dividing the total credit points of your course by three and rounding down to the nearest credit point. The online allowance for La Trobe courses are available in the below online allowance table.
Advanced standing and zero credit point subjects aren’t included in this calculation.
Failed subjects don’t reduce your remaining online allowance; only completed and passed subjects contribute to your online allowance.
| Course | Total credit points | Total online allowance |
|---|---|---|
| Graduate Certificate | 60 credit points | 15 credit points |
| Graduate Diploma | 120 credit points | 30 credit points |
| Masters Degree | 240 credit points | 75 credit points |
| Bachelors degree | 360 credit points | 120 credit points |
| Bachelors degree Honours | 480 credit points | 150 credit points |
Please note:
- The online allowance for students who were enrolled between 2020 and 2022 and were permitted flexible learning arrangements during COVID is calculated based on the number of credit points they have remaining as of the start of Semester 2/Term 4 in 2023.
- The one-third rule only applies to student visa holders. Other temporary resident (non-student) visa holders are not subject to this limitation.
If you exceed the one-third rule, your CoE will be cancelled, and you will be required to return home and complete the remaining subjects from your home country (subject to online availability).
If you have questions about planning your enrolment to ensure you comply with online study limitations, we encourage you to speak with a Student Advisor.