Underload or reduced study load
As an international student visa holder, you must maintain a full-time study load in order to complete your course within the time frame specified within your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa.
Generally, a full-time study load is:
- For semester-based students: four subjects (or 60 credit points) in each compulsory semester
- For term-based students: two subjects (or 30 credit points) in each compulsory term
This means you must successfully pass 120 credit points each year to complete your course by the date specified in your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). View the equivalent full-time student load FAQ for more information.
In special circumstances, you can apply for a reduced study load.
If you are a student visa holder, you must meet your study load requirements to be able to complete your studies within your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa timeframes. To satisfy your student visa conditions, you must be enrolled as a full-time student.
A full-time enrolment load for most courses is 120 credit points per academic year. You can spread your study load throughout the year as long as your study plan ensures you finish by your CoE end date, and is in line with the study requirements on your student visa. It is also dependent on your course structure and subject availability per study period. Please refer to the University Handbook, and book an appointment with your course-specific Student Advisor to discuss your study plan.
The following circumstances are generally considered valid or acceptable reasons for a reduced study load. Your application will need to be based on compassionate and compelling grounds, which could include, but are not limited to:
| Circumstance | Evidence required |
|---|---|
| Serious illness or injury | Medical certificate stating that it is impracticable for you to complete or enrol in an equivalent full-time load |
| Bereavement of a close family member such as a parent or grandparent | Death certificate |
| Major political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country requiring emergency travel | Personal statement |
| A traumatic experience, which could include involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident; or witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, where this has impacted on you | Police or psychological report |
The following circumstances are not valid reasons for a reduced study load:
- Financial reasons/employment reasons
- Concerns about your academic performance/time management
- Intention to apply for a course transfer
Note: Written University approval is required to reduce your study load. A reduced study load application does not guarantee approval. You must maintain a full-time enrolment and continue participating with your studies where possible, until an outcome is provided.
If you are granted approval to reduce your study load, it is your responsibility to withdraw from the subject/s via StudentOnline prior to the relevant census date.
You can reduce your study load (also called underloading) without needing further approval if:
- You have formal credit-point enrolment restrictions set by the University due to academic progress issues, or
- You have mapped your study plan accordingly to still be able to finish your course by your CoE end date.
To avoid having to formally apply for reduced study load approval, we recommend that you take core subjects in standard study periods and, where possible, catch up by choosing electives in alternate study periods such as Summer or Winter.
All other reductions in study load require an application via StudentOnLine.
- Log into StudentOnLine.
- Go to the Forms tile.
- Complete the Request to Reduce Study Load form. Your application will require supporting documentation based on the reason you have provided.
Apply before the study period commences (and before the relevant Census date). Maintain full-time enrolment while waiting for the outcome of your application. Each application will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
If you are granted approval to reduce your study load, it is your responsibility to:
- withdraw from the subject/s via StudentOnLine prior to the relevant Census date
- meet all your other study requirements on a student visa, including enrolling in at least one face-to-face (or blended) subject in each compulsory study period for your course
- Reducing your study load may increase the amount of time it takes to complete your degree.
- If you cannot complete your studies by your CoE end date, you may need to apply for a new CoE, extend your Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) and apply to extend your visa. You will need to cover the relevant costs, and the University cannot guarantee approval of a new visa. For more information regarding your visa conditions, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
- Reducing your study load may change the sequence of subjects and have unanticipated enrolment consequences for you.
- Reducing your study load may have financial and/or academic implications if you reduce your study load and withdraw from a subject after the relevant Census date and the 'Last Withdraw Without Fail' date. Visit our Withdrawing from a subject FAQ for more information.
- You cannot reduce your study load to zero credit points (i.e. subjects such as LTU0AIM and ABS0WOM). This will cause your enrolment to lapse, and you will become Absent Without Official Leave (AWOL). You must remain enrolled in at least 15 credit points in a compulsory study period.
- A discussion with a Lecturer or Course Coordinator does not mean that you have automatic approval. You must submit submit an application via StudentOnLine.
- If you are a sponsored student, you need permission from your sponsor to reduce your study load. Please seek advice from the Sponsored Programs team.
- If you have received a scholarship from La Trobe University, check the scholarship terms and conditions first. Some scholarships may require full-time enrolment.
For further support, contact ASK La Trobe who can assist with general enrolment questions and/or book an appointment for you with an International Student Advisor.
If you hold a Temporary Resident (TR) visa such as a Temporary Graduate visa, you do not have the same study restrictions as a student on a student visa (subclass 500).
You are considered an international student for fee purposes only and you can reduce your study load. Please keep in mind, reducing your study load may result in you taking longer to complete your course.
You should always ensure you meet the visa conditions outlined in your visa grant notice. Check your visa conditions on your VEVO account or by downloading the myVEVO app.