Leave of absence (Intermission)
You can apply for a Leave of Absence (up to 12 months depending on the circumstances) if you're experiencing significant difficulties in your personal or academic life – financial, emotional, medical, employment or study related.
Before taking a Leave of Absence
You should discuss your plans with:
- your course adviser (contact us for help with arranging a discussion)
- careers services staff
- International Student Services staff if you are an international student holding a student visa.
Note that taking leave may impact your course in the following ways:
- Study plan and subject selection
If you miss prerequisite or core subjects may need to wait until the following semester or year for them to be available again, which may cause delays in completing your course.
- Maximum length of time to complete a course
There is a maximum length of time allowed to complete most courses – usually twice the standard course length, plus one year. If leave or part-time study puts you beyond the maximum timeframe you may not be eligible to complete your course.
If you have transferred courses, you must apply for a Leave of Absence (not a deferral) to take leave from your studies.
If you are unsure about your plans to take a leave of absence, our counselling team is available to all students who might need support around their decisions. If you are needing help you can contact the counselling team. This is not a requirement or prerequisite for applying for a leave of absence.
The counselling team is not able to provide you with documentation to support a leave of absence if you have not been engaged in ongoing counselling with the service. If you are seeking documentation for a leave of absence, you are advised to connect with supports currently in place prior to contacting the service.
You should also familiarise yourself with the policies and procedures about taking a Leave of Absence:
International student visa holders should first read: Withdrawal and leave of absence for International students.
Apply for a Leave of Absence
APPLY FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE - COURSEWORK STUDENTS
Graduate research students
Higher Degree by Research students must have the support of their supervisor to apply for a Leave of Absence. Find out more about changes to your candidature.