All international students are required to undertake a full-time study load of 80 credit points per academic year. This is usually done over two compulsory study periods, Semester 1 and Semester 2 (40 credit points per semester) unless otherwise instructed or approved by the International Student Support team.
If you are not able to study the full-time load requirements, you must apply for a Reduced Study Load (RSL) and include relevant documentation to support your claims. Applications for RSL can be submitted one month before the semester starts and until the census date of each semester.
Applications for RSL are assessed as per the National Code requirements and can be approved only in certain circumstances. These are:
- Academic difficulties e.g. identified as Under Review (UR) or Unsatisfactory Progress (UP)
- Compassionate and/or compelling circumstances i.e. circumstances beyond your control. For example, illness, disability, bereavement, or a traumatic experience. You must provide appropriate documentation to support your claims and directly address how your circumstances have affected (or will affect) your course progress if you undertake a full-time study load
- Unexpected changes to the course structure and unit availability
- Unable to meet prerequisite requirements or program rules
- Granted advanced standing (credit transfer) AND able to complete by CoE end date
- Studied extra units during non-compulsory study period AND able to complete by CoE end date.
If you are studying in your last semester, you do not need to obtain permission to reduce your study load.
If you commence in Summer Semester, you will need to submit a Reduced Study Load application. If you commence in Semester 1 & 2 and Summer Semester study is optional, you do not need permission to reduce your study load for Summer Semester.
Each application for RSL is assessed on a case by case basis by International Student Support and we aim to have an outcome available to you within ten (10) working days.
FAQ about Reduced Study Load
Apply online: Reduced Study Load