Take leave of absence

International students (apply for leave)

Compassionate or compelling circumstances

Compassionate or compelling circumstances are situations that are beyond a student's control, affecting their wellbeing and course progress in the current study period.

All claims must be evidenced with accompanying relevant official documentation.

If the document is in a language other than English, it must be translated into English by an accredited Translator or Interpreter, or an overseas notary department with a common seal.

Acceptable reasons and evidence may include, but are not limited to:

• serious illness or injury (Evidence: Detailed medical certificate outlining severity of illness)
• death of a close family member (parent, sibling, spouse, or child) (Evidence: Death certificate)  
• involvement in a traumatic experience (e.g being a victim of, or witnessing, a serious crime or critical incident) (Evidence: Police report)
• political upheaval or natural disaster in home country requiring emergency travel (Evidence: Notification from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Airline Ticket)
• unavailability of pre-requisite units due to unusual course structure or provider default (Evidence: College email confirming unusual course structure or provider default)
• military service in home country (Evidence: Official notice from the Home Government department managing conscription)
• an academic progress decision resulting in an intervention strategy (Evidence: Academic Action plan and recommendation from the Student Advisor).

The supporting documentation for compassionate or compelling circumstances must be from an independent authority or source, and clearly indicate:

• what the compassionate/compelling circumstances were, and
• when they occurred, and
• how long they lasted (or are expected to), and
• the level of impact the circumstances have had (or are likely to have) on your studies.

Invalid reasons for an LOA application may include, but are not limited to:

• timetable clashes
• financial hardship
• retrospective LOA due to neglecting to enrol by the published deadlines
• dislike of the available unit(s) on offer, including major electives
• employment reasons
• failure of non-requisite units
• dislike of students or study group you are working with (group work)
• missing classes or not submitting assignments on time (for non-compassionate or compelling reasons)
• unavailability of elective units (you are expected to enrol in available elective units that form part of your study plan).

How to apply for a leave of absence

Please be aware that taking a leave of absence can affect your visa.

Before requesting leave, you are encouraged to discuss your options with one of our International Student Advisors.

Scanner facilities are available in all VU libraries if required.

To apply for a leave of absence (LOA) (except international research* students):

• complete the leave of absence application (international) A53 form, including all signatures and college recommendation, and
• write and sign a personal statement outlining your reason for wanting to take a LOA, and
• provide certified or original copies of any relevant supporting documents.

Submit your completed application form along with supporting documentation for assessment to the Enrolments team either by email via AskVU or in person at VUHQ.

*International research students

International research students must complete the leave of absence application (research) A52 form, and submit to the Graduate Research Centre via [email protected] .

Until approved

Until your LOA application as an international student has been assessed and approved, you must:

• remain enrolled for the relevant study period, and
• pay your fees by the payment due date, and
• attend all classes, and
• participate in any class/external group work, and
• submit all assignments, and
• complete all online quizzes, tests and exams.

Application assessment & outcome

Submitted applications are assessed against Enrolments Policy/Procedure and ESOS guidelines. You should receive an outcome letter within 5 working days, informing you of our decision.

If your application has been approved, the LOA is entered against the enrolment record and approval reported via PRISMS to the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Home Affairs

If your application has been denied but you still wish to take the LOA, you can submit an application for an internal appeal and attach any new evidence to substantiate your claim.

If the appeal decision is not overturning the previous decision, you have the opportunity to apply for an external appeal within 20 days.

Unauthorised leave

Unauthorised LOA is not permitted. If you are taking a LOA for other than compassionate or compelling reasons, or if you fail to supply the relevant evidence, or withdraw from the course, your CoE will be cancelled which may result in your student visa being cancelled.

You will be then required to leave Australia within 28 days of the start date of your leave or make other visa arrangements with the Department of Home Affairs.

Before you return to Australia to resume your studies, you must obtain a new CoE by re-applying for the course, and, if your visa has been cancelled, you will need to apply for a new student visa. You can check your visa status online via VEVO.

For advice, please contact the Department of Home Affairs by phoning 131 881.

Refunds

Check the International Student Refund policy to see if you are eligible for a refund of your tuition fees if you take a LOA.