Application to Reduce Study Load - International Students
International Students are able to apply to reduce their study load as a result of compassionate or compelling circumstances. Compassionate or compelling circumstances are defined as circumstances beyond the control of the student and which have an impact upon the student's course progress or wellbeing.
Applications can be submitted until the Census Date (last date to withdraw without financial penalty). For Spring Session 2008 this is 30 August.
If you are on referral or probation it is more appropriate for you to apply for an intervention strategy.
How do I Apply?
Applications can be made via SOLS by completing the online form.
Any application to reduce a study load must be supported by appropriate documentation. This documentation is to be submitted to Student Central within 7 days of the application. The documentation required will depend on your personal circumstances and enrolment request. Applications will not be assessed until all documentation is received.
Students are not eligible to reduce their study load if they fall into the following categories:
- An intervention strategy has already been put in place by a Course Progress Advisor;
- It is more appropriate for a student to apply for special consideration instead;
- Application is received after the Census Date (last date to withdraw without financial penalty).
Grounds for Application
It is up to the professional judgment of the University of Wollongong to determine if your circumstances are compassionate or compelling.
Compassionate or compelling circumstances include, but are not limited to:
- serious illness or injury, where a medical certificate states that the student was unable to attend classes;
- bereavement of close family members such as parents or grandparents;
- major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel when this has impacted on the student’s studies; or
- a traumatic experience which could include:
- involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident;
- witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime
when this has impacted on the student. (these cases should be supported by police or psychologists’ reports)
- where the registered provider was unable to offer a pre-requisite unit; or
- inability to begin studying on the course commencement date due to delay in receiving a student visa.
Applications will be assessed on the information you provide in your application and any supporting documents.
As a part of the application process you will be required to answer the following questions:
- What type of application are you making?
- 24 credit point enrolment to 18 credit point enrolment
- 24 credit point enrolment to part time enrolment
- Explain the reasons why you are applying to reduce your study load?
- How have these circumstances impacted on your studies?
- What evidence will you be submitting to support your application?
- When do you expect to complete your course?
- If your application is approved, which subject(s) do you wish to be withdrawn from?
Please note: All applications will be assessed on the information provided on the application form and the supporting documentation submitted. Applications are not automatically approved and are assessed on a case by case basis.
Levels of Application
There are two different levels of assessment when you wish to reduce your study load. You will be asked to provide appropriate documentation for your situation in line with the following levels of application:
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Level
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Enrolment Variation Request
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Evidence Required
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Level 1
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24 credit point enrolment to 18 credit point enrolment
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- Appropriate documentation (See acceptable list below)
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Level 2
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24 credit point enrolment to part time enrolment
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- Appropriate documentation (See acceptable list below) AND
- Academic Support Required - Course Coordinator, Head of Department or Sub Dean/Associate Degree
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Supporting Documentation and Examples
In order for an application to reduce study load to be processed, you must submit all relevant original documentation. Your supporting documentation should follow the following guidelines:
- All documentation must be original or certified copies of originals.
- All documentation must be in English or if that is not possible, a certified and signed translated copy can be submitted.
- All supporting documentation must indicate the exact dates of the event or circumstance and how this will affect the application.
- All documentation should be submitted to Student Central to accompany the form either by hand or by post within 7 days of submitting the form.
Please note the following table lists what type of documentation can be used to support your application. It also lists what information is required in the documentation.
You may be required to supply the University with additional information or evidence as requested. If this is required you will be notified by SOLSMail.
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Examples of Documentation
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Requirements of Documentation
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- Original medical certificate (or original certified copy) which must indicate:
- the name of the student
- the date the certificate was written and signed
- the date on which the doctor considers the student is likely to return to studies
and should
- indicate the degree of incapacity of the student, and
- be addressed to the parties requiring the certificate as evidence of illness (i.e. UOW).
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These should be completed by qualified and registered health professionals for their area of expertise. For example, medical practitioners, dentists, physiotherapists.
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- Notification or letter from a registered psychologist (e.g. University Counsellor)
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Details of the condition or circumstance that prevents the student meeting the assessment requirements.
Any statement is kept confidential.
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- Death Certificate or
- Death notice
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A Statutory Declaration may also be required if the relationship between the student and the deceased is not obvious from the death notice or death certificate. As an example, where a close friend has passed away, the death notice may not confirm the relationship to the student. However, in the statutory declaration, the student may state that the person was ‘a best friend’.
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- Police report or
- Event number plus a Statutory Declaration
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An event number by itself does not provide enough detail and as a result, students are required to complete a Statutory Declaration for Academic Consideration outlining the facts and impact on studies.
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Students should support their application with appropriate documentation. Each application with ‘other types’ of documentation not listed above will be assessed on a case by case basis by the International Student and Quality Assurance Officer(ISQAO). Should further information be required the ISQAO will contact the student directly.
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What Happens After I Submit My Application and Documents?
Your application will be assessed and you will be notified of the outcome via SOLSMail. Complete applications will be assessed within 10 working days.
If your application is approved you will be withdrawn from your elected subjects and a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) will be issued.
If you application is declined, you will be advised the reasons why you application was not approved and your options.
Visit us or contact us for further information
Student Central, Ground Floor, Building 17
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
Phone: 1 300 ASK UOW
Facsimile: (02) 4221 4322
Email: askuow@uow.edu.au or ASK US!
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