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 2009 this is 31 August 2009.

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.  Applications are not complete unless you have also completed, with advice from your faculty, the Faculty Recommendation to Reduce Study Load Form.  The Faculty Recommendation to Reduce Study Load Form is available from within the SOLS application 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. Additional documentation required will depend on your personal circumstances and enrolment request. Applications will not be assessed until all documentation is received.

International students do not need to apply to reduce their study load if one of the following applies:

• international students who are not on a student visa (permission is not necessary);

• students on referral or probation need to seek an activated faculty-driven Intervention Strategy;

• students who will complete as per the timeframe on their CoE even with a reduced load;

• students who have approval to overload in another session or have demonstrated that they will study over a summer session;

• it is the student’s final session of study.

• 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. 

Compelling circumstances, which are mostly academic in nature, can include but are not limited to the following:

• advancing standing or specified credit;
• failed prerequisites;
• timetable clash;
• a subject that is necessary for completion is not offered;
• where it can be clearly demonstrated that a student is unable to maintain a full-time load on an academic level i.e. a student has failed assessments that he/she has little chance of passing the subject.

Compassionate 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;
• a traumatic experience which could include involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident 

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:

1. In consultation with your faculty, Complete the Academic Advice Form and have it signed by your Sub Dean or Course Coordinator (if appropriate in your faculty).
2. Explain the reasons why you are applying to reduce your study load?
3. Explain how these circumstances have impacted on your studies?
4. Provide evidence to support your application?

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.

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 dates of the event or circumstance and how this will affect the application.
• All documentation should be submitted to Student Central within 7 days of submitting the form.

Please note the following table lists examples of documentation that could 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.

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) extending your course duration will be issued to your UoW email account.  You will also be informed of your application being approved via SOLSMail.

If you application is declined, you will be advised the reasons why your application was not approved and your options. If you wish to appeal this initial decision, you will have to submit further documentation, supporting your original application.

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!

Last reviewed: 19 June, 2009