Options for leaving the University of Wollongong

Course Withdrawal

If you have studied at the University of Wollongong for more than six (6) months (one session or two intakes) and do not wish to continue your study with the University, complete the course withdrawal form available online through SOLS. If you are changing education provider you must submit a copy of your unconditional offer letter. Submit your unconditional offer letter at Student Central, Building 17.

Time spent studying at Wollongong College Australia is not counted towards six (6) months study at the University of Wollongong.

When your course withdrawal is processed, your CoE will be cancelled. This action will notify DIAC.

Please Note: Submission of the course withdrawal form has no bearing on your financial relationship with the University. It can not be used to seek a refund, nor does it entitle you to one. For information about fee refunds visit the web site Fee refunds - International Students.

Letter of Release

If you have studied at the University of Wollongong for less than six (6) months (one session or two intakes) and do not wish to continue your study with the University you will need to apply for a letter of release.

A letter of release will only be granted in exceptional circumstances. Exceptional circumstances are defined as circumstances that:

are beyond the control of the student and for which the student is not responsible
impacted the student after the acceptance of their offer
make it impractical for the student to complete six (6) months of study at the University

Exceptional circumstances may include, but are not limited to - medical grounds, compelling circumstances, or course related circumstances. All applications must be supported by relevant documentation such as medical certificates, death notices or police reports. All documentation should be original or a certified copy of the document translated in to English.

Please note: Government Sponsored Students are provided a letter of release if their sponsor considers a change of provider to be in the student's best interest and provides written support for that change.

The application for a letter of release is available online through SOLS or a pdf version may be downloaded from the Forms Web site.

The Letter of Release Procedure can be found on the University of Wollongong's Policy Directory.

Right to appeal

If you have been denied a Letter of Release and you wish to appeal this process you have 10 days to appeal the decision. You should submit your written appeal to Student Central.

Grounds for consideration of an appeal include:

Lack of due process
Relevant new or additional information which may alter the outcome of the previous decision.

If your appeal is declined and you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may appeal externally to the NSW Ombudsman. You have 10 workings days to lodge an external appeal and should notify the University in writing that you have appealed their decision.

You do NOT need a letter of release if:

You have been studying at the University of Wollongong for 6 months or more - complete a "Course Withdrawal - International" form via SOLS
You do not wish to continue studying in Australia - complete a "Course Withdrawal - International" form via SOLS
You are not on a student visa - complete a "Course Withdrawal - International" form via SOLS

Please Note: Submission of the letter of release application form has no bearing on your financial relationship with the University. It can not be used to seek a refund, nor does it entitle you to one. For information about fee refunds visit the web site Fee refunds - International Students.