Study Load

Background

As an international student on a student visa, you are expected to complete your course within the time given on your Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). For example,  a student enrolled in a Bachelor of Commerce is expected to complete within 3yrs. Usually this requires you to enrol in a standard load of 24 units per Semester. You can only reduce your study load or extend your course duration in limited circumstances. You will need to seek permission from a course adviser to reduce your study load.

When can I reduce my study load?

You are usually allowed to reduce your study load if it will not extend the duration of your Program as indicated on your COE. For instance when you have been granted credit or completed subjects in a Summer or Winter session and you are ahead of your course, you could reduce your study load in the following semester.

Extending your course duration

You can only extend the duration of your course in the following compassionate and compelling circumstances:

1. Course structure or subject availability
   You are unable to enrol in 24 units due to the structure of your course or limited subject availability.
   
2. Illness, bereavement or traumatic experience
   You are unable to enrol in 24 units due to an illness, a disability or injury, illness or bereavement of close family members. You must provide appropriate medical certificates or other documentation in support of a reduced load.
   
3. Academic progress assistance
   You are identified as a student at risk of making unsatisfactory academic progress and you are advised by a course adviser or Academic Progress Officer to reduce your study load.

Do I need to seek approval to reduce my study load when I am enrolled in my final semester?

No. You do not need to seek approval to reduce your study load if you are undertaking the final subjects of your course and are enrolled in your last semester.

Visa renewal

If you need to extend the duration of your course for compassionate or compelling circumstances, you must obtain a new COE and renew your student visa a few weeks before your current COE and visa expires.

If you have failed occasional subjects, you should try to make up for the failed subjects in Summer or Winter session. If this is not possible, you can extend the duration of your course and renew your visa a few weeks before your current COE and visa expires.

Unapproved reduced study loads

The University can only extend a student’s course duration and issue an extension COE if there are compassionate or compelling circumstances. If you reduce your study load without approval or supporting documents and you require an extension to your course, you cannot be issued a new COE in order to renew your visa. You may not be able to complete your course at the University.

How do I apply for a reduced load?

Step 1 Make an appointment with the Academic Progress Officer at International Student Services to discuss your course plan.  

Step 2  A reduced load can be approved in the following circumstances

(a) Your course duration will not change; or

(b) The duration of your course is extended due to:

- Course structure or subject availability

- Illness, bereavement or traumatic experience

 - Academic progress assistance 

Step 3 You will need to renew your student visa a few weeks before your current student visa expires, if the duration of your course is extended. You will need to fill out a Request for Change to ECOE form. For more information about your student visa, refer to the Changes in Enrolment and your Student Visa page.