The University of Sydney (Academic Appeals) Rule explains how students can apply for a review of an academic decision. It outlines what kinds of decisions can be appealed and on what grounds.
It reflects our commitment to fair academic decision-making and ensures a transparent process for addressing concerns.
Students: to understand when they can appeal decisions, and how to do it.
Staff: to help assess informal resolution requests, formal review applications, and academic appeals.
The full list of academic decisions that can be appealed is set out in the full policy.
For most decisions, you must try to resolve your concerns informally first. You should discuss them with the relevant staff member (e.g. tutor, lecturer) within 15 working days of being notified of the decision. For decisions about special consideration, special arrangements, credit, or mobility, contact Student Administration Services.
Note: An attempt at informal resolution is not required before appeals about academic integrity or student exclusion decisions.
Learn more about informal resolution
If informal resolution fails or does not apply, submit an online application to the relevant faculty or Academic Panel within 20 working days of the informal outcome or the original decision.
Learn more about formal review process
Appeals to the Student Appeals Body are only on procedural grounds. This means you can challenge the decision only if you believe it was not made based on merit, was not procedurally fair or reasonable, or didn't follow University policies or procedures. These appeals must be lodged with the Student Affairs Unit within 15 working days of the formal review decision.
Decisions made at the decision-maker's absolute discretion, simple extensions, or disciplinary decisions under the Student Discipline Rule are not able to be appealed through this process. Graduating from a course also ends any future right to appeal.
We want your feedback to help us keep our policies:
Please send us an email at policy.register@sydney.edu.au
