Related links
Reduced study load (student visa holders)
It is a requirement of your student visa that you are enrolled in a full-time study load each semester (24 credit points) or research period (1.0 EFTSL). If you are unable to study full-time due to compassionate or compelling circumstances, you may be able to apply to reduce your study load.
On this page
For coursework, it means that the majority of your units are completed during the standard semesters.
- For Teaching Period 1, you need to enrol in a minimum of 24 credit points from January to June. At least 18 credit points need to be completed in the Semester 1 session, or sessions other than Intensive January, Intensive February or Intensive June.
- For Teaching Period 2, you need to enrol in a minimum of 24 credit points from July to December. At least 18 credit points need to be completed in the Semester 2 session, or sessions other than Intensive July or Intensive December.
For research, the Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) of each research period varies. A full-time student load is 1.0 EFTSL. A part-time load is 50% of the EFTSL of full-time students.
If you're looking to study in a reduced study load or drop a unit of study after last day to add but before the census, you will need to follow the process to apply for a reduced study load.
Eligibility
'Compassionate or compelling' circumstances are generally those beyond your control and which have an impact upon your progress or wellbeing. These could include, but are not limited to:
- serious illness or injury
- death of a close family member
- childcare/maternity reasons
- major political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country that has impacted your studies
- a traumatic experience, which could include:
- involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident or
- witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime, that has impacted you (these cases should be supported by a police or psychologist report)
- if your faculty or school is unable to offer any other units of study because of the structure of your program
- if you are currently on the progression register and an academic adviser from your faculty or school recommends your study load be reduced to make sure you successfully complete your remaining units of study. In this case your faculty or school may implement a formal intervention strategy.
If receiving a waiver results in a reduced study load, speak with an academic adviser about enrolling in a unit in its place.
Circumstances where you cannot reduce your studies
These include but are not limited to:
- receiving credit for the previous study
- plan of exiting early with an alternative degree
- completing an intensive unit or receiving credit for a previous study where there are remaining units left to complete for full-time study
If you have 24 credit points available to enrol in for each semester, then you are required to undertake them. If the intensive unit or previously awarded credit reduces the total number of credits you would need to study, it is likely that you would have less than 24 credit points to enrol in in your final semester. Student visa holders are permitted to study less than 24 credit points in their last semester.
Applying
You should apply for a reduced study load as early as possible. If you apply for a reduced study load to drop a unit after last day to add but before census, you will be withdrawn from your selected units without financial or academic penalty.
If you decide to reduce your study load, you need to apply through Sydney Student (go to ‘My studies’, ‘Units of study’, then ‘Apply to reduce your study load’).
You should continue attending classes for the unit(s) you have applied to withdraw from until your reduced study load request has been approved.
Supporting documents
When applying to reduce your study load, you’ll need to provide the following supporting documents. Your faculty or school may require additional documents.
A request without evidence of compassionate or compelling circumstances will not be approved.
Documents issued in a language other than English need to be translated into English by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI). Both documents in original language and NAATI translation must be provided in the request.
Reason for application |
Type of documents needed |
|---|---|
Serious illness or injury |
A signed medical certificate/report with appropriate letterhead from a doctor/psychologist stating that you are unable to attend classes. Medical certificates should:
You can provide a detailed statement from a counsellor from the University's Student Counselling Service team who has been involved in your assessment and/or treatment. A Professional Practitioner Certificate (PPC) is not acceptable for reduced study load requests. |
Compelling circumstances that have resulted in you missing study |
Relevant documents such as medical certificates, death certificates, proof of relationship, birth certificates or police reports. |
You have previously been identified as not meeting academic progression requirements |
Evidence of an Academic Progression and Advice session (provided by faculty). An academic progression letter is not sufficient evidence, you will also need to attach your formal Academic Progression Plan and recommendation from your Faculty’s Academic Advisor. |
No units of study are available because of the structure of your course |
Supporting documents not necessary. |
You have previously completed a unit of study as an intensive in the summer or winter break and you are in your final semester of study |
Supporting documents not necessary. |
What happens next
If your application is approved, you will be withdrawn from your selected unit(s) without financial or academic penalty. Your eCoE will remain active; however, reducing your enrolment load may lengthen the time it takes for you to finish your course. This may mean you need to request another eCoE to apply for a further visa.
If your application is declined, you will be provided with the reason for this decision. You will remain enrolled in your units of study.
Help and support
We encourage you to discuss with an academic adviser for advice about how reducing your study load may impact your enrolment and course progression.
If you’re struggling academically or personally, the University has many services that can support you, such as the Learning Hub (Academic Language and Learning) or the Student Counselling Service.
If you need any help with the wording of the application or submitting the form, we encourage you to reach out to the Student Centre by making an online enquiry.
Our Peer Support Advisors can also assist in helping write your student declaration. The team work hours which are designed to suit offshore students who are located in east, south and southeast Asia and are available on Zoom Monday to Friday between 12.30 – 6.30 pm Sydney local time. Complete our enquiry form to talk with a peer support advisor.
Applying to drop a unit after census
If you're looking to drop a unit after census, you will need to apply for a late discontinuation under special circumstances and you will need to meet the criteria for special circumstances. If your application is approved you will be given a grade of DC and your unit fees will be repaid, recredited or remitted as appropriate.
Remember that reducing your enrolment load may lengthen the time it takes for you to finish your course. This may mean you need to request another eCoE to apply for a further visa.
You should continue attending classes for the unit(s) you have applied to discontinue from until your reduced study load request has been approved.
Last updated: 18 August 2023
