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Release for student visa holders
- Release for student visa holders
- Appealing the outcome of your release request
Appealing the outcome of your release request
If your application for a release has been refused, you may be able to submit an appeal where you believe there has been a failure in due process, as outlined in clause 2.6 (2) of the International Student Change of Provider Policy (pdf, 182KB).
‘Due process’ means making decisions according to published University, Academic Board and Faculty rules, policy, procedure and local provisions, as current at the time the decision was made. The University will not consider appeals based solely on the outcome of the release application.
You need to submit your appeal within 20 working days of receiving your outcome of the release application.
Prepare your appeal
To prepare a release appeal, you will need to provide a written appeal letter summarising the alleged failure of due process, in addition to all relevant supporting documents. You can include documents such as medical certificates, relevant sections of University policy, forms or correspondence with the University.
To prepare a release appeal, you will need to provide:
- the outcome letter from your application for release
- a letter, which includes your name and the date, that details your appeal and summarises the alleged failure of due process (noting that is the only valid ground for an appeal, per clause 2.6 (2) of the University of Sydney International Student Change of Provider Policy 2025)
- any supporting documentation relevant to your original application.
Please note section 2.6 (3) of the new International Student Change of Provider Policy 2025 which states:
…students are not permitted to introduce new information or documentation as part of an appeal.
(a) A student who wants to provide new information or documentation should make a new release request including this material.
Submit your appeal
To submit an appeal, you will need to log in and complete the Release decision appeals form.
If you cannot access the form, then submit your appeal via email to SAU appeals via sau.appeals@sydney.edu.au with the required documentation listed above and the subject of “Release Refusal Appeal – [SID].”
What happens next
Your appeal will be considered by the Manager of the Student Affairs Unit. It will be assessed in accordance with the International Student Change of Provider Policy (pdf, 182KB). You should be notified of an outcome within 20 working days. If this timeframe is not possible you will be advised of the reasons for delay and the projected timeframe for consideration of the appeal.
Late appeals
If you require longer than the 20 working days allowed to submit your appeal, you need to contact both the Student Affairs Unit at sau.appeals@sydney.edu.au and esos.compliance@sydney.edu.au before the original deadline to request an extension. You need to provide a reason why you should be granted an extension to submit your appeal and include documents that support your request. If your extension is approved, you will be provided written advice on the new deadline for your submission.
External appeals options
Options for further appeal include complaints to the National Student Ombudsman (NSO) via the NSO website, or telephone on 1300 395 775.
Where relevant, applications may be made to the Anti-Discrimination Board, the Equal Opportunity Commission and NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).
Last updated: 21 August 2025