Extension of Course Duration Procedures

1.2 International students are only permitted to apply for an extension of course duration with supporting evidence where:

a. compassionate or compelling circumstances exist, including (but not limited to):

• serious illness or injury affecting a student’s ability to study;
• witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime;
• bereavement of close family members, such as parents or grandparents;
• major political upheaval or natural disaster in a student’s home country;
• traumatic upheaval; or

b. the Institution has implemented, or is in the process of implementing, an intervention strategy for the student, who is at risk of not meeting course progress requirements; or

c. an approved deferral or suspension of the student’s enrolment has occurred.

1.3 Applications for an extension of course duration will not be approved including (but not limited to) where:

a. A student has intentionally reduced their study load without permission from the Institution;

b. A student’s application for a reduced load was not approved and the student subsequently submits a request for extension of course duration; or

c. Employment issues are provided as a reason for application.

1.4 The supporting documentary evidence may include (but not limited to):

a. medical certificate/letter;

b. death certificate; or

c. police report.

d. case number as evidence of an intervention strategy and proof of ongoing support from the Wellness team.

1.5 Supporting documentary evidence if not issued in English must be translated by an official translator. Translators in Australia must be certified by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters (NAATI).

2.2 Applications will be rejected where (but not limited to):

a. The institution determines there are no compassionate or compelling circumstances to support the application;

b. Insufficient evidence has been submitted;

c. A student intentionally reduced their study load without permission;

d. An application for reduced study load was not approved

2.3 The institution retains the right to approve or reject a request on a case by case basis.

2.4 A student is notified via email of the outcome within 10 working days of submission.

2.5 If the extension of course duration request is rejected, the notification will include:

a. The reasons the request was rejected; and

b. Their right to lodge a complaint about the decision within 20 working days as per the Complaints and Appeals Policy and Complaints and Appeals Procedures;

2.6 If the request for an extension of course duration is approved, the following occurs:

a. Student Services extends the student’s COE on PRISMS indicating the reasons for granting the extension;

b. The student receives an email notification of the approved extension, including:

• A copy of the extended COE;
• Students must update their Overseas Student Health Cover for the extended duration of their new visa;
• Advice to contact the DHA regarding obtaining a new student visa.

3.2 Student Services is notified of the outcome of the review of the decision.

3.3 If the refusal decision is upheld, no further action is required from Student Services.

3.4 If the outcome is to grant the extension of course duration request, Student Services proceeds to Step 2.6 to notify the student of the approval.

4.2 The extension of course duration request documentation is saved in the student management system.