Taking leave from SCU

Taking a break from your study (Leave of Absence)

If you have maintained enrolment beyond census date in your current course, you are eligible to apply for a Leave of Absence from your studies. You can apply for a specified period of up to one year. Students must be aware of the conditions that apply, which are outlined in the Rules Relating to Awards.

Students studying one of the following Faculty of Health courses should also be aware of their specific course duration rules that may differ from the standard:

To apply, all students (Domestic and International) can submit a Leave of Absence Request via My Enrolment. All correspondence will be sent to your SCU email account once your request has been processed.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Leave of Absence (LOA) is an approved break in study for a specific period. The approved leave will prevent the student from being course withdrawn (SCU Withdrawn) for inactivity. Leave of Absence requests are assessed in accordance with Rule 2, Section 7 – Leave of Absence for a Specified Period.

Leave of absence will not be granted until a student has remained enrolled in a unit past census date within their current course. International onshore students may only request a leave of absence in accordance with the Enrolment Deferment, Suspension and Cancellation Procedures.

Deferring refers to postponing the commencement of a course, and a Leave of Absence refers to taking a break from studying.

A domestic student can request to defer their offer to the following year by emailing defer@scu.edu.au before the census date of their admitted term, in accordance with Rule 2, Section 4, Pact C of the Rules relating to deferment.

An international student can request to defer their offer by emailing International Admissions at intapps@scu.edu.au

 

A student may be granted more than one period of leave of absence, but the total period of leave of absence will not normally exceed two years. Leave of absence for a period in excess of one year requires approval by the relevant Course Coordinator. You can lodge the request form in the same way and should provide reasoning as to why you require the additional time.

International students who are on a student visa need to consider the implications that the Leave of Absence may cause. The University is only permitted to grant a temporary suspension on your studies on the basis of compassionate or compelling circumstances (with supporting documents). Please refer to the Enrolment Deferment, Suspension and Cancellation Procedures – International Student.