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International Students

Withdrawals

If you are considering withdrawal, please consult with the Director of US Financial Aid as soon as possible. The rules in this area are very complex.

Official withdrawal

A "withdrawal" refers to a student's intention to completely terminate studies at an institution with no expectation of return. Students, who subsequently decide to return to their studies, must re-apply for admission through the UTS International.

a. Unit withdrawal

If you withdraw from a subject, but retain more than half time enrolment, your financial aid will be adjusted to reflect the lesser load. However, while studying at UTS international students must normally be enrolled in 24 credit points, per semester, a full-time load to meet UTS requirements, Australian Government ESOS Regulations, and Student Visa Requirements. From 1 July 2007, international students on student visas must enrol in 24 credit points per semester unless they have applied for and received formal permission to reduce their load.

Less than full-time enrolment may also impact the student's ability to retain visa status to complete the degree. Extension of the visa beyond the initial degree timeframe is not guaranteed. While the maximum time allowed for US Financial Aid is 150 per cent of the normal time for completion of the degree, it does not guarantee that you will be granted an Australian student visa to study for that extended time period.

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b. Institutional withdrawal

If a student withdraws from the university while receiving Financial Aid, all future disbursements are cancelled and he or she may be required to return funds to the US Federal Government.

Withdrawal also has serious implications for the Australian Student Visa. Confer with your US Financial Aid Director before you withdraw from the University to ensure all possibilities and incumbent consequences are considered.

See Satisfactory Academic Progress for US Financial Aid Recipients and the information on withdrawal.

Note: Students who withdraw from subjects or the course receive a grade of "W" (withdrawn fail) on their transcripts. The grade is considered the same as an "F" grade in calculating the quantitative aspect of the Satisfactory Academic Progress for US Financial Aid Recipients and may affect the student's future eligibility for Financial Aid.

If a student did not begin withdrawal proceedings before some dire event beyond their control, UTS Financial Aid staff will determine the date related to the circumstances.

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Unofficial withdrawal

An unofficial withdrawal is one where the school has not received notice from the student that the student has ceased or will cease attending the school.

A student in receipt of US Financial Aid who is considering withdrawal from a subject or degree should immediately consult with the US Financial Aid Advisor.

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Return of loan funds

If the withdrawal from the university necessitates a return of loan funds to the US Department of Education, the process will be in accordance with the UTS Return of Funds Policy (PDF, 269kB) for US Financial Aid.