Leave of absence
Students wishing to temporarily withdraw from a course must apply for a leave of absence.
Applying for a leave of absence
An application for a leave of absence is made online. Include all supporting documentation.
Student visa holders
If you are in Australia on a student visa it is a visa requirement that you maintain your enrolment at UTS for the full duration of your visa.
You are only able to take leave of absence and maintain the validity of your student visa under very limited circumstances.
In some situations UTS International is able to approve leave of absence on compassionate or compelling grounds. These generally refer to circumstances which are beyond your control and which have an impact upon your course progress or wellbeing.
Example of acceptable compassionate or compelling grounds would include, but are not limited to:
- an extended illness which affects your ability to study
- bereavement
- a disaster in your home country requiring your return
- a traumatic experience which affects your ability to study
- where UTS is unable to offer you a subject you require to complete your course until the next semester.
Each application for a leave of absence will be assessed on its own merits and must be supported by appropriate documentation.
If your leave of absence is approved by your Faculty, UTS International will then assess whether your application for a leave of absence fits the criteria of compassionate or compelling grounds. If it does, UTS International will report this to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and you will normally be able to maintain your student visa.
If your leave of absence is approved on compassionate or compelling grounds, you can continue to hold your visa for only 6 months or less. If you apply for leave of absence for longer than 6 months or you do not return from your leave of absence after 6 months then your visa will normally be cancelled.
If you wish to apply for a leave of absence you should discuss your application with a Student Adviser.
Staying in Australia while on Leave of Absence
It is a condition of your student visa conditions that you are studying while in Australia. Normally you must return home while on a leave of absence. If a medical condition prevents you from travelling, you may apply to the Department of Immigration and Citizenships (DIAC) to remain in Australia for the period of the leave of absence.
Leave of absence NOT deemed to be compassionate or compelling
You can take leave of absence as long as your leave of absence is approved by your Faculty.
However, if your reasons for taking leave of absence are not deemed to be compassionate or compelling, as assessed by UTS International, then your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE) will be cancelled. Department of Immigration and Citizenship will then assess your visa status and may decide to cancel your visa. In this case you will need to apply for a new student visa when you wish to return to your studies.
