If your performance in an assessment task or exam for a subject was affected by circumstances beyond your control, you may be able to apply for special consideration.

Special consideration is intended to provide equitable academic treatment for students whose performance in an assessment task / exam has been significantly affected by extenuating or special circumstances beyond their control.

Special consideration is not automatically granted and may not result in a study or mark adjustment.

Can I apply for special consideration? 

You may apply for special consideration if you were affected by:

  • A health-related matter i.e. infectious disease (e.g. flu or similar virus) serious illness, psychological condition
  • A loss or bereavement
  • Online technical issues e.g. during an online exam
  • Hardship or trauma
  • Exceptional employment demands i.e. active service, Australian Defence Force reserve, State Emergency Service
  • Religious commitments
  • Other circumstances e.g. summons, court order, etc.

The circumstances below are not eligible for special consideration:

  • Minor ailments or illness where you are still capable of completing the assessment task
  • Balancing workload or work commitments
  • Public transport delays
  • Personal events i.e. weddings, birthdays, travel plans
  • Events which occurred at an unreasonable length of time in the past

Students who are parents/carers/pregnant: 
Find more about balancing study with significant carer responsibilities.

Long-term or ongoing circumstances: 
If you are experiencing a recurring medical condition, we are encourage you to register with UTS: Accessibility Service. 

Knowingly making false or misleading claims of extenuating circumstances or altering or falsifying any documentary evidence (e.g. medical certificate, professional authority form, or other supporting documentation) may be considered an act of student misconduct and may be dealt with in accordance with Section 16 (Student misconduct and appeals).

How do I apply for special consideration? 

Steps to take

To apply for special consideration online:

Need help with your application? 
A guide is available to help you lodge a special consideration application

Student User Guide (PDF, 999 kB)

  1. Login into My Student Portal with your UTS credentials
  2. Click on Special Consideration
  3. Follow the prompts
  4. Upload your supporting documents
    Note: If you do not have your supporting documents yet, you can click Submit and resume the application before the deadline to upload your supporting documents.
    • File format must be PDF and file size must not exceed 10MB.
    • Multiple files can be uploaded.
    • You must attach your supporting documents and submit before the deadline.
    • For a list of accepted supporting documents, refer to the section Supporting documentation.
  5. Click Submit.
  6. You will be notified of the outcome of your application via an email to your UTS webmail account. 

Applying for multiple assessments / exams
When circumstances affect more than one assessment task or exam, you must submit a separate special consideration application for each and attach your supporting documents to each application. 

When do I need to submit my application by? 

The deadline for your special consideration application varies depending on the type of assessment or exam. 

 

Late applications may be lodged only in exceptional circumstances. Such requests must be supported by documentary evidence for the late submission. 

Supporting documentation

All special consideration applications must include current supporting documents as evidence to support your claim. You may be required to supply originals of these documents at any time during your studies at the University.

The supporting documents must clearly indicate:

  • The details of the circumstances
  • The impact on your ability to complete an assessment / exam
  • The duration of the circumstances (include and start and end date)
  • A physical signature and contact number of an appropriate representative
  • The date the supporting document was issue

Special consideration applications will be refused if no documentation is provided or the documentation provided does not support your claims.

Important - UTS will not obtain documents on your behalf from third parties (e.g. medical doctors, hospital or police).  However, the University may verify the documentation provided with your application with the issuing authority. Disciplinary action may be taken if false or misleading documentation is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student and related rules

The University's Student Rules cover a suite of mandatory requirements for academic teaching, learning and research related activities. They cover student responsibilities, all processes from admissions through coursework and research requirements to exams, assessments and graduations.