Leave of absence (international)

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Applying for a Leave of Absence

Leave of absence for international student visa holders is only permitted on the basis of a medical certificate, or exceptional circumstances beyond a student's control, such as bereavement.
Approval for leave of absence may be obtained from the Student Centre on your campus. To apply lodge the Application for Leave of Absence or Course Cancellation and/or Withdrawal Without Penalty (International) (LI Form).

Once leave is approved for an international student, the Department of Immigration and Citizenship will be informed. Any leave of absence longer than 6 months will result in the Student Visa being cancelled and a new visa will need to be applied for prior to your return to QUT.

Leave approvals

Approval to take a leave of absence will not be granted automatically. If approved, you will normally be granted leave for a six month period. For periods in excess of one year, or if you are studying a postgraduate course, leave of absence is subject to approval by the relevant Dean of Faculty as well as Student Business Services.

Leave and your enrolment status

If you have been granted leave of absence you will no longer be enrolled in a course at an Australian institution. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) will be informed of your change in enrolment status. As a student visa holder, you must check with DIAC on the impact your leave of absence may have on your student visa.

Your leave and tuition fees

Tuition fees will not be charged if leave of absence is requested and approved prior to the start of the teaching period. Leave of absence requested after the start of the teaching period will result in the loss of part or all tuition fees for the teaching period in which the leave of absence application is made.

In cases where leave of absence is granted after the last date to withdraw without academic penalty, you will be awarded a result of ‘Withdrawn – Failure’ (K grade) for those units in which you were enrolled for the current teaching period.

If you consider that special circumstances exist, you can apply for withdrawal of units without academic penalty. You should complete page 2 of the LI Form and attach documentary evidence such as medical certificates or a statement from your employer to support your case.

You should refer to international tuition cancellation charges for the financial implications of making changes to units. Requests for tuition fee refunds must be made on an Application for Refund of International Tuition Fees (IR Form) to Student Business Services, attaching appropriate supporting documentation.

Response to your application for leave

A statement will be forwarded to you confirming your leave. If you do not receive a statement within four weeks of submitting the form, please contact Student Business Services immediately on 07 3138 2000.

Re-enrolment after completion of your leave

At the end of your period of leave, you will be invited in writing to re-enrol via the Online Enrolment portlet accessed from the Study page in QUT Virtual.

If you do not re-enrol, your leave of absence is terminated and your enrolment status is cancelled.

As a student visa holder, you must check your current visa status with the Australian Diplomatic Mission in your home country at least two months prior to your intended return date. If your student visa is no longer valid, you must contact Student Business Services askqut@qut.edu.au immediately to request an eCOE so that you can apply for another student visa.

Policy

For policy on leave of absence
For policy on withdrawing from units