Leave of absence
Key dates
How to apply
- Read the 'Before applying' information about leave of absence on this page.
- Contact the Science Student Centre to discuss options.
- Apply in writing or complete the online Application for Leave of Absence on the SIS (exceptions apply to international students, Bachelor of Law/Bachelor of Science, Honours and Postgraduate Diploma students – see the Application exceptions information under Guidelines).
Before applying
Students are encouraged to consider the following information before applying for a leave of absence:
Time limit
- Students can apply for a total of one year of leave of absence (LOA) subject to approval by the Science Student Centre. The one year may be taken as a one-year block or taken in two separate semesters.
Fees and academic record
- An LOA application may have a financial and academic impact on any subjects the student is currently undertaking or had planned to undertake.
- A student who takes an unplanned LOA during the current semester needs to be particularly aware of the financial impact of taking a LOA than a student who has planned a LOA.
- The date that the applications are submitted to the Science Student Centre determines whether:
- the student is financially liable for a subject – a student is liable if enrolled in a subject on the subject census dates. Also see: course and subject change dates.
- subjects will be deleted, withdrawn (WD), or a fail (N) result will be recorded on the student's academic transcript.
Subject selection
- Many science subjects are sequential and only offered in one semester each year.
- Students are advised to carefully plan their subject options for their return, particularly students who are requesting leave for one semester only.
- In some cases the availability of subjects may mean that students may need to take one year of leave, rather than only one semester.
Support services
- A student undergoing financial, study or personal problems can seek help from a range of student services.
- Services include Student Financial Aid, the Language and Learning Skills Unit, the Disability Liaison Unit and the Student Counselling Service. Visit the Student Information Directory.
Cancelling an application for LOA or returning to study early from leave
- Students need to submit their request in writing to the Science Student Centre.
Applying for extra leave
- Leave of more than two semesters is considered to be extra leave.
- Approval from a Student Adviser is required.
- Extra leave is only approved in exceptional circumstances, such as documented ongoing illness.
- Contact the Science Student Centre to apply.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a Leave of Absence (LOA)?
- I have taken Leave of Absence before. Can I take a second Leave of Absence?
Students may contact the Science Student Centre for more assistance.