If you need time away from your studies, you can apply for leave of absence.

We will assess your application based on the rules set down by the Australian Government (the National Code 2007). We can only agree to leave of absence if something has happened that you can’t control, and that has affected your ability to study.

These are some situations where students may be granted leave of absence:

• serious illness or injury
• death of a close family member such as parents or grandparents, husband/wife or child
• major political upheaval or natural disaster in your home country requiring emergency travel and which has affected your studies
• traumatic experiences such as being involved in an accident or being the victim of a serious crime.

Apply for leave of absence

We advise you to speak to a student advisor or counsellor before you apply for leave of absence.

If you decide to apply, you must submit an Application for intermission form to your faculty with certified or original copies of any of the relevant supporting documents. Include documents that support your application, for example, if you are sick include a medical certificate. Also include a copy of your Certificate of Enrolment (eCoE).

Applications for Leave of Absence must be approved by your faculty and Victoria University International.

Visa alert

The University will notify the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) that you have been granted a leave of absence. Leave of absence may affect your student visa. To talk to DIAC for advice, phone on 131 881.

If your leave of absence is approved for 28 days or longer, DIAC requires you to leave Australia (unless there are exceptional circumstances). As an international student, you must:

• remain offshore for the duration of your leave (if it is longer than 28 days).
• return no more than one month prior to the commencement of your next semester.