Course planning

Planning your first year and enrolling before semester starts

To get ready for your first year, start by completing all required steps on the Get Started website.

Once you’ve done this, register for an Intro to Course Planning webinar. These online sessions are run by experienced course advisers and include time for questions. If you’re unable to attend your course‑specific session, please register for an Open session instead.

The webinar will help you:

• plan and enrol in your first‑year subjects
• understand your course rules and enrolment requirements
• learn how to create your timetable
• make sure everything is ready before semester starts

Visit the Register for Intro to Course Planning page to learn more about the webinar series and register for a session.

Applying for Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM)

Graduate Access Melbourne (GAM) is the University’s equity program for domestic graduate applicants. It considers personal circumstances that may have affected your academic performance and can support admission to a graduate course even if your marks are below the standard entry requirements.

Who can apply

You may be eligible for GAM if you:

• are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident, and
• can demonstrate the capacity to succeed in your chosen master’s degree, and
• meet one or more equity categories, such as:
  • Indigenous Australian
  • refugee or humanitarian background
  • disadvantaged socio‑economic circumstances
  • disability or chronic medical condition
  • difficult personal circumstances
  • rural or isolated background

Full eligibility details are available on the GAM eligibility page.

Supporting evidence

To support your application, you’ll need to provide clear and relevant evidence, which may include:

• dates and duration of the circumstance
• how it affected your studies
• supporting documents (such as medical certificates or letters of support)

Providing detailed evidence helps ensure your application is assessed accurately.

How to apply

• Not all graduate courses consider GAM, so check the specific course details first.
• You must submit a course application and apply for GAM as part of the process.
• Follow the step‑by‑step application guide.

Graduate coursework study

If you’re exploring graduate coursework study options, start by reviewing the available courses on the Study at Melbourne website.

If you’d like personal advice, including how to meet entry requirements or how your current undergraduate study could support a future graduate course, you can speak with a Course Planning adviser.

Re‑enrolling while your course transfer is being assessed

You must re‑enrol in your current course while you’re waiting for the outcome of a course transfer or early exit application.

You should re‑enrol for the next half‑year period in case your application is not successful.

When your application is approved

If your transfer or early exit is approved, you can update your enrolment. You’ll need to withdraw from any courses or subjects you no longer intend to study.

To avoid being charged fees, you must withdraw before the census date for each subject.

You can find the census date for each enrolled subject in the Dates and Times section of the subject’s Handbook page.

Applying for an internal course transfer

You must still re‑enrol in your current course while your internal course transfer application is being assessed.

Applying to transfer courses does not automatically change your enrolment. Your application will be considered alongside all other applicants and is assessed based on:

• whether you meet the entry requirements
• availability of places
• your academic performance

You should continue to enrol and re‑enrol as required in your current course until you receive a formal outcome.

How to apply for an internal transfer

You can apply for an internal transfer to another undergraduate course using the Undergraduate Course Transfer form.

Transferring courses with an intensive subject

Your options depend on when you’re transferring and how you want the intensive subject to count.

Option 1: Finish your intensive subject in your current course

If you’ve received an offer for your new course, you can stay enrolled in your current course while you complete your intensive subject.

Once results are finalised, you can:

• withdraw from your old course, and
• apply for advanced standing to have the intensive subject credited to your new course (if it fits the course requirements)

Option 2: Transfer the subject to your new course

If you’re already admitted to your new course, you may be able to withdraw from your old course and re‑enrol in the subject under your new course, but only before the census date.

To request this, submit an Enrolment Assistance form (EAF).

Please note:

• the subject must be offered in your new course
• you may need to re‑register for classes
• you may temporarily lose LMS access

Early commencement

If the summer or winter term teaching period starts before your new course commencement date, you’ll need to apply for early commencement. This is assessed case by case and is not guaranteed.

Bachelor of Arts students are not permitted to commence early.

Getting your course plan reviewed

If you’d like feedback on your course plan in My Course Planner, you can either send a written enquiry or book an appointment with the Course Planning team.

If you book an appointment, make sure you share the unique URL for your My Course Planner with the adviser. This allows them to review the course plan you’ve created.

Before your appointment, it’s a good idea to review the course advice and enrolment assistance information so you know how to prepare and what to bring.

Getting advice on the subjects you’ve chosen this semester

There are several online resources you can use to check your subject choices and manage your Study Plan:

• University Handbook – course rules, subject requirements, and availability
• My Course Planner – map and review your course plan
• How to plan your course – step‑by‑step guidance and resources
• Planning your course and subjects – overview of planning tools and support
• Faculty course planning resources – faculty‑specific advice

Getting the right kind of advice

Stop 1 advisers can help with:

• choosing or enrolling in subjects
• structuring your Study Plan
• understanding course rules and requirements

Advisers are not subject‑matter experts in the academic content of specific subjects, majors, or courses.

For questions about subject or course content, academic pathways, or how your studies link to future careers, contact:

• your Subject, Major, or Course Coordinator, or
• the Careers & Employability team

Understanding subject prerequisites

You can check subject prerequisites and co‑requisites in the Handbook. Every subject page includes:

• any required prerequisites or co‑requisites
• a note showing “requisites apply” if requirements exist
• “none” if there are no prerequisites
• contact details for the Subject Coordinator

Requisite details are listed in the Eligibility and requirements section of each subject page in the Handbook.

If you’re unsure whether you meet the requirements for a subject, checking the Handbook is the best place to start.

If your prior study isn’t listed

If you’ve completed prior study you believe meets a prerequisite, or there’s another reason you may need an exception, you may be able to apply for a requisite waiver.

Withdrawing from a subject

Withdrawing from a subject can have financial and/or academic consequences, depending on when you withdraw.

Before you withdraw

Check the subject entry in the Handbook to understand important dates and requirements, as these vary by subject.

You should also:

• check your course and subject requirements, including when the subject is next offered
• make sure your study load still meets course rules and progression requirements
• be aware that some students (for example, student visa holders) must meet minimum study load requirements.

Internship subjects, eligibility, and support

Internships can be:

• curricular (part of your course), or
• extracurricular (outside your course)

To see what’s available, check with your faculty about university‑sourced internships, or explore on‑campus roles through the students@work internship program.

Finding and applying

You can also self‑source an internship through your own networks. For guidance on internship types and how to apply:

• watch the short video Careers and Employability: How to find an internships and
• complete the Career and Employability LMS module How to get an internship.

Eligibility

To check whether you can enrol in a specific internship subject, review the Eligibility and requirements section in the subject’s University Handbook entry.

If you need help choosing an internship subject or understanding enrolment requirements, you can submit an enquiry or book an appointment with Course Planning.

Part‑time study and your course plan

Your study load options depend on your student type and how your course is offered.

Domestic students

You are considered full‑time if you are enrolled in 37.5 points per half‑year (usually three 12.5‑point subjects).

If you enrol in less than 37.5 points in a half‑year (for example, two standard subjects), you are automatically considered part‑time for that period.

You can change your study load each semester by enrolling in or withdrawing from subjects before the enrolment deadlines. There is no additional process.

Student visa holders

Part‑time study is not allowed for student visa holders.

You must meet visa condition 8202, which requires you to complete 100 points each year (usually 50 points per half‑year) so you finish your course by the end date on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

If you believe you need a reduced study load, review the Reduced Study Load information before making any changes.

Changing your study load

You may be able to change your study load by overloading or reducing your study load, depending on your circumstances.

Overloading

You may be approved to overload if you are in your final semester and need 12.5 points to complete your course.

You’re usually eligible if you:

• have a WAM of at least 70% (H2B)
• completed at least 37.5 points in your previous semester
• had no fails in your previous semester

You can find more information about applying to overload on the Study Load website.

Reducing your study load

A Reduced Study Load (RSL) may be approved for:

• Compassionate or compelling circumstances
• Circumstances beyond your control that affect your wellbeing or progress. Supporting documentation in English is required.
• Course structure reasons, such as:
  • failing a prerequisite and being unable to enrol in 50 points
  • changing your major or specialisation (must be updated in your Study Plan)
  • limited availability of required core subjects
  • repeated subject failures

Unavailability of electives is not a valid reason for RSL.

RSL is not recommended in your first semester. Other options, such as deferral, special consideration, or academic support, may be more suitable.

Student visa requirements

If you hold a student visa, visa condition 8202 requires you to:

• complete 100 points per year (usually 50 per half‑year), and
• make satisfactory course progress.

If you enrol in less than 50 points in a half‑year, you must either:

• still be on track to finish by your CoE end date, or
• have an approved Reduced Study Load.

Your study load and progress are monitored to ensure visa compliance.

Early exit awards

An early exit award allows some graduate students to leave their course with a lower qualification, such as a graduate certificate or graduate diploma, if they cannot or choose not to continue their studies.

Early exit awards are not available for all courses. Availability varies by faculty, so check your faculty webpages and the Handbook entry for your course.

Who may be eligible

You may be eligible if you:

• are currently enrolled in, or have withdrawn from, a graduate course
  (there is no time limit if you’ve already withdrawn)
• have completed:
  • 50 credit points (may be eligible for a graduate certificate*), or
  • 100 credit points (may be eligible for a graduate diploma*)
• meet the course rules for the exit award
• have a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
• have no outstanding fees or graduation sanctions
• have finalised results for all subjects

Understanding your course structure and course rules

The best place to understand your course structure and course rules is the Handbook.

Make sure you’re viewing the Handbook version for the year you commenced your course, as course rules and structures can change between years. You can switch the Handbook year using the year selector in the top‑right corner of the page.

Checking the correct Handbook year will help you understand:

• required and optional subjects
• course and subject rules
• progression and completion requirements

Use My Course Planner to see how this applies to you

My Course Planner helps you map your subjects across your degree and check how your choices fit your course rules. It’s useful for:

• visualising your study plan
• checking you’re on track to complete
• identifying where you may need advice

Taking a Leave of Absence

A Leave of Absence (LoA) lets you pause your course and return later in the same fee place type (CSP or full fee).

To  remain admitted in your course, you must either:

• be enrolled in at least one subject each half‑year (Jan–Jun, Jul–Dec), or
• have an approved LoA.
  Student visa holders must also meet additional requirements.

How long you can take

• Coursework: 1–2 half‑year periods
• Graduate research: 2 weeks or more

Key rules (coursework students)

• First 6 months: LoA isn’t allowed. If you can’t start as planned, you may be eligible to defer your offer (before the census date of your first subject).
• After census date: You usually don’t need LoA for that half‑year. You can withdraw from all subjects, but this may have fees and academic progress impacts, including being required to attend an At Risk or Course Academic Progress Committee (CAPC) meeting. If you need a longer break, apply for LoA for the next half‑year.

Extra Leave (after 12 months of LoA)

• Available only in exceptional circumstances (e.g. ongoing illness)
• Requires faculty approval and supporting documents
• Apply in my.unimelb

Checking if you’re on track to complete your degree

To check whether you’re on track to complete your degree, use the following planning tools and resources together. Each plays a different role in confirming your progress.

• University Handbook
  Use the Handbook to confirm your course structure, rules, and progression requirements, including required subjects, prerequisites, and completion rules
• How to plan your course
  Visit the How to plan your course page for resources to help you understand your course structure, choose the right subjects, and explore the options available to you.
• My Course Planner
  Use this interactive tool to map your subjects across semesters and check that your plan supports your major, minor, or specialisation
• Faculty course planning resources
  Access course-specific resources to help you to make decisions about subject choices, major selections, and study pathways.
• Advanced standing (credit)
  If you’ve studied at another institution, make sure you’ve applied for advanced standing, as this can affect your progression and completion timeline.

If you’ve reviewed these and are still unsure, or want confirmation that your plan meets all requirements, Course Planning can review your situation.

Planning or changing your major, minor, or specialisation

If you meet the course requirements, you can add or change your major, minor, or specialisation directly in your Study Plan.

Plan your change first

Before making changes, use My Course Planner to check whether your preferred option fits within your course rules.

When planning, include:

• all passed subjects
• any advanced standing (credit), if applicable
• enrolled subjects where the census date has passed
• the subjects and prerequisites for your preferred major, minor, or specialisation

If your plan still meets your course requirements, you should be able to update your Study Plan.

You can also check your course structure and rules in the University Handbook.

Deferring your course

If you’ve accepted an offer but aren’t ready to start, you may be able to defer your course for up to one year. This lets you keep your place while you take time for work, travel, or personal reasons.

Key things to know

• You must apply to defer before your earliest subject census date.
• If the census date has passed, you cannot defer. You’ll need to withdraw from your subjects and discontinue your course if you cannot continue with your studies the following semester.
• You will need to re-apply for the course when you are ready to resume.
• Withdrawing after census:
  • incurs fees
  • appears on your academic transcript and statements

Learn more about:

• Census dates
• Subject withdrawal
• Course withdrawal

Before you apply

• Check if your course allows deferral and the deadlines on Defer my offer
• You must set up your student account first

Withdrawing from your course

Before withdrawing, it’s recommended that you seek advice to make sure this is the right decision for you.

Before you apply

To avoid fees or academic penalties:

• withdraw from your enrolled subjects before their census dates
• be aware that withdrawing after key dates may result in fee liability or fail grades

How to withdraw

Once you’ve withdrawn from your subjects, submit a course withdrawal request online:

• Course Withdrawal in my.unimelb

Graduate research students apply via the Graduate Research Hub.

Requests are not approved immediately. You’ll receive confirmation via your student email once processed.

Enrolling in subjects

If you can’t enrol in a subject, it’s usually because one or more enrolment rules haven’t been met.

Before enrolling, it’s important to understand:

• the rules for your course, and
• how your subjects fit together.

You can start by reviewing the How to enrol in subjects guidance and the How to understand your course rules page, which explains how course requirements work.

Check the subject requirements in the Handbook

Once you’ve found your subject in the Handbook, review the eligibility and requirements section carefully. This will show whether you need to meet:

• prerequisites
• co‑requisites
• the subject's last self-enrol date and other key dates
• other enrolment conditions

Use My Course Planner to check your study plan

My Course Planner helps you see how your subject choices fit your course rules. It’s useful for:

• visualising your study plan
• checking you’re on track to complete
• identifying where you may need advice

Enrolling in your Study Plan

When enrolling in your Study Plan, also check that:

• you have enough space remaining in your course
• you are adding the subject to the correct section of your Study Plan
• there are no sanctions that are impacting your enrolment
• you have completed any outstanding tasks on your Study Plan (e.g. Career Census, Highest Level of Completion).

Making changes to your Study Plan or subjects

You can add or remove subjects yourself through your Study Plan.

Before you make changes

Make sure you understand how changes may affect your course and enrolment:

• Course rules and structure –  check you’re meeting degree requirements, as this affects your eligibility to graduate
• Enrolment requirements – including study load and Leave of Absence rules
• Student visa conditions (if applicable) – changes can affect your enrolment and visa status
• Key subject dates – changes made after these dates may affect your fees or academic record

How to update your enrolment

Once you’re sure of your changes:

• withdraw from subjects you no longer want to take, then
• enrol in new subjects once space is available in your Study Plan

You can’t directly swap subjects.

When you need help

Submit an Enrolment Assistance Form (EAF) if:

• a subject isn’t able to be added in your Study Plan
• you can’t make a change you believe you’re eligible for
• you need to move a subject between sections of your Study Plan
• you’re changing your major, minor or specialisation and can’t update it yourself

Before submitting the form, make sure you:

• have space available in your Study Plan
• meet subject eligibility requirements, or
• attach the required supporting documentation

For help with prerequisites or co‑requisites, see Prerequisites, corequisites and requisite waivers.

If you’re unsure whether you have enough remaining credit points, check the Handbook or speak with Course Planning.

Enrolling in a quota subject

Quota subjects (also called quota‑restricted subjects) have a limited number of places. You can check whether a subject is quota‑restricted in the Handbook – “quotas apply” will appear next to the subject if relevant.

Why you can’t enrol yet

For some quota subjects, enrolment isn’t confirmed until the faculty selection process is complete. This usually happens after the application deadline, which is listed in the subject’s Handbook entry or on the faculty website.

How places are allocated

Quota subjects may allocate places based on:

• first‑come, first‑served (if space is available, you’re enrolled immediately), or
• selection criteria, such as:
  • academic merit
  • academic merit plus additional requirements (e.g. written statement, interview, audition)
  • ballot or random selection

If a subject is allocated on a first‑come, first‑served basis:

• If you can enrol, you’ve secured a place and don’t need to apply separately.
• If you can’t enrol, the subject is likely full. Because processes and deadlines vary, always check the Handbook and relevant faculty website for the specific subject.

Why you can’t enrol yet

You may not be able to enrol because:

• the subject has reached its maximum quota, or
• the subject uses a selection process.

Selection processes and deadlines vary by subject and faculty. You can find details in the subject’s Handbook entry or on the faculty quota subjects page.

Re‑enrolling and what happens if you miss the deadline

If you’ve received a re‑enrolment reminder, it means the University hasn’t recorded any enrolment action from you yet.

Step 1: Take enrolment action

If you’re a currently admitted coursework student and continuing next year, you must enrol in at least one subject during the re‑enrolment period.

We recommend enrolling for the entire year during this time to meet your enrolment requirements.

You must re‑enrol even if you are:

• taking a break from your studies
• studying overseas
• finishing mid‑year (enrol in first half‑year subjects only)
• waiting for results and unsure whether you’ve passed a subject

If you’re a student visa holder, you must also meet student visa enrolment requirements.

Step 2: What counts as enrolment action

Enrolment action includes:

• enrolling in subjects, or
• applying for a Leave of Absence, or
• applying for deferral (commencing students)

What happens if your enrolment is incomplete or you miss the re‑enrolment deadline

If you don’t take the required enrolment action during the re‑enrolment period, the outcome depends on which half‑year (if any) you’ve enrolled in or taken leave for.

No enrolment or leave in either half‑year

• Your course will be cancelled after the Semester 1 census date.
• A CFE sanction will be applied to your student account.
• To continue your studies, you must apply for reinstatement.

Enrolled or on leave for second half‑year only

• Your course will be cancelled after the Semester 1 census date.
• You’ll be withdrawn from Semester 2 subjects.
• A CFE sanction will be applied.
• To continue your studies, you must apply for reinstatement.

Enrolled or on leave for first half‑year only

(and you’re not finishing mid‑year)

• Your course will be cancelled after the Semester 2 census date.
• To avoid cancellation, you must enrol or apply for leave for second half‑year before the Semester 2 deadline.
• If you miss this deadline, you must apply for reinstatement.

If you don’t take enrolment action for either half‑year by the end of the re‑enrolment period:

• your course enrolment will be cancelled
• a CFE sanction will be applied to your student account
• you’ll be withdrawn from your course

Continuing your studies after cancellation

To keep studying, you’ll need to apply for reinstatement by 30 June.

• A reinstatement fee applies
• You can request a fee waiver if you have supporting documentation
• Reinstatement is not guaranteed

If reinstated before the Semester 1 census date, you must take enrolment action by that date to avoid being cancelled again.

Getting back into your course after enrolment cancellation

If you’ve been removed from your course because you didn’t enrol or re‑enrol correctly, what you can do next depends on whether you want to keep studying.

Step 1: Decide if you want to keep studying

• Yes, I want to continue → go to Step 2
• No, I don’t plan to continue → no action is needed right now

Step 2: Apply for reinstatement (if you want to continue)

Reinstatement puts you back into your course and keeps your enrolment history.

Apply for reinstatement here.

Deadlines

• Cancelled in the first half of the year → apply by 30 June
• Cancelled in the second half of the year → apply by 31 December

If approved, you’ll need to pay a reinstatement fee or apply for a fee waiver if you’re eligible.

Step 3: Missed the deadline?

If you don’t apply by the reinstatement deadline, you’ll need to apply for re‑admission to the course.

Re‑admission is not guaranteed and is assessed competitively.

Step 4: Complete your enrolment (if reinstated)

Once reinstated, you must complete enrolment for the current half‑year by:

• enrolling in subjects, or
• applying for a Leave of Absence (continuing students), or
• applying for deferral (commencing students)

If you don’t want to continue

No further action is required.

If you change your mind later and the reinstatement deadline has passed, you’ll need to apply for re‑admission, which is not guaranteed.

Concurrent diplomas

A concurrent diploma allows you to study an additional area alongside your main degree. It’s only available to students admitted to a University of Melbourne course and can’t be taken as a stand‑alone qualification.

• Refer to the step-by-step guide to check your eligibility and start your application.
• Create a course map showing all your planned diploma and degree subjects using My Course Planner (MCP).
• If you need help planning diploma subjects, send your MCP link and your questions via an enquiry form.
• Be aware of the application deadlines for Summer, Semester 1 and Semester 2 intakes.
• Concurrent diplomas are not available to student visa holders or student visa applicants

Types of concurrent diplomas

• Diploma in Languages
• Diploma in Mathematical Sciences
• Diploma in Computing
• Diploma in Music

What to expect

• A concurrent diploma is 100 credit points (usually one additional year of full‑time study).
• It extends the length of your studies, not your study load in a semester.
• You’ll graduate with two qualifications (a degree and a diploma) only after completing both.
• You can apply any time before your final semester in your main degree.

Visit the About concurrent diplomas page for more information about eligibility, cross-crediting and the application process.

Concurrent diplomas and graduate studies (including honours)

If you’re enrolled in a Bachelor degree with a concurrent diploma, you can’t be admitted to an Honours program until you have either:

• completed both your Bachelor degree and concurrent diploma, or
• withdrawn from the concurrent diploma.

Honours admission isn’t available while you’re still enrolled in a concurrent diploma alongside your Bachelor.

If you’re planning ahead or unsure how a concurrent diploma may affect your Honours pathway, seeking advice early can help you make an informed decision.

Accessing ongoing support and an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP)

If ongoing circumstances (such as disability, health or mental health conditions, carer responsibilities, or cultural or religious commitments) affect your studies, you may be eligible for ongoing support.

How to register

To access support:

1. Check eligibility
2. Prepare supporting documents
3. Register online

You can register at any time, but registering early helps ensure adjustments are in place sooner. If you need exam adjustments, check the Alternative Exam Arrangement deadlines.

After you register

If approved, you’ll receive an Academic Adjustment Plan (AAP). This outlines reasonable adjustments based on your needs, which may include exam or assessment adjustments, extensions, assistive technology, or learning support.

Find out more about Ongoing Support.

Support for assessments affected by circumstances

If illness, bereavement, trauma, or another short‑term circumstance affects your ability to complete an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration.

Special consideration applies to circumstances that:

• last less than six weeks, and
• significantly impact your ability to prepare for or complete an assessment.

Special consideration is assessed case by case and is guided by the Assessment and Results Policy.

How to apply

• Apply within four business days of the assessment due date or exam.
• Apply as soon as you think you may need it, even if documents aren’t ready.
• You can upload supporting documents later (up to four business days).

If approved, you may receive an outcome such as a special or supplementary exam. Special Consideration does not change exam format, and work or travel commitments aren’t valid grounds.

For full details, visit the Special Consideration website.

What to do if you fail a subject

What happens next depends on the type of subject you failed:

• Core or compulsory subject - you’ll usually need to repeat it.
• Elective or breadth subject - you may be able to replace it with another subject, or you can choose to repeat it

Once a final fail grade is recorded in my.unimelb, you can take these steps:

Step 1: Review your options

You may need to:

• change future subjects or review your course plan
• adjust your study load - international students on a student visa should check the study load requirements FAQ
• take Leave of Absence
• withdraw from your course
• apply for Fee Remission if you were unable to complete subject requirements due to special circumstances.

You usually need to complete 50 credit points at one level before progressing. Check the course progression rules and your course requirements in the Handbook.

Step 2: Update your Study Plan

Update your Study Plan in my.unimelb to reflect any changes.

Step 3: Check your University email

Monitor your University email at least twice a week and respond by any deadlines if action is required.

Student visa holders

If you’re on a student visa, failing a subject may require a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). Where possible, enrolling in intensive subjects can help you catch up and avoid extra visa costs.

More information:
Planning your next steps

If you’re unsure what to do next, Course Planning can help.

Receiving your final results

If your final results aren’t showing after the release date, there are a few common reasons.

What to check first

• Results release dates – confirm when results are due for your subject
• Your University email – check for messages from the subject’s teaching department
• Subject Coordinator – contact them using the details in the University Handbook

Common reasons for delays

• Special or supplementary exams – results are usually released within 10 working days after the final assessment is completed.
• Non‑standard study periods (e.g. Summer or Winter Term, intensives) – results are usually released within 20 business days of the assessment period end date. Includes Summer term and monthly intensives.

Options if you miss, fail, or are worried about an exam

Exams can be challenging, and things don’t always go to plan. The information below explains your options and where you can get support.

You missed an exam

You are expected to be available during the scheduled exam period. Exams aren’t rescheduled for reasons within your control (such as travel, work, social events, or misreading your timetable).

If unexpected circumstances outside your control affected you, you may be eligible for Special Consideration. Apply within four business days of the exam. Approval isn’t guaranteed.

You failed an exam

Failing an exam can be disappointing. It’s not possible to repeat an exam simply because you did not pass it.

If circumstances affected your performance, you may apply for Special Consideration within four business days. If approved, a special exam may be offered.

If you fail the subject, review your next steps here.

You’re worried about an upcoming exam

Exams can be stressful. There is support available:

• Academic Skills provide resources for exam preparation and study strategies
• Contact your Subject Coordinator, if you need clarification about course content
• Visit the Exams website for practical information and guidance

If personal circumstances are affecting your preparation, you may want to apply for Special Consideration (documentation and strict deadlines apply).

Accessing a faculty‑managed supplementary exam

In some cases, the Board of Examiners may offer further assessment (a supplementary exam) if there’s uncertainty about whether you’ve met the assessment requirements.

If you’re granted a supplementary exam:

• your subject result will show an interim ‘SUP’ grade
• you’re eligible to receive full marks (up to 100%) for the supplementary assessment

Finding your supplementary exam

If your supplementary exam is faculty‑managed, it won’t appear in your Exam Timetable.

To find details about when and how to access your exam:

• check the subject information in your LMS, or
• contact your Subject Coordinator for guidance

Extending your Maximum Course Length

You can’t apply to extend your Maximum Course Length before a Course Academic Progress Committee (CAPC) meeting.

Reaching your maximum course length triggers unsatisfactory academic progress, which means you’ll be invited to attend a CAPC meeting.

At the CAPC meeting, the committee may approve an extension of up to one additional year if they believe you’re likely to complete your course within that time.

Final Subject Assessment (FSA): eligibility and next steps

Final Subject Assessment (FSA) may be offered to completing students who have failed a subject in their final two half‑year periods and would otherwise have completed their course.

Who may be considered

You may be considered for FSA if:

• you have 12.5 credit points or less remaining, and
• you failed a subject in your last two half-year periods of study, and
• you meet the criteria set out in the FSA policy.

If you fail a subject in your penultimate semester, you’ll only be assessed for FSA after your final semester, once all results are known.

What to expect

• You cannot apply for FSA.
• Stop 1 can’t confirm eligibility.
• If you’re eligible, your Faculty will contact you directly with next steps.

If you’re unsure how this applies to your situation, speaking with Course Planning can help you understand your options.

Changing your graduate course entry point

It depends on whether advanced standing (credit) was already assessed when you applied.

If you’ve accepted an offer and want a reduced course (150 or 100 points)

• Many faculties assess advanced standing during the course application.
• Check your offer letter under “Important information” to see if you were assessed for credit.
• If you included all prior study and work experience and did not receive credit, you usually cannot change your entry point later. This decision has already been made.
• If your offer letter said you were eligible for a reduced‑length course, you would have needed to contact your faculty before the offer lapse date to accept that option.

If you were not assessed for advanced standing

• Apply for advanced standing as soon as possible and by the deadline specified, so you can receive an outcome before the census date of your first semester.

If you’re currently in a reduced course and want to increase your entry point

• If you’re enrolled in a 100‑ or 150‑point course and want to move to a longer version (150 or 200 points), you’ll need a Course Planning Advisor to assess your eligibility.

If you’ve completed new study or work since applying

• You can apply for advanced standing based on this new experience.

Find out if you are eligible for Advanced Standing (credit)

For undergraduate students

• You can use the Credit Calculator tool to get an estimate of how much credit you might be eligible for.
• This tool is a guide only. It does not confirm what credit you’ll receive.
• Stop 1 staff cannot predict your credit outcome before your application is assessed.

For graduate coursework students

• You’re automatically assessed for advanced standing as part of your course application.
• You won’t know how much credit you’ve been granted until you receive a course offer.

Plan your course around your credit

You can plan your course with advanced standing (credit), even if your credit is still being assessed.

What you need to know

• You must apply for advanced standing within your first year of study.
• If your credit is not yet assessed, use the Credit Calculator to estimate how it may affect your course.
• Once you receive your credit outcome, add your approved credit to:
  • My Course Planner (for most students), or
  • a Graduate course map template (for graduate courses not available on My Course Planner)

This will help you see which subjects you still need to complete and plan your remaining study correctly.

Enrol while your credit is being assessed

You should enrol in subjects while your advanced standing application is being assessed to make sure you stay enrolled and meet course requirements.

Here’s what to know:

• Enrol in subjects by the required deadlines, even if your credit outcome isn’t final yet.
• You can change your enrolment later, as long as you meet key dates such as the last day to self‑enrol or the census date.
• If your advanced standing is approved, your study plan will be updated accordingly.
• Assessment timeframes vary by faculty, so updates may take some time.

It’s important to stay enrolled at all times so the University knows your study intentions and you remain eligible to continue your course.

Removing credit that has been applied to your course

If you want to remove credit (advanced standing) that has already been applied to your course, you can ask the Enrolments team to do this for you.

To request the removal of credit, submit an enquiry to the Enrolments team. They can update your record and confirm what will happen next.

Before removing credit, it’s important to understand how this may affect your course progression, study plan, or completion timeline. Removing credit may change the subjects you need to complete or extend the length of your course.

If you’re unsure about the impact, it’s strongly recommended that you seek course advice first.

Study Abroad and Exchange (SAEX) credit cannot be rescinded or denied.

You may be able to re‑apply removed credit

If you previously removed credit (advanced standing) from your course, you may be able to add it back if there is enough space in your study plan.

The Student Enrolments team will:

• check your current study plan
• confirm whether the credit still fits your course rules
• re‑apply the credit if it’s possible

Discovery subject exemptions depend on your prior study

Discovery subjects are core first‑year undergraduate subjects designed to support your transition to university and introduce you to your discipline.

In some cases, you may be eligible for:

• a credited exemption (the subject is removed and credit is applied), or
• a non‑credit exemption (the subject is removed without credit),

depending on your previous study or qualifications.

All Discovery subject exemptions are assessed case by case. There is no automatic exemption.

To confirm whether you’re eligible, you must apply for advanced standing. This is the only way to receive a formal decision.

Key things to know before you apply to study overseas

Many University of Melbourne degrees allow global experiences, but whether you can go - and when - depends on your course and faculty rules.

Before you plan or apply, check the following.

Start with MyWorld First Steps (required)

MyWorld First Steps is a compulsory online module for students considering overseas study or other global programs. It explains:

• how global experiences work
• how to plan global experiences within your degree
• what to do before applying

Access MyWorld First Steps via the Canvas Course Catalogue.

Check if your course allows global experiences

Not all courses allow global experiences, and some have limits on timing or credit.

Check your faculty rules to confirm:

• whether global experiences are allowed in your course
• when global experiences can fit into your degree
• any limits on subjects or credit
• who to contact for approval

Faculty rules and restrictions for global experiences

Global experience options

You can choose from:

• short‑term programs (3–6 weeks, Summer or Winter)
• semester or year‑long global experience programs

To receive credit, your overseas subjects must meet your course requirements.

Who to contact for advice

Contact the right team based on what you need:

• General global experiences information — how overseas study works, timelines, and next steps
  • Online information sessions
  • Step‑by‑step global experiences guides
• Course Coordinator — confirm whether your degree allows global experiences (especially for postgraduate students)
• Discipline Adviser — check whether specific overseas subjects are likely to be approved for credit
• Global Learning — global experiences partners, destinations, and the application process (best after confirming overseas study fits your degree)
• Course Planning Advisor – If you need advice or assistance with any of the above steps you can book an appointment with a Course Planning Advisor.

Eligibility for semester or year‑long global experiences

You must:

• be enrolled at the University of Melbourne
• have completed:
  • at least two study periods (undergraduate), or
  • at least one study period (graduate) before departure
• not be under Unsatisfactory Progress or subject to misconduct penalties
• study a full in‑person semester load at the host institution (online subjects are not allowed)

There is no minimum WAM requirement, except for Melbourne Law School students, who must meet a 65% WAM.

Full eligibility details

Course progression rules still apply when studying overseas

You must meet your course progression rules before your global experience can be approved.

When you submit subjects in your Overseas Study Plan (OSSP) for credit assessment, you need to be on track to meet the required subject levels for your course.

In particular:

• You must complete at least 50 credit points at Level 1 before taking Level 2 subjects.
• You must complete at least 50 credit points at Level 2 before taking Level 3 subjects.

If you have not met (or will not meet) these requirements before your global experience starts, your proposed overseas study subjects:

• May be considered the wrong level, and
• Are unlikely to be approved for credit in your OSSP.

Overseas study in your final semester may delay completion and graduation

You can study overseas in your final semester, but your course completion and graduation may be delayed.

Course completion timing

• Your host university must issue your official transcript after your global experience ends.
• That transcript must be assessed and your global experience credit added to your Melbourne study plan before your course can be marked complete.
• This process can delay course completion by up to three months beyond the usual dates:
  • December for Semester 2 completions
  • July for Semester 1 completions

Graduation timing

• Graduation invitations are only issued after your course is marked complete.
• If your completion is delayed, you will likely miss the ceremony immediately after your final semester.
• You would usually be invited to the next graduation ceremony instead (August or December).

This delay is usually not an issue unless you have fixed deadlines, such as:

• Starting further study immediately after your final semester
• Meeting employer or visa‑related timelines

OS‑HELP eligibility

To be eligible for OS‑HELP, you must have at least 12.5 credit points remaining in your course after you return from overseas study. If you don’t, you won’t be eligible.

OS‑HELP is a loan for eligible students in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and can help with costs such as:

• Flights
• Accommodation
• Other travel expenses

If you are relying on OS‑HELP, factor this credit‑point requirement into your final‑semester global experience planning.

Overseas study does not change your WAM

Global experiences do not affect your Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

• Global experience subjects are counted for credit only, not for marks.
• Your global experience results do not contribute to your WAM when you return to Melbourne.
• You will receive a transcript from your host university showing your grades for global experience subjects.
• That transcript may be used for future applications (such as postgraduate study or jobs), but it will not be added to your Melbourne WAM.

How your overseas study subjects are approved for credit

Your global experience subjects only count for credit after they are approved through the Overseas Study Planner.

Here’s how it works:

1. Start after you receive your Destination Outcome email from the Global Learning team. This confirms where you’re studying overseas.
2. Submit your proposed global experience subjects in the Overseas Study Planner. This is how you ask your faculty which subjects can be approved.
   • For short‑term programs, you’ll be prompted to submit the Overseas Study Plan as part of your application in step 1.
3. Your faculty reviews each subject to confirm whether it can be approved for overseas study.
4. The Enrolment team then checks your full study plan to make sure the approved subjects fit into your remaining degree requirements.

This final check is based on:

• Your course structure in the Handbook
• Subjects you’ve already passed
• Any credit or advanced standing you already have
• Faculty rules and restrictions for global experiences

You’ll receive the outcome directly in your Overseas Study Planner.

Before you apply for global experiences

When researching partner universities, make sure:

• The university offers subjects relevant to your degree
• Those subjects are taught during your global experience semester
• The subjects are available to global experience students

This helps avoid choosing a destination where your subjects won’t be approved for credit.

For a step‑by‑step checklist, see My Overseas Exchange Credit Planning Checklist

You can also read Plan your overseas study