Exam rules

As a student, it is your responsibility to understand and abide by the exam rules.

Exam compliance

  • You must follow the  Academic Integrity policy.
  • No talking to other students during your exam.
  • Turn off your mobile completely and place it under your desk.
  • During reading time there must be no writing, making notes, selecting answers or typing in any way, unless otherwise specified on your exam cover sheet.
  • Only permitted materials are allowed on your desk and other items must be stored correctly (refer to what to bring).
  • No sharing of notes or materials.
  • You must not leave your seat during your exam without permission from an exam supervisor.
  • Remove everything from your pockets before going to the bathroom. If you are caught taking anything (such as notes or your phone) to the toilet, you will be reported to your faculty.
  • You can’t leave the venue in the first 30 minutes of the exam or in the last 15 minutes of the exam.
  • You must not take any paper materials with you when leaving the venue.

Avoid academic misconduct

The University of Melbourne is committed to academic integrity across all forms of assessment.

Academic integrity means acting with core values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.

There are serious consequences for students who are found to have breached examination rules or directions, or otherwise sought to gain an unfair advantage during an exam.

Cheating in an exam, either by copying or colluding with other students, by using unauthorised notes, devices (such as mobile phones), tools (such as unauthorised digital tools) or by deliberately attempting to undermine the exam rules in any way to gain an advantage, is considered academic misconduct.

The University is proactive in detecting cheating during exams. This includes:

  • Monitoring by staff and exam supervisors for suspected exam rule breaches
  • The use of technology to monitor and detect breaches
  • Supporting students to confidentially report suspected breaches.

Any observed breaches of exam rules are reported to your faculty.

See more information on academic integrity.