Failing a course

Failing a course

Find out what it means when you fail a course and the next steps you should take.

Failing a course can be disappointing and stressful, but you’re not alone - many students will experience this at some point in their studies.

Help! I've failed a course

If you’ve failed a course, it’s a good idea to take this moment to reflect and understand what may have contributed to this result and whether any changes can be made to your study approach or pathway to help you in the future.  

What happens next will depend on what’s right for you and your situation. With the right advice and support, you can make changes that can set you up for stronger outcomes ahead. 

What does failing a course mean?

Receiving a ‘fail’ (or equivalent) as your final grade means you haven’t met the intended learning outcomes for the course.  

The credit points for that course won’t count towards your program, but the grade may still count towards your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) or Grade Point Average (GPA). You will only be able to view your final course grade when results are released.  

A fail does not mean your fees will be refunded. Subject to meeting relevant eligibility criteria, you may be able to apply for remission/removal of debt in special circumstances. 

While it can be disheartening, it’s important to remember that on its own, a single fail: 

  • Does not mean you’ve failed your program  
  • Does not define the future of your academic progress 
  • Does not automatically identify you as making unsatisfactory academic progress. 

What impacts will it have on my academic progress?

The effect that failing a course has on your academic progress depends on the type of course and program you’re undertaking. Failing a course may extend the time it takes you to complete your program.

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If you fail a core course, you will need to repeat it in order to meet your program requirements. For further advice speak to your program coordinator/manager.

If you fail a pre-requisite course, you may need to adjust your enrolment if you now don’t meet the pre-requisites for future enrolments. For further advice, speak to your program coordinator/manager. 

If you fail an elective course, you will not need to repeat this, you will be able to select another elective in its place. For further advice, speak to your program coordinator/manager.

If you fail more than one course during a semester or teaching period, you may be identified as ‘at risk’ of not meeting the academic requirements of your program. Please refer to Unsatisfactory academic progress for more information.

If you fail the same course more than once you may be identified as 'at risk' of not meeting the academic requirements of your program. Please refer to Unsatisfactory academic progress for more information.

You’ll need to re-enrol in the next available teaching period and re-attempt it (if it is a core course) or enrol in an alternative elective, which means your completion date will probably be delayed. You may be eligible for a supplementary assessment if you have received a narrow fail. Reach out to your program manager to discuss your options. 

If you’ve failed a course, you will need to re-enrol in the next available teaching period and re-attempt it (if it is a core course) or enrol in an alternative elective. This might mean that your expected program completion date may be delayed, and you may need to apply for a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). If you’re not sure whether you need to apply for a new CoE, check RMIT’s  Confirmation of Enrolment for more information or contact Student Connect.   

As an international student, RMIT needs to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your study plans to ensure you’re meeting your visa requirements. Visit RMIT’s Change’s to your study plans for more information. 

Find out more below about what happens if you’re an international student and you fail a course.  

Next steps

Once you have received your final grade in Enrolment Online, you will need to review your study plan and seek out advice relevant to you depending on your mode of enrolment.

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If you're a domestic student

1. Review your study plan, and program and course guide, to find out how this has impacted your program progression.

2. Speak to your course or program coordinator for advice about how this impacts your specific course or program, and how you can adjust your enrolment to meet your program requirements. 

3. Take a moment to reflect on the reasons that led to this grade. Are there adjustments you need to make to your study load, or personal life, to help you manage your program requirements more effectively next semester? Reflecting is an important step to help improve your study approach and increase your chances of success in the future.

4. Adjust your enrolment. Once you’ve reviewed your study plan, consulted with your course or program coordinators, and taken some time to reflect, you can then make any adjustments needed to your enrolment. This might include adding or dropping classes, or applying for an approved leave of absence.

5. Get your support crew behind you with RMIT’s study and wellbeing support. As an enrolled RMIT student, you have access to a range of free services to help you get back on track. Check out our one-on-one study consultations or the AI-generated Writing Help tool in Val for help with improving your study skills, and tap into the health and wellbeing services including on-campus doctors and counsellors.

If you're an international student

1. Review your study plan, and program and course guide, to find out how this has impacted your program progression.  

2. Speak to your course or program coordinator for advice about how this impacts your specific course or program, and how you can adjust your enrolment to meet your program requirements.  

3. Review your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa requirements. If you’ve failed a course, you will need to re-enrol in the next available teaching period and re-attempt it. This might mean that your expected program completion date may be delayed, and you may need to apply for a new CoE.  If you’re not sure whether you need to apply for a new CoE, check RMIT’s Confirmation of Enrolment for more information or contact Student Connect.   

As an international student, RMIT needs to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to your study plans to ensure you’re meeting your visa requirements. Visit RMIT’s Change’s to your study plans for more information. 

4. Take a moment to reflect on the reasons that led to this grade. Are there adjustments you need to make to your enrolment, or personal life, to help you manage your program requirements more effectively next semester? Reflecting is an important step to help improve your study approach and increase your chances of success in the future. 

5. Adjusting your enrolment. Student visa holders can only reduce their enrolment (study part-time) if they have formal approval. RMIT may only approve a reduced enrolment load if there is evidence of compassionate and compelling circumstances that would prevent someone from studying full-time.

6. Get your support crew behind you with RMIT’s study and wellbeing support. As an enrolled RMIT student, you have access to a range of free services to help you get back on track. Check out our one-on-one study consultations or the AI-generated Writing Help tool in Val for help with improving your study skills, and tap into the health and wellbeing services including on-campus doctors and counsellors. 

If you think a grade you have received is wrong

If you think a grade you have received is wrong, the first step is to check with your course coordinator – if there has been a mistake, they can fix it.  

If you want RMIT to review a final grade you’ve received, you can appeal it, if you can provide evidence that one of the grounds for appeal is present. 

There are strict timelines on these processes though, so if you want to make an appeal, don’t delay! 

Find out more about appeals

Support services

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Our support services are here to help you achieve your study and personal goals. If you're feeling stressed about study, we can help. Access expert academic advice, peer-mentoring and 24/7 online resources.

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If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would like to talk to someone about your options, RMIT has a range of health and wellbeing support services available for free and confidential advice.

Don't know where to start?

If you’re struggling to navigate university processes and don’t know where to start, Student Connect can answer questions and point you in the right direction to find the help you’re looking for.

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