Compassionate and compelling circumstances are defined as circumstances outside a student’s control that impact the student’s ability to study.
Compassionate and compelling circumstances are defined as circumstances outside a student’s control that impact the student’s ability to study. Students who are applying for a reduction of study load, leave of absence or transfer to another education provider are required to provide evidence to demonstrate that they are impacted by compassionate or compelling circumstances.
Circumstance | Evidence for approval | What you should apply for |
---|---|---|
You are overseas and not vaccinated. | A personal statement explaining why you could not get vaccinated. Please note, if it is your choice to not be vaccinated, your request will not be approved. |
If online study is available, you should apply for a Reduced Study Load. If online study is not available, you should apply for a Leave of Absence*. |
You are overseas and vaccinated, but not with a TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) approved vaccine. | A personal statement, including evidence of the types of vaccination available in your area. | |
You are overseas and don’t want to return to Australia. | A personal statement demonstrating that the situation is outside of your control and how it has affected your ability to study. |
|
You cannot find a suitable flight to Australia. | A personal statement demonstrating that the situation is outside of your control, including evidence of flight cancellations where applicable. |
*The total maximum period of leave for a student in a coursework program is 50% of the total duration of their program, unless exceptional circumstances apply and relevant approval is obtained. If the maximum period of leave has been reached and online study is not available, you have the option to seek an alternative program online or withdraw from your program in line with the RMIT Enrolment Policy - COVID-19 vaccination requirements procedure.
Note: The above conditions do not apply to Transfer to another education provider applications.
Circumstance |
Evidence |
---|---|
Illness or injury |
|
Death, illness or injury or a close family member |
|
Permanent or temporary disability |
|
Incident or issue causing distress to student (e.g. political unrest, natural disaster, serious accident, witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime or incident) |
|
RMIT unable to offer full-time load of courses |
|
Delay in receiving a student visa |
|
Unforeseen delay to research (Higher Degree by Research students only) |
|
Military service |
Note: Leave of absence can only be approved for up to 50% of the total registered duration of your program. If your military service exceeds this period, you may consider cancelling your program and re-applying for your program when you are ready to return to study |
Other circumstances |
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For more information, please contact Student Connect.
Last updated January 2022
By International Compliance (RAC)
In accordance with National Code 2018 Standard 7, Standard 8, Standard 9
Acknowledgement of country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.