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Take a break - apply for a leave of absence

Eligible enrolled students may apply for a leave of absence for either six months or a year​.

​Leave of absence is usually offered for either six months or one year. In most cases you can apply for leave of absence if you have enrolled in a program at RMIT (i.e. you are a continuing student).​

​If you are a new student who has not yet enrolled in courses, you can defer your place before you start rather than take a leave of absence.​

Most students (excluding research students, VCE students, RMIT Vietnam students, and students at partners outside Australia) can apply for a leave of absence by following these steps: ​

  1. Log in to Enrolment Online. 
  2. Go to ‘my student record’. ​
  3. Select ‘apply for leave of absence’.
  4. Follow the screen prompts to select your leave period. ​
  5. Upload supporting documents, if necessary.
  6. Submit your application online. ​

​You can track the status of your application via Enrolment Online - go to My student record and select ​’track my application’. ​

​The outcome of your application or a request for more information will be sent to your RMIT student email account. ​

If you are a research student or studying at a partner outside Australia, you must apply by completing an Application for leave of absence form (PDF). You must gain approval from your School before the enrolment deadline.​

​You need to apply for a leave of absence before the census date or you may be liable to pay all fees. ​

​If you are a higher education student then to avoid academic penalties, you must also apply for leave before the last day to withdraw without academic penalty. ​

​If you do not enrol in classes or apply for leave of absence before the deadline, you may lose your place in your program.​

You can only apply for leave of absence if compassionate or compelling circumstances apply. Please speak to staff at RMIT Connect if you need more information. You must also contact the Department of Home Affairs before you apply for advice on how your leave of absence may affect your student visa.​

The University may need to contact you during your leave with important information. ​

​You must continue to check your RMIT student email account and update your personal details if necessary. ​

Once your leave of absence period ends, you must enrol for your next semester of study by the relevant enrolment deadline or you may lose your place in your program. You will be advised by email of the enrolment process before the enrolment period for that semester. ​
If you are considering leave of absence, you are advised to consult with your program coordinator for advice. ​

Status & Details

Last updated ​ ​
August 2019​
​By​
RMIT International Compliance (IACRR)​
In accordance with ​
Enrolment Process 2019
Enrolment Policy 2017