If you’re an international student and want to reduce your study load, you can apply to do so under certain circumstances. Find out how you can apply for a reduced study load, and how it could affect your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and visa.

As an international student on a student visa, you’re required to undertake a full-time study load and complete your program by the end date of your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For most students, this means you need to be enrolled in 48 units of credit (UOC) in a year, and at least 12 UOC a term.

If there are reasons you can’t study 48 UOC in a year or 12 UOC a term, you’ll need to apply to reduce your study load for that term. The application form opens the day after the release of results in the previous term, until the last day to drop a course in the current term without academic penalty. If you want to withdraw without facing any financial liability, you need to apply to reduce your study load at least 4 days before the census date.   

It’s important to know there can be serious consequences to your CoE and student visa if you reduce your study load. Your CoE and student visa will only be extended in limited circumstances for reasons that must be documented and approved.

For more information about your student visa conditions, visit The Department of Home Affairs, opens in a new window

It may be a better option to apply for program leave instead of applying to reduce your study load. Learn more about taking program leave.

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