Guide for deferring, suspending or cancelling student’s enrolment

Under standard 13 of the National Code 2007, students can defer or temporarily suspend their studies (including intermission) in limited circumstances. A student’s enrolment may also be suspended involuntarily or cancelled.

Deferment of studies
If you are unable to commence the course in the semester you applied for, you may be able to defer your entry until the next semester or the next year. Students who wish to defer commencement of their course should complete the Defer studies or change preference form (pdf 87kb) provide all necessary information and return the form to International Recruitment Services (IRS). Alternatively, send an email to scenquiries@adm.monash.edu.au  explaining the reason for your application and provide all necessary documentation. IRS will make a decision on your application and inform you of the outcome. If your deferral is approved, you will receive a new offer letter and start date

A request for the deferment should be submitted as soon as you know you will be unable to arrive in time for the semester.  Deferments received after the semester starts may not be accepted.

What are the grounds for deferment or suspension of study?
These are outlined in standard 13.2 of the National Code 2007:
     compassionate or compelling circumstances or
      misbehaviour by the student

What is the meaning of 'compassionate or compelling' circumstances?
Compassionate' circumstances include situations where you have had a serious illness or serious medical condition affecting your ability to study or there has been a bereavement of a close family member and you are required to provide assistance or support.
'Compelling' refers to circumstances that are involuntary and you are faced with a situation in which there is little or no alternative e.g. personal or family situations which require your attention and over which you have no control or social or political upheaval in your country affecting your family.

Suspension of study- Intermission
This is a voluntary suspension of study. Students who are enrolled and subsequently wish to take a break in their studies may apply for an intermission of up to 12 months. This can only be granted on the basis of compassionate or compelling circumstances. In granting this leave a place in the course is reserved for you when the intermission has ended providing that you reenrol during the designated periods.

Each faculty will advise whether the period of leave will count, or not, in the time limits for completion of the course. The maximum time limit for completion of each course is given in the faculty regulations. During the intermission you are considered to be a student of the university for the period of the intermission. To maintain your enrolment after this time you must observe the scheduled re-enrolment dates for the following semester/academic year

How do I apply for intermission of studies?
Complete the 'Intermission Application form' and return it to your faculty. This form is also available at the Student Service Centres or faculty offices. Your faculty will decide on your application and inform you of the outcome. You should also seek advice about the visa implications of intermission from the offices of Health Wellbeing and Development on your campus

Suspension of study- Discipline
This is an involuntary suspension of study which is activated by student misconduct. For information about discipline see Discipline: Student Procedures

Cancellation of enrolment
At Monash a students enrolment in a course can be discontinued/cancelled for a number of reasons including, but not limited to:

Unsatisfactory Academic Progress

Exclusion for Health Reasons (University Statute 6.3)

Academic and General Misconduct (University Statute 4.1)

Non-payment of Tuition Fee

Where Monash intends to terminate, suspends or cancel a student’s enrolment, the student must be notified that s (he) has 20 days to access the ‘complaints and appeals’ processes. A student’s enrolment must be maintained (i.e. the student not reported to DEEWR) while the internal appeals process is ongoing. That is, where the termination, suspension or cancellation is not Monash initiated it must not take affect until the internal appeals process is complete ‘unless extenuating circumstances relating to the welfare of the student apply’.

For further information about Complaints and Appeals see Guide to Complaints and Appeals