Yes, if compassionate or compelling circumstances prevent you from studying full time and your course permits it, you can apply for a reduced study load for a specific study period.
If on a student visa, you must maintain satisfactory progress in your course (visa condition 8202) so you can complete it before the end of your CoE. To do this, you would normally enrol in a standard study load of at least 50 credit points in each main study period (or 100 - 150 credit points across a calendar year).
To help you meet this requirement, the University monitors your progress and, in some circumstances, can approve a reduced study load.
How to apply:
- The number of units you wish to enrol in for the study period
- A personal statement detailing the compassionate or compelling circumstances affecting your study
- Any relevant supporting documents, in English
You do not need to request approval for a reduced study load if:
- The number of units you can enrol in has been restricted by the University
- You are in your final study period (and need fewer than 50 credit points to complete your course)
- You're on track to complete your degree by the end of your CoE but credit you've received leaves you with fewer than 50 credit points available to enrol in a study period.
What are compassionate or compelling circumstances?
These are situations, usually unexpected, which are beyond your control and significantly affect your progress in your course or your wellbeing.
COVID-19 related reasons can be considered as compassionate or compelling circumstances. This may include direct impacts on you or your family from COVID-19, or difficulties in undertaking study remotely, for example due to a poor internet connection. If you believe your progress or your wellbeing is affected by COVID-19, you will need to demonstrate how this has affected you.
Potential impact of a reduced study load:
- Taking a reduced study load will affect your study plan and, depending on your course it may affect when you can take units. For study plan advice, contact a Student Adviser through UConnect – email U.Connect@utas.edu.au or call 13 8827 (13 UTAS) / +61 3 6226 6200.
- You may take longer to complete your degree and need to apply for an extension to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This may also mean applying for a further student visa. We cannot guarantee you will be granted an additional visa and you are responsible for all costs involved.
If you have any questions about reduced study loads on a student visa, please contact an International Student Adviser.
Domestic students: Visit Can I study part time?
