Taking a break from study (Leave of Absence)

 

Bachelor of Commerce students may apply for a total of one year of Leave of Absence (LOA) during their degree subject to approval by the Commerce Student Centre. The one year may be taken as a one-year block, or in two separate semesters.

Please Note: LOA is not normally granted to first year students in their first semester of study unless there are extenuating circumstances. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

International students

International students must read the important LOA information on the International Student Services website before submitting their application to the Commerce Student Centre as there may be implications for your student visa.

How to apply:

Step 1:

Read the Before Applying for a LOA information on this page, outlined below.

Step 2:

Complete the online application for LOA through your Student Portal via the Admin tab under Managing My Enrolment www.portal.unimelb.edu.au

Step 3:

International students must complete the Leave of Absence declaration form (PDF,37kb) and submit this, together with the necessary supporting documents, to International Student Services.

Applications are usually processed within 48 hours of the date of submission. Applications made after the final date to withdraw from subjects without a fail, will be processed after the official release of results (including results for special examinations).

Forms to request a leave of absence are also available from the Commerce Student Centre and may also be downloaded: Leave of Absence Application (PDF, 37kb).

Before applying for a leave of absence you are encouraged to consider the following:

Subject Selection

You are advised to carefully plan your subjects for your return, particularly if you are requesting leave for one semester only, as some subjects are sequential and only offered in one semester each year. Please consult the Handbook for subject availabilities www.unimelb.edu.au/handbook

Fees

If you need to take an unplanned LOA during the current semester you may incur subject costs if the LOA is confirmed after the specified subject census date. You can view census dates for the subjects you are enrolled in through your Student Portal via the Admin tab under Managing My Enrolment and by selecting Check My Enrolment.

Failure to apply for a LOA

If you decide to withdraw from all your subjects, or you do not attend any of your classes without an approved leave of absence application, you may face:

Cancelling an application for LOA

If you would like to cancel an application for LOA, or return early from a confirmed period of leave, please submit your request in writing from your university email address to commerce-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au

Re-enrolling while on leave

If you are on leave during Semester 2, you will be asked to re-enrol for the following year while you are on leave.  The university will inform you of your re-enrolment requirements by mail and email.

Failure to re-enrol while on LOA will attract the same penalties as failing to re-enrol as a currently studying student.

Additional leave of absence

In extenuating circumstances additional leave may be granted. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Requests for additional leave must be made in writing from your university email address to commerce-courseadvice@unimelb.edu.au. Documentation in support of your request for additional leave must be provided.

Support Services

If you would like to discuss any problems you may be experiencing, please contact the Commerce Student Centre and make an appointment to see a Student Adviser. We will be able to help you sort through your options and, if necessary, put you in touch with a range of University support services. These include assistance with financial, study or personal problems through Student Financial Aid, Academic Skills, the Disability Liaison Unit and the Student Counselling Service.

The University’s Leave of Absence Policy sets out the principles and procedures.