University of Ballarat > Current Students > Managing your studies > Taking leave or withdrawing from study

Current Students

Taking leave or withdrawing from study

Once you have commenced your studies, circumstances may dictate that you need to take leave or withdraw from those studies for some reason. The University of Ballarat allows leave from studies from all University of Ballarat higher education award programs.

Students who are enrolled in the University may apply to take leave from studies at any time.

Taking Leave from Study

When enrolled, a student may apply for leave from studies extending for at least one teaching period and up to one year. A first application from a student for leave will normally be granted automatically provided, in the case of coursework programs, the Program Coordinator and the relevant Programs Committee are satisfied that the reasons are appropriate.

In the case of research higher degrees the Dean of Graduate Studies and the Research Committee will consider applications for leave.

A second application will be scrutinised more closely but will be accepted on grounds such as: physical or mental ill health, financial hardship, or clear loss of motivation. Students granted second periods of leave will be warned that third applications may not succeed unless the grounds for leave are serious.

Applications for leave from students whose performance warrants appearance before an academic progress committee will only be considered after the decision of the progress committee has been reached.

Applications lodged by International students will be assessed according to the University of Ballarat's Deferment, Suspension or Cancellation of a Student's Enrolment (ESOS Specific) Procedure.

For further information, please view the University of Ballarat Deferment and Leave From Studies Policy.

To make your application, please fill out the Application for Leave for all studies (pdf, 808kb) form and return it to your relevant school for approval.

Withdrawal from Study

If you are considering withdrawing from studies at the University of Ballarat altogether, you may find it helpful to first speak with a counsellor from UB Counselling Services.

If you still do not wish to continue in your course, you need to ensure that you withdraw your enrolment as soon as possible before Census date. Failure to complete and submit the withdrawal form prior to Census date will mean that you are liable for all fees and charges incurred as well as the consumption of Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) for those units of study.

Higher Education students need to complete a Withdrawal from Studies form (pdf, 145kb) and submit it to the relevant School for approval. Your student ID card must be returned with the form.

PLEASE NOTE Unless the criteria as defined under the Higher Education Withdrawal without Financial Penalty in Special Circumstances Guidelines has been met, if you withdraw from a course after census date you will receive academic and financial penalties.

Were you looking for information on Deferring or Declining an Offer?

All commencing students who have been given a formal written offer by the University of Ballarat and who have not yet enrolled will have the option to defer this offer for one teaching period (6 months) to a maximum of two teaching periods (12months). For more information about deferment, please visit Deferring or Declining your offer.