If you need to take a break from your studies, you may be able to apply for program leave. Program leave allows you to temporarily stop studying and return to your program later.
If you are an international student, taking leave may affect your student visa and your obligations as an international student. Make sure you understand the requirements before applying.
When can I apply?
You must have been enrolled in at least one course in your ANU program before you can apply for program leave.
You must submit your application by the relevant deadline:
- If you are not yet enrolled in the academic session: Apply by the last day to enrol.
- If you are already enrolled in the academic session: Apply by the census date.
What if the census date has passed?
If the census date has passed, contact ANU Student Hub to discuss your options.
What if this is my first study period at ANU?
You can only apply for program leave after you have been effectively enrolled in at least one course in your ANU program. This means you must remain enrolled in a course after the census date.
If you want to take a break from your studies during your first study period before the census date, you cannot apply for program leave. Instead, you will need to withdraw from your program and apply to defer your studies.
If you are an international student, make sure you understand how withdrawing from your program or deferring your studies may affect your student visa before taking action.
Access to ANU services while on leave
While on approved program leave, you can continue to access ANU IT services, including your ANU email, ANUHub and the Library.
Returning to your program
You must re-enrol in your program when your approved leave ends. If you do not re-enrol, you will be discontinued from your program. If you want to return to ANU after being discontinued, you will need to apply for admission again.
Application and outcome process
Step 1 - Seek advice
Before applying for program leave, contact the ANU Student Hub for advice on how taking leave may affect your study plan and progress through your program.
Taking program leave may affect your student visa. If you have questions about how leave may affect your visa, contact the Department of Home Affairs before applying.
| Doctor of Medicine and Surgery (MChD) students |
|---|
| If you are enrolled in the MChD program, you must follow the School of Medicine and Psychology's , as additional requirements and approvals apply. |
Step 2 - Submit application
Complete the form to apply for program leave.
Eligible circumstances
Compassionate or compelling circumstances
You may be able to apply for program leave if serious or unexpected circumstances affect your ability to continue studying full-time.
Examples may include:
- Medical reasons: Serious illness or injury.
- Family or personal reasons: Bereavement, caring responsibilities, a parenting emergency or a traumatic experience.
- Natural disasters or political events: Events that affect your ability to study, including events in your home country.
- Financial or housing hardship: Severe financial difficulties, homelessness or an unexpected need to relocate.
- Cultural or religious responsibilities: Significant obligations that affect your studies.
Other serious circumstances: Mandatory service, emergency duties or other significant events outside your control.
You will need to provide independent supporting evidence of your circumstances when applying. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and meeting one of these examples does not guarantee approval.
Step 3 - Re-enrol after leave
To return from leave you must re-enrol in your program using ANUHub by the appropriate deadline. For current information about when a change to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) may be required following approved program leave, and how to apply, follow the instructions on the Changes to your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) page.
International students on a student visa wanting to return from leave early should notify the ANU Student Hub by emailing student@anu.edu.au and stating when they wish to return.
Principal dates
Semester 1 census date
Semester 2 census date
Semester 1 census date
Semester 2 census date
Advisory information
Policies
Contact
- ANU Student Hub
- +61 2 6125 3339
- Send email
- Location and service details