Making changes to your enrolment

Navigating your academic journey might mean adjusting your course load now and then. Before making changes, let’s ensure you understand the implications, especially post-census date.

Financial penalty vs. academic penalty: what's the difference?

Withdrawing after the Financial Penalty (census) date means you'll be charged the full tuition for the courses you’ve enrolled in. You'll receive a Withdrawn (W) grade but don't worry; it won’t show on your academic transcript.

If you opt out after the Academic Penalty date, you'll face both a financial penalty and a Withdrawal with Fail (WF) grade on that course. WF grades will appear on your academic transcript.

• How do I adjust my course enrolment?

  If you have enrolled and wish to change or withdraw from your courses, you can update your selection through Student Centre

  Need advice?

  If you need program or course advice, your School is available to help you explore your options.

  Keep in mind:

  • To add courses, do so before the Last Day to Add.
  • To withdraw courses without financial implications, make sure to do so by the Census Date.
  • To withdraw courses without affecting your academic record, ensure you do it before the Academic Withdrawal Date.

  You can find key dates on our Calendars and Timetables page.

  More details on course withdrawal

  Check out the General Regulations, specifically Sections 2.16 to 2.18, for a comprehensive understanding of course withdrawal.

  Whatever your decision, ensure it aligns with your academic and personal goals. And remember, we're always here to assist you.

• Taking a study break

  Considering a study break? Here's what you need to know:

  • Leave of Absence: If you're contemplating a pause in your academic journey, the Leave of Absence (LOA) is available. You can request a LOA for a maximum of four study periods or up to two years. Student Admin will email you when your request has been processed.
  • International Students: Extenuating circumstances are necessary to grant a Leave of Absence, so you’ll need to provide supporting documentation.
  • Remember, withdrawing after the census date or the Academic Withdrawal Date may result in academic or financial penalties.
  • Extension or Early Return: If you're currently on a LOA and wish to extend it, a new application form is required. To resume your studies earlier than initially planned, email student.admin@nd.edu.au for assistance.

  More detailed information on Leave of Absence can be found in our General Regulations (Sections 5.2 and 5.3).

• I want to change my program

  Whether you're considering overhauling your entire degree, transitioning from a double to a single degree, moving into an Honours program or contemplating a downgrade (such as moving from a master’s to a graduate certificate), you'll need to navigate the change of program process.

  Making the change

  Apply for your change of program using the application form. Please note that not all programs are available for every intake. If you can't find your preferred degree, please contact admissions@nd.edu.au and include the program name, campus and intake you're interested in.
  
  Applications for a change of program must be submitted before the start of the teaching period in which you intend to commence studies. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis. If you have enrolled in summer or winter term courses and the relevant Census Date has passed, you may not be able to change programs until the following study period.

  Please be aware that if you are applying for change of program for graduation purposes and are already in your last semester of study, your program completion may be delayed.

  A few things to note

  • Program changes aren't guaranteed. Applicants must meet the minimum entry requirements for the new program. If you're applying for a high demand degree, applicants may be ranked competitively for a place.
  • An offer for a change of program made prior to the finalisation of results for the applicant’s current study period will not negate or alter any conditions imposed, including but not limited to Show Cause or University Suspension.
  • If an applicant is currently under conditions such as a University Suspension or facing a Show Cause directive based on their current program's results, this could influence their transition to a new program.

  Offer and enrolment

  If an applicant is deemed eligible for admission to the new program, they will be required to drop all future enrolments associated with their current program before a formal offer for the new program can be issued. Once these enrolments are dropped, the current program will be discontinued.

  Applicants will receive a formal email offering them a place in the new program. This offer must be accepted to be able to enrol in the degree. Where applicable, applicants will also be required to complete a new electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF)

  Credit transfer

  Once applicants have been admitted to their new program, they will be required to transfer any applicable credits to the new program via the Internal Credit Transfer Form.

  For more info on changing programs, please refer to Section 20, Transfer to Another Program in the Procedure: Admissions. For specific queries regarding change of program, please contact admissions@nd.edu.au.

• I want to change campus

  Looking to switch your home campus? Here's a quick guide to get you started.

  Making the change

  • Apply for a change of campus via the application form.
  • Please attach correspondence from your School indicating their approval or support for the change of campus to your application.
  • You’ll need to complete your current semester exams at the campus you're already on.

  A few things to note

  • Campus changes aren't guaranteed; they're evaluated individually.
  • Chat with your School first, especially if you have upcoming practicum placements. We want to ensure there's a spot for you at the new location.
  • You should apply for a change of campus, even if it is for a single semester, to ensure that you receive communications relevant to your current location. Don’t forget you will have to apply to change campus again when you return.
  • Not every program is available at all campuses or for all intakes on the Admissions Portal. If you're having trouble finding your chosen degree, email admissions@nd.edu.au stating your desired program and campus, and we'll guide you from there.

  Processing the change

  If your campus change doesn't involve switching programs, you'll start at the new campus at the beginning of the next study period. We'll confirm this with you by email once everything's in place.

  If you're also switching programs, please refer to the “I want to change my program” section for additional details.

  For more information on changing campuses, check out our General Regulations (Section 2.11). For specific queries regarding change of campus, please contact admissions@nd.edu.au.

• I want to withdraw from my program

  Considering leaving your program? It happens, and we're here to help.

  Before making a decision, it's beneficial to chat with your School and our Student Wellbeing team. They might offer support or solutions you hadn't considered.

  If you’d still like to withdraw, please complete the Withdrawal Form.

  Remember:

  • To withdraw courses without financial implications, make sure to do so by the Census Date.
  • To withdraw courses without affecting your academic record, ensure you do it before the Academic Withdrawal Date.

  You can find key dates on our Calendars and timetables page.

  For more info on course withdrawal, check out our General Regulations (Section 2.18).

• I want to apply for a retroactive withdrawal

  Retroactive Withdrawal is a process you can use if you need to request a waiver for the financial penalty, the academic penalty, or both.

  When submitting your application, it's important to include independent documentation that validates that your circumstances:

  • Were beyond your control;
  • Did not arise until on/after the course's Census Date; and
  • Made it impracticable for you to complete your course(s).

  You’ll need to submit your Retroactive Withdrawal application within 12 months from the time you either finished the course or decided to withdraw from it, whichever came first. If you've surpassed the 12-month window, you can still submit a written request to the Director of Student Administration for consideration.

  Start your retroactive withdrawal application process

  What happens then?

  Your application first goes through your respective School before being referred to Student Administration for a conclusive outcome.

  Decision making is based on the information and supporting documentation provided, within the parameters set out in the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and Higher Education Administrative Information for Providers.

  For further information:

  • Explore the Retroactive Withdrawal Policy
  • Check Section 2.16 of our General Regulations

• I want to apply for readmission

  Individuals who were previously admitted and enrolled, but did not complete their studies, must apply for readmission to the University.

  Readmission process

  1. Applicants seeking readmission must submit an application for the program they wish to be readmitted into via the application form. Applicants can choose to return to their original program or apply for a different program. Please note:
     some programs may have changed or been discontinued. If an applicant cannot find their previous program of study, they should select the closest program and clearly indicate in their application which program they wish to return to.
  2. Readmission applications can be complex. As such applications must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the relevant teaching period. Late applications may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  3. Applicants must provide the following information in their application:
     1. Previous student ID
     2. Any previous names
     3. Former program of study
     4. A statement explaining:
        • Why you paused your studies
        • Why you wish to return to the University and your chosen degree
        • Your plan to succeed.

  Admission to a previous program

  Applicants approved for readmission to their previous program will receive a formal letter outlining all relevant information regarding the recommencement of their studies. Applicants are strongly encouraged to liaise with their School regarding enrolment before the semester begins.

  Admission to a new program

  Applicants seeking both readmission and a change of program must meet the minimum entry requirements for the new program. If eligible, they will receive a formal email offering a place in the new program. Please refer to the I want to change my program section above for additional details regarding change of program.

  Further details on readmission, please refer to Section 19, Readmission in the Procedure: Admissions. For specific queries regarding readmission, please contact admissions@nd.edu.au.

Need help?

Please reach out to one of our friendly Student Administration and International team members:

Domestic students
For domestic student enquiries, contact our Student Admin team via email at student.admin@nd.edu.au or call us at (08) 9433 0781 (WA) or (02) 8204 4418 (NSW).

International Students
For international student enquiries, please contact via email at international.students@nd.edu.au or call us at (02) 8204 4443 (NSW).