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 You'll receive a Withdrawn (W) grade but don't worry; it won’t show on your academic transcript.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.

Got questions or second thoughts about your decision?

If the FAQs below don’t answer your queries, reach out to us at student.admin@nd.edu.au. We’re here to help.

  • How do I adjust my course enrolment?

    To add or drop courses, sign in to the Student Centre and follow the Enrolment Guide for step-by-step instructions.

    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 5.4 and 5.5).

  • I want to change my program

    Thinking of steering your academic journey in a different direction?

    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 (like moving from a Masters to a Graduate Certificate), you'll need to navigate the change of program process.

    Making the change

    Firstly, log in to your Student Centre and select the ‘Application’ tile. Be sure to apply for your new program well before the next semester starts.

    If you can't find your chosen degree on the Admissions Portal, please reach out to admissions@nd.edu.au, specifying the program and intake you're interested in, and guidance will be provided.

    A few things to note

    • Program changes aren't always guaranteed. If you're applying for a high demand degree or a degree with higher entry requirements, you'll need to meet the entry requirements and, for high demand programs, rank competitively for a place.
    • 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.
    • If you're currently under conditions such as a University Suspension or facing a Show Cause directive based on your present program's results, this could influence your transition to a new program.

    Once you've successfully completed all requirements and have been deemed eligible for your new degree, ensure you've dropped any future enrolments associated with your current degree before a formal offer is extended.

    Upon approval of your application

    1. You'll receive a formal email offering you a place in the new program (make sure you accept this).
    2. If relevant, complete the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) sent to your email.
    3. Transfer any applicable credits to the new program via the Internal Credit Transfer Form.
    4. Ensure you're enrolled in the new program's courses and not the old ones.
    5. Double-check you've closed off your previous program by using the Withdrawal Form.

    Still got questions about changing programs? Reach out to admissions@nd.edu.au

    For more info on changing programs, check out our General Regulations (Section 2.14).

  • I want to change campus

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

    Making the change:

    • Head to your Student Centre and click the 'Application' tile. Ensure you do this before the next semester starts.
    • You’ll need to complete your current semester's exams at the campus you're already at.

    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:

    1. You'll receive a formal email offering you a place in the new program (make sure you accept this).
    2. If relevant, complete the electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) sent to your email.
    3. Transfer any applicable credits to the new program via the Internal Credit Transfer Form.
    4. Ensure you're enrolled in the new program's courses and not the old ones.
    5. Double-check you've closed off your previous program through the Withdrawal Form.

    For more info on changing campuses, check out our General Regulations (Section 2.11).

  • 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 2.20).

  • 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 here

    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:

  • I want to apply for readmission

    Considering a return to Notre Dame? Whether you're planning to pick up where you left off or embarking on a new academic path, you'll need to apply for readmission.

    Here's what you need to do…

    1. Head to the Admissions Portal to submit your application.
      You can choose to return to your original program or try something new. Remember to apply before the upcoming semester's deadline.
    2. Make sure your application includes:
      • Your previous student ID.
      • Any previous names you studied under (if they've changed).
      • Your former program of study.
      • A statement about why you paused your studies, and why you're ready to return.
      • Your plan to succeed this time around.

    If you have any questions at any time, please contact admissions@nd.edu.au

    Further details on readmission can be found in our General Regulations (Section 2.5)