Special circumstances

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For details on how these circumstances apply to student business see:
Commencing leave of absence
Adding/substituting units
Refunds for units withdrawn after the census date
QTAC deferment
Deferring exams
Special consideration (your performance in an assessment item was adversely affected)
Withdrawal without academic penalty

These circumstances do not relate to QTAC's request for 'special consideration' for educational disadvantage.

Medical circumstances

A person’s medical condition has arisen or changed to such an extent that he or she is unable to continue studying.

Documentation required

Evidence from a medical practitioner is necessary. The medical practitioner should confirm the medical condition was serious enough to affect your studies.

The supporting documentation should be signed and dated and relevant to the teaching period specified. It should be on appropriate letterhead.

It would not be sufficient for the medical practitioner to state for example that '…has asked me to state that his/her present medical condition prevents him/her from commencing or continuing studies'.

Family/personal circumstances

Family/personal circumstances beyond your control may arise or become apparent that would make it unreasonable to expect you to undertake study. The following are examples of compassionate reasons:

• death of a family member
• severe medical problems within your family
• collapse of a family business which is severe enough to require your personal attention or unreasonable to expect you to commence or continue studies.

Documentation required

A decision based on family/personal circumstances is more subjective than those which would apply in cases of medical reasons.

It is therefore necessary for your request to be based on clear supporting evidence from independent members of the community whose views may be taken into account. Examples of independent community members may include medical practitioners, counseling services, family lawyer or accountant.

Employment Related circumstances

Employment status or arrangements (beyond your control) have changed that make it unreasonable to expect you to undertake study. The following are examples of employment related reasons:

• transfer to another city or country
• promotion and increase in responsibility and work hours.

Exception: employment related circumstances would not be applicable to international students on student visas.

Documentation required

Supporting documentation is essential.

A signed and dated statement from your employer on official company letterhead stating the date employment began or conditions of employment changed and how this affects your study.

Course Related circumstances

Where the provider has changed the unit it had offered so that you are disadvantaged by not being able to complete the unit, or not being given credit towards other units or courses.

Documentation required

A statement from the provider (such as the faculty or administrative services) supporting that unit changes made it impracticable for you to complete the requirements of the unit.