Applying for a deferred exam

Your end of semester exams are key to your study progression. Certain programs require that particular courses be completed before allowing enrolment in subsequent courses. For this reason, you are expected to be available to sit for your exams as scheduled, each semester. Delaying the completion of your exams may unnecessarily extend the duration of your study.

We understand that on occasion there may be special circumstances that prevent you from sitting your exam/s. A deferred exam may be granted if you cannot sit for your exam/s due to reasons out of your control such as:

Medical
Employment
Family/personal
other

Further information about special circumstances is available in the Assessment of Special Circumstances Procedure.

In 2021, the same applies if you are not able to sit your alternate assessment items within the specified timeframes as per your Alternate Assessment Schedule.

How to apply

To apply for a deferred exam, please complete the online Examination Deferral Application, attaching your supporting documentation. You must submit your application and supporting documentation within five (5) University business days of the examination closing date.

When will my deferred exam be scheduled?

If your application is approved, deferred examinations will normally be held in the next Deferred and Supplementary Alternate Assessment Period. Check the dates of these periods on the Academic Calendar and Important Dates.

Students impacted by COVID-19 lockdown

For Semester 3 2021 end of semester exam/s (alternate assessment), a student statement will be considered sufficient evidence for Examination Deferral Applications related to COVID-19 impacts. The statement must outline when the circumstances became known to you and how they affected your ability to sit for your end of semester exam/s. Students who are granted a deferred examination will be required to sit in the Semester 3 2021 Deferred and Supplementary Examination Period: 7 - 11 March 2022.

Guidelines for Applying for a Deferred Exam

A full list of reasons and approved supporting documentation can be found in the Guidelines for Applying for a Deferred Exam.

Deferring for medical reasons

If you are applying for a deferred exam based on medical grounds, you must obtain documentation from a medical practitioner on or before the exam date/s.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, mental health or medical condition that impacts on your studies, Learning Support Plans may be available. Book an appointment with a Student Equity Officer at the start of semester to discuss your needs. Support may also be available for students impacted by temporary or fluctuating conditions.

Deferring for employment-related reasons

Employment is not usually accepted as a special circumstance. We will consider your application if your employer cannot release you from work to sit your exams as scheduled and/or has directed you to undertake unforeseen or extraordinary work commitments and you can provide supporting documentation from your employer.

Deferring for family/personal reasons

A deferred exam application based on compassionate reasons may be approved for a family or personal circumstance that has arisen and is beyond your control.

Deferring for other reasons

If you apply for a deferred exam based on other grounds, you must submit relevant supporting documentation relating to your circumstances.

Unacceptable reasons

Discretionary activities or circumstances within your control and/or foreseeable events will not constitute grounds for a deferred exam.

Outcome of deferred exam application

You will be advised of the outcome of your application (approved or declined) via email.

If your application is approved, your deferred exam will be scheduled within the next Deferred and Supplementary Alternate Assessment Period. Check the dates of these periods on the Academic Calendar and Important Dates.

If you are unhappy with the outcome, you may request a review of decision in accordance with the Student Grievance Resolution Procedure.

Unable to sit for a Deferred or Supplementary exam in the Deferred and Supplementary Exam Period

If you are affected by ongoing or genuine circumstances that prevent you from sitting an approved deferred or supplementary exam as scheduled in the deferred and supplementary exam period, you may apply to further defer the exam to a subsequent exam period. You must ensure you provide updated and/or appropriate evidence to support your application.

You may apply based on reasons/supporting documentation for a subsequent deferred exam in accordance with the information above, the Guidelines for Applying for a Deferred Exam and the Assessment of Special Circumstances Procedure.

If approved to subsequently defer your deferred or supplementary exam, you will be scheduled to sit your exam in the next offered USQ examination period. Check the dates of these periods on the Academic Calendar and Important Dates.

Need help?

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