Taking a break from study
In most cases, taking a break from study means applying for a Leave of Absence.
As opposed to a deferral – which is granted to students who have yet to begin their course or haven’t yet completed 10 units – a Leave of Absence will have specific eligibility requirements. However, a Leave of Absence still has the advantage of allowing you to return to your program without going through the admissions process.
A Program Advisor can help you to decide if a Leave of Absence is the right option for you. You should also talk to them if you are considering withdrawing completely from your program.
Domestic and off-shore
If you’re a domestic or off-shore student enrolled in an eligible program, you can apply for a one-year Leave of Absence via myHub.
Leave of Absence
Domestic and offshore coursework students seeking leave of absence:
- of more than one academic year; or
- from a program excluded from automatic leave of absence (listed below)
must submit an Application for Leave of Absence, including any supporting documentation, prior to the commencement of the term of study in which they wish to begin their period of leave of absence.
Applications for leave of absence made by international students will only be considered where the student has demonstrated grounds that comply with the compassionate/compelling circumstances as per the Enrolment Procedure Manual.
Further information about leave of absence can be found in the Enrolment Procedure Manual or by emailing ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au
Programs excluded from automatic leave of absence
| Program Code | Program Name |
|---|---|
| 11435 | Bachelor of Aboriginal Studies (Honours) |
| 40209 | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) |
| 10988 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) |
| 10982 | Bachelor of Biotechnology (Honours) |
| 11060 | Bachelor of Business (Honours) |
| 10801 | Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) |
| 11584 | Bachelor of Communication (Honours) |
| 40327 | Bachelor of Criminology (Honours) |
| 11547 | Bachelor of Development Studies (Honours) |
| 11706 | Bachelor of Environmental Science and Management (Honours) |
| 12230 | Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science (Honours) |
| 12243 | Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition (Honours) |
| 11691 | Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) |
| 10159 | Bachelor of Mathematics (Honours) |
| 12389 | Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) |
| 12330 | Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) |
| 11532 | Bachelor of Natural History Illustration (Honours) |
| 10954 | Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) |
| 40100 | Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) |
| 10496 | Bachelor of Science (Honours) |
| 10726 | Bachelor of Social Science (Honours) |
| 11254 | Bachelor of Visual Communication Design (Honours) |
| Program Code | Program Name |
|---|---|
| 40097 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science |
| 10988 | Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Honours) |
| 40312 | Bachelor of Biomedicine |
| 11487 | Bachelor of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety |
| 40257 | Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science |
| 11691 | Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) |
| 40002 | Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Diagnostic Radiography) |
| 40010 | Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Radiation Therapy) |
| 40011 | Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Honours) (Nuclear Medicine) |
| 40046 | Bachelor of Medical Science |
| 12389 | Bachelor of Medical Science (Honours) |
| 10379 | Bachelor of Medicine |
| 11707 | Bachelor of Medicine Joint Medical Program University of New England |
| 12200 | Bachelor of Midwifery |
| 40297 | Bachelor of Midwifery |
| 12330 | Bachelor of Midwifery (Honours) |
| 11725 | Bachelor of Nursing |
| 40298 | Bachelor of Nursing |
| 10954 | Bachelor of Nursing (Honours) |
| 12339 | Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Honours) |
| 12338 | Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) |
| 12390 | Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy |
| 12328 | Bachelor of Pharmacy (Honours) |
| 12337 | Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) |
| 11692 | Bachelor of Podiatry |
| 12318 | Bachelor of Speech Pathology (Honours) |
International
If you’re an international student enrolled in a program that is not excluded as per the list below, you can apply for a Leave of Absence for one term of study if there are compelling or compassionate circumstances. You will need supporting documentation to apply and you must discuss this with an International Student Support Officer.
From Domestic tab:
Programs excluded from automatic leave of absence
Undergraduate programs in the College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing
Higher Degree by Research
The Office of Graduate Research will assist you with the Leave of Absence or program withdrawal process. You can apply using this application form.
For more information about the requirements for Leave of Absence, read the Enrolment Manual – see Clause 47-54.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.