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Full Time/Part Time

Can I change from full-time to part-time (or the other way around) in my course?

What is a full-time load?

To be considered full-time, you must be enrolled in at least 37.5 points (3 standard subjects) per half-year period.

Therefore if you are enrolled in less than 37.5 points (usually two standard subjects) in either (or both) half-year period, it is automatically defined as part-time.

Student visa holders are typically required to enrol in 50 points each half-year period. Exceptions to this may be where a student is on track to complete by their CoE end date or has been approved for a reduced study load.  

You can read more about study load definitions in the Enrolment Policy.

How can I change my study load?

You may be able to change your full-time or part-time status by varying your study plan. If you are not sure what impact this might have on your course progress it is recommended you seek course planning advice.

If you are enrolled in a course that is only offered on a full-time basis you cannot change to part-time. This is made clear in the course entry in the University Handbook.

Any withdrawal from subjects must occur before the subject census date to avoid financial liability. This information is in the subject entry in the University Handbook.

Domestic students

Undergraduate

In most courses you do not require permission to enrol part-time or to change your status. You can change from full-time to part-time, or vice versa, provided you complete your degree within the specified maximum time.

However, check the course entry in the Handbook carefully as some courses, or specialisations, might have certain requirements for full-time study only. 

A course adviser can provide you with advice and explain your options.

Any withdrawal from subjects must occur before the subject census date to avoid financial liability. This information is in the subject entry in the University Handbook

Honours and equivalent Graduate Diploma Programs

Domestic students do not need approval to switch from full time to part time study. You can simply enrol in the subjects you wish to study in each teaching period.

Please note that your thesis subjects must be completed in consecutive semesters (there cannot be a semester long gap between part 1 and part 2).

If you have commenced your thesis (and wish to withdraw), depending how far along you are, you may need approval before this can be approved. At the very least, you should discuss this with your supervisor. In most cases, withdrawing from the thesis at any stage will result in you needing to re-commence from the beginning. You should also check the census date and last date to withdraw so that you fully understand any implications when withdrawing.

Graduate Coursework

In most courses you do not require permission to enrol part-time or to change your status. You can change from full-time to part-time, or vice versa, provided you complete your degree within the specified maximum time

However, check the course entry in the Handbook carefully as some courses, or specialisations, might have certain requirements for full-time study only.

A course adviser can provide you with advice and explain your  options. 
 
Any withdrawal from subjects must occur before the subject census date to avoid financial liability.  This information is in the subject entry in the University Handbook.   

International students

International students on a student visa are required to complete their course by the end date of their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).  Usually this requires you to enrol in a full-time study load of 50 points per half-year period (eg January - June, July - December). You can only extend the duration of your course if you have approval to reduce your study load.

You must seek approval from Stop 1 prior to making changes to your enrolment. If you are studying an Honours degree, you will also need to seek approval from your Course Coordinator. Further information on the eligibility criteria and application process for reducing your study load can be found on the International Students Reduced Study Load page.