Got questions?
Find answers via AskMQ.
Submit a queryWe understand that circumstances can change, which is why you may want to take a Leave of Absence.
Applications must be submitted before the census date of the intended study period.
Leave of Absence allows a current student* to take a study break for up to 12 months (maximum leave entitlement during their course).
Some courses require that you apply for a specific duration of leave due to unit offerings. Refer to course exception list below.
* International students on a student visa are only able to take a break from their studies due to compelling or compassionate circumstances. Applications are via a Suspension of study (SoS). More information about suspending your studies.
Applications for the following courses must be 12 months only, ie two consecutive sessions.
If you need assistance understanding your remaining course requirements, please view our course guidance information to help you prepare for your return to study.
Be aware that some units are only available in certain study periods. Ensure that when you return to studies the unit(s) you need to enrol in will be available.
Once a Leave of Absence request has been approved, all currently enrolled units within the requested period will be withdrawn. They will not be subject to any academic or financial penalty, ie no grade will be recorded against the unit(s) nor will you be required to pay for the unit(s).
Your withdrawn unit(s) may have been a requisite for unit(s) in an upcoming session. If you were enrolled in unit(s) requiring a requisite, they will also be withdrawn because you will no longer meet the requirement.
It is your responsibility to finalise enrolment upon your return to studies.
If you do not enrol in the subsequent study period and record a grade once you have exceeded 12 months of leave, you will be withdrawn from your course.
To return to your course after being withdrawn, you will need to reapply to the University to continue in your course. This will reset your leave entitlements.
If your academic status is Academic Pause, you will not be permitted to undertake any studies for two consecutive study periods. You are not required to take a leave of absence while on Academic Pause and these study periods will not count towards your leave entitlement.
If you are new to studying at Macquarie University, Leave of Absence is not available in your first study period; however, you may be eligible to apply for a deferment of studies.
Students who are transferring courses internally are not considered to be a new student to the university and can apply for Leave of Absence. Your leave entitlements will be reset upon your course transfer.
To request Leave of Absence, you must:
It is recommended that you seek course guidance prior to submitting a Leave of Absence request, in particular if you have an academic standing of 'Conditional Enrolment or Probation'.
If you have a scholarship or are receiving any financial assistance from the university, you will need to check in with your sponsor or contact the scholarships and prizes team to notify your decision on taking a study break.
Student cohort | How to apply |
---|---|
Current domestic course students (including the Bachelor of Philosophy), and have recorded at least one pass, fail or withdrawn grade in your admitted course | Students can apply via eStudent. Changes to your application can be submitted via eStudent and will be accepted prior to last date to enrol via AskMQ |
Current international student on a student visa, and have recorded at least one pass, fail or withdrawn grade in your current admitted course | Please see information on Suspension of study (SoS). |
Current Higher Degree Research student | Please contact the Contact HDR Office to discuss. |
Next Step or Non-Award student | No |
Open Universities Australia (OUA) student | No |
Students on Academic Pause | No |
If you do not submit a Leave of Absence request and do not enrol in any units, a Leave of Absence will be submitted on your behalf for one study period and this will contribute to your maximum leave duration for your admitted course.
All university facilities and services are still available to you while you are on leave, for example, the Library, Student Wellbeing, Careers.
Before you return to your study, check your student email account for any re-enrolment information.