Unit withdrawal process and implications

Unit withdrawal may affect your academic transcript and fees depending on the date of withdrawal.

Make sure you're aware of the census and last withdrawal dates for each study period.

Withdrawing on or before the census date

You can withdraw from an enrolled unit in eStudent.

If you withdraw from a unit prior to or on the census date, you will be regarded as 'early withdrawn'.

By early withdrawing:

  • Students studying in their first study period with Macquarie will have their offer lapsed without effective enrolment. Check if your course is permitted to be deferred, if not you will need to apply again.
  • Students who have commenced studying in their course (and are not in their first study period) will be required to submit a leave of absence request.

You will not receive any academic penalty or financial liability and no mark will be recorded against the unit on your official academic transcript.

If you’re getting a student payment from Centrelink, you also need to notify them within 14 days of any changes. Report your change of circumstances to avoid getting an over payment.

  1. Log into eStudent
  2. Navigate to the ‘My study’ tile where you have the option to withdraw from enrolled units and check for important dates such as census date related to the unit withdrawals.
  3. Select ‘Manage my course’ from the left pane for applicable course.
  4. On the left-hand side, you will see the ‘Withdraw from a unit’ section. Select the check box for the unit(s) you wish to withdraw from. Then select the ‘Confirm’ button.
  5. The system will then confirm with you if you are sure about withdrawal from the selected unit(s). Click ‘OK’ to proceed with the withdrawal.

If you need more help understanding how to withdraw from a unit, please view our Withdrawing from Units eStudent tutorial video.

OUA students must withdraw from units on the OUA website.

Information for other cohorts of students is listed below

Withdrawing after the census date and on or before the last withdrawal date

You can withdraw from an enrolled unit in eStudent.

If you withdraw from a unit after the census date but on or before the Last Withdrawal Date, you will be regarded as 'Withdrawn' (W). No academic penalty is associated with a withdrawn status and this will not be included in the calculation of your Weighted Average Mark (WAM).

You will remain financially liable for the unit.

Withdrawing after the last withdrawal date

You are unable to withdraw after the last withdrawal date. Your final result for the unit will be available on the result publication date.

Important information for cohorts

The cohorts listed below should note the following information.

Higher degree research students

For more information on how to withdraw from units, visit the changes to candidature page or contact the GRA Office.

International students

As a student visa holder, you are required to complete your course within the time frame reflected on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).

If you experience academic difficulties or situations which are considered to be compassionate or compelling, you may be eligible to reduce your study load (RSL). You MUST not withdraw from a unit until your RSL application is considered and approved as you may be in breach of your VISA conditions.

For a full list of student visa conditions go to the Australian Government – Student Visa information or contact the Department of Home Affairs.

International sponsored students

You may have special conditions or restrictions on withdrawing from units. Contact Student Wellbeing to seek advice prior to making any changes to your study plan.

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