Dropping a Course means that you are no longer enrolled in the course and it will not count towards your degree. You must do this before the census date to avoid financial penalty, and courses cannot be dropped after the examination period has commenced. There are different rules for domestic and international students.
For domestic students, you are permitted to drop a course for whatever reason. However, some residential colleges and other commitments require that you must been enrolled as a full-time time student – this means you must be studying 3 courses or more in a semester. Please consult these bodies directly if this is the case and you need to reduce to a part-time load.
You can drop a course through your ISIS account by using the swap or drop function where your enrollments are listed. If you are unable to drop a course through ISIS, submit and Application for an Enrollment Change) to your Academic College. This is linked here.
If you are having difficulty with the form or ISIS, or need more assistance regarding courses, consult advice from ANU Student Central (located directly opposite Davey Lodge).
If you drop courses before or on the census date there will be no academic or financial liabilities. If you decide to drop a course after, you may face a slight financial penalty. Academically, if you drop a course on or before the end of the ninth week of semester the result on your transcript will appear as ‘withdrawal without failure’ (WD). If you drop after this point it will appear as ‘withdrawal with failure’ (WN).
As an international student you must complete your degree in the time stated on your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment. Usually this means that you have to complete 24 units (or 4 courses) a semester at a full-time load.
You are permitted to drop courses only in limited situations, and extenuating circumstances. You must provide supporting documentation when applying for a reduced course load through your ANU Academic College. This may include medical certificates, statements from counsellors/doctors, or an independent member of the community.
There are 3 circumstances in which your reduced load may be approved:
- Where the duration of your degree remains the same
- You are in your final semester and taking your last few subjects
- Your degree is extended due to:
- Subject availability
- Medical reasons, traumatic experiences or bereavement
For steps and detailed instructions on the application process required consult the link here.
Within 28 business days after you have lodged your application you will be notified of whether or not your request has been approved. You have the right to appeal if your application is unsuccessful within 28 days of being notified of the outcome of your original application. To appeal, write to the Deputy Registrar, Division of Student Administration outlining why you have appealed and adding further supporting documentation if necessary.
If you are having difficulty with this process, you can contact ANU Student Central, your ANU Academic College or your ANUSA College Representatives.
If you want to drop a course due to trauma relating to sexual assault, victims may be required to provide supporting documentation. This may involve statements from counsellors, doctors or other members of the community who could attest to the impact on your academics. Unfortunately it may also involve you having to provide a personal impact statement. Particular supporting documents can be demanded at the discretion of the ANU Academic College reviewing your application. If you require assistance or are struggling with the process, you can contact the Women’s Officer, Laura Perkov or the ANUSA Vice President, Tess Masters.
ANU Women's Department 