Request to Defer Your Studies

Requesting a study deferral is usually done through your university’s online portal using a Deferral Request Form. Policies vary by institution and course, so always follow the instructions in your offer letter and admissions page. After you submit, you’ll receive an outcome by email, and your CoE may be updated if approved.

Overview

What Is a Study Deferral?

A study deferral allows you to postpone your course start date to a later intake. The availability, duration, and conditions of deferral differ by university and program, so it’s essential to check your offer letter and the university’s admissions website for exact rules and deadlines.

Steps to Request a Deferral

Locate the correct form: Log in to your university’s applicant or student portal and find the Deferral Request Form. Access often becomes available after receiving your offer.
Complete the form: Enter your personal details, application or student ID, and nominate your preferred new start date or intake.
Submit the form: Lodge the request through the portal. Some universities require you to accept your offer first; others let you request a deferral as part of responding to the offer.
Receive confirmation: Watch your email for the decision and any next steps.
Check for updates: If approved, your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) may be updated, and you’ll receive enrolment instructions closer to your new start date.

Important Considerations

Deferral limits: Maximum periods vary. Many undergraduate programs allow up to two years; some postgraduate or online programs cap deferral at one year.
Course restrictions: Deferral may not be available for all programs particularly limited/quota courses, some honours years, or regulated professional programs (e.g., Medicine, Psychology), as noted by universities like Deakin and UNE.
Policy changes: You’ll study under the rules in effect in the year you commence after deferral, which may differ from those when you first received your offer.
Visa and CoE alignment: International students should ensure their CoE and visa timelines align with the new start date; update OSHC if needed.
Contact the university: If anything is unclear, reach out to admissions or the future students team for guidance and deadlines.

Tip: Submit your deferral request as early as possible places in future intakes can fill quickly, and processing times vary by institution and time of year.