If you used to study at QUT, but took a break or were excluded, you can apply to come back.
Domestic and international students follow different application processes. Domestic students are Australian and New Zealand citizens, or Australian permanent residents, who are studying in Australia. Any other students are considered international students.
Before you apply
We recommend you contact your faculty to discuss unit availability and selecting a study plan for course completion prior to applying to return to study. You may need to demonstrate that you meet the most recent entry requirements of your course.
Depending on the length of your time away, you might be readmitted into a new course version with different fees and course structure. You will not necessarily retain credit for all units completed prior to your time away. Changes to course content, external accreditations and structure during the intervening period will be considered when credits are determined.
If you have completed other studies or gained additional work experience during your time away, you may be able to have it count as credit towards your course. Our Advanced standing (credit) page provides more information.
I’ve had some time away from QUT
Select the option below that best applies to your circumstances for advice on how you can return to study.
I’m a domestic student and I want to return to study in the same course
If you've been withdrawn from your course, you will need to reapply by submitting a Return to Study application.
If you are on an approved Leave of Absence and are returning to study, you can simply re-enrol via HiQ.
Return to study applications close one week prior to the start of a teaching period. Depending on unit availability, we may need to delay your return to the next suitable teaching period.
It is recommended you visit your course page to review whether your course has early closing dates or limited places available. You can navigate to these key dates via the ‘Requirements’ tab under ‘Explore this course’.
I’m a domestic student and I want to return to study in a different course
If you’ve previously studied a double degree and would like to return to one of those single degrees, please see information above on returning to study in the same course. Otherwise, you’re unable to apply through the return to study process. You’ll need to submit a new application for this course. Follow our undergraduate applying guide or postgraduate applying guide, depending on the course you want to apply for.
I’m an international student
Apply as soon as possible as the application and student visa process can take time.
You’ll need to submit a new application for this course, including all supporting documents. Also refer to the entry requirements tab for your course to identify if your prior English proficiency test or studies are now too old, and you will need to provide new evidence that you meet the English language level required to return to your course.
Follow our international applying guide.
Depending on unit availability, we may need to delay your return to the next suitable teaching period.
I was excluded for unsatisfactory academic performance, and now I want to come back
You must wait at least 12 months from your exclusion before you can recommence your course or any 'like' course. A 'like' course is a course that is from a similar discipline of study.
What's considered
The relevant Faculty Academic Board will consider your application. Your application should show that:
- you have overcome the circumstances contributing to your exclusion
- these circumstances will no longer affect your ability to study successfully.
Details of your performance in study or employment since your exclusion can help to show that you have the maturity and motivation to succeed in future study.
Documents you must supply
When you apply, you must include a written statement that explains the circumstances that led to your unsatisfactory academic performance and how you have overcome them. You should also include documentation that supports your statement, for example (but not limited to):
- academic transcripts for study you’ve completed since exclusion
- a letter from a health professional confirming that conditions contributing to your exclusion no longer impact your ability to study successfully
- references from employers detailing the nature of your position, period of employment and level of your performance
The QUT Student Guild Advocacy team may be able to assist you in completing your return to study (exclusion) application.
I'm a domestic student
Apply to return to your course as soon as possible after you can demonstrate the circumstances that led to your exclusion have been addressed. Closing dates apply.
Check important dates
Depending on unit availability, we may need to delay your return to the next suitable teaching period.
I'm an international student
Apply as soon as possible as the application and student visa process can take time.
You'll need to submit a new application for this course after you can demonstrate the circumstances that led to your exclusion have been addressed. You'll need will also need to include all supporting documents with your application. Also refer to the entry requirements tab for your course to identify if your prior English proficiency test or studies are now too old, and you will need provide new evidence of that you meet the English language level required to return to your course.
Follow our international applying guide.
Depending on unit availability, we may need to delay your return to the next suitable teaching period.
I was suspended or excluded for non-academic reasons, and now I want to come back
If you are unsure of the details of your suspension or non-academic exclusion, contact QUT for more information.
I'm a domestic student
Once your suspension or non-academic exclusion is over, you'll be readmitted and can enrol as usual. You must enrol in the semester immediately following your exclusion, or you’ll be withdrawn from your course.
I’m an international student
Once your suspension or non-academic exclusion is over, you'll need to submit a new application for your course, including all supporting documents. Applications submitted early will be refused. Also refer to the entry requirements tab for your course to identify if your prior English proficiency test or studies are now too old, and you will need to provide new evidence that you meet the English language level required to return to your course.
Follow our international applying guide.
Can I review a decision?
If you believe the outcome of the decision to be incorrect or unjust, you can request a review.
How to request a review
You can request a review of the decision by emailing sa.hubengagement@qut.edu.au stating your reasons and including any additional supporting documentation. The type of documents you need to supply will vary depending on the circumstances.
Review requests must be submitted within 10 days of receiving your original outcome. We’ll email you to confirm we’ve received your request.
What happens once I have submitted a review request?
The Director (or delegate) of Student Administration will consider your original application, any information you included in your review request and the requirements of relevant policy and legislation.
The Director (or delegate) will then choose one of the following:
- confirm the original decision
- change the decision
- set the original decision aside and make a new decision based on new rationale.
You’ll be emailed with the outcome of your review request usually within 15 days of us receiving it.
I’m unhappy with the handling of my review request
If you believe QUT has not followed policy and procedure in arriving at the appeal decision, you can seek advice or lodge a complaint with the QUT Student Ombudsman. The QUT Student Ombudsman is responsible for administering QUT’s Resolution of student related complaints policy.
The QUT Student Ombudsman is unable to make a fresh decision on the review outcome. The QUT Student Ombudsman can only review whether the review process and decision, complied with QUT’s established policies and procedures.
If you are unhappy with the outcome from the QUT Student Ombudsman, you have the right to seek external review from an agency such as the National Student Ombudsman. International student visa holders also have the right to contact the National Student Ombudsman if you believe that procedures outlined in the National Code have not been correctly followed by the University. Should you decide to apply for an external review from the National Student Ombudsman or other agency, please advise the QUT Student Ombudsman of your application by sending an email to ombudsman@qut.edu.au.