Enrolling as an international student

Frequently asked questions

As an on campus international student and holder of a student visa, the ESOS (Education Services for Overseas Students) legislation framework has specific requirements to consider for enrolment planning.

You can access the National Code 2007 and the National Code Explanatory Guide online for reference.

The following FAQs have been composed to assist you to understand how you can work with Deakin staff so that your enrolment is structured to enable you to complete your study program / course within the duration of your electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCOE) /student visa.

Enrolling for the first time

New international students must attend the compulsory International Registration and Enrolment program where they will formally enrol in their program.

Enrolling as a continuing student

It is your responsibility to ensure that your enrolment is correct:

You need to sign up for tutorials before the start of each trimester. Students may sign up for tutorials each trimester electronically through the Student Timetable Allocation and Registration (STAR) system. If you experience difficulties, contact STAR for assistance.
Look out for notices from the faculty about how to register for tutorials.
You should become familiar with the course structure, unit availability and any special requirements in order to qualify for graduation.

For full information visit Current students enrolments and re-enrolments.

Enrolment policy

Deakin University's Enrolment Policy is available at The Guide. Though you are advised to be aware of the relevant policies in The Guide, the following are particularly important to international students:

Full-time load

As an on-campus international student, you should usually be enrolled full-time (i.e. normally a maximum of 4 credit points and minimum of 3 credit points) in every trimester to ensure that you complete your course within the time stated on your electronic confirmation of enrolment (eCOE) (refer to the National Code 2007, Standard 9 at: http://www.aei.gov.au/Regulatory-Information/Education-Services-for-Overseas-Students-ESOS-Legislative-Framework/National-Code/nationalcodepartd/Pages/ExplanatoryguideD9.aspx). An exception to this is the final trimester in which you can be enrolled part-time (i.e. enrolled in as little as one credit point).

If you are choosing to enrol in an online or an off-campus unit, you must ensure that you also have a minimum of one unit which is delivered as face-to-face lectures and tutorials (i.e. an on-campus unit). If a reduced enrolment load is created as a result of the granting of credit for prior learning (CPL), you should continue to have a full-time load in each trimester wherever possible. Where the granting of CPL reduces the time required for you to complete your course, DIAC will be advised.

In your final trimester, you may enrol in less than a full-time load (for example, you may enrol in as little as one on-campus unit). In your final trimester, if you only have online or off-campus units to complete, you will need to return home and complete these units from outside Australia.

What is the electronic Confirmation Of Enrolment (eCOE)?

The eCOE is the document you are required to submit to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) to apply for a student visa. Information about your study program/course based on the details of the Letter of Offer issued by Deakin International, which includes the duration, are included in the eCOE.

What is the link between the eCOE and the student visa?

The student visa duration has been issued by DIAC based on expected course end date in the eCOE. As a student visa holder, you are required to complete your program / course within the time granted on your eCOE and student visa.

How can I ensure I complete my study program / course within the time granted on my eCOE and student visa?

Normally, international students will need to enrol in four credits points each trimester as the eCOE and student visa length have a calculated duration on the basis of four credit points for each trimester (Trimester 3 is not included when calculating the course length on your eCOE) You may spread your enrolment load out over the three trimesters as long as you always have at least one on-campus unit in Trimesters 1 and 2.

Can the duration of the study program / course vary?

Yes, the duration of the study program / course takes into account any approved enrolment variations or Credit for Prior Learning that will reduce the number of units required to successfully complete the course.

What if I do not enrol in four credit points per trimester?

If you do not enrol in at least eight credit points each academic year then you may not be able to complete your study program / course in student visa time and will therefore require a new eCOE and a student visa extension. A student visa extension requires a new eCOE. Deakin can only recommend a new eCOEbe issued to you if you have previously consulted with your Faculty Enrolment Officer and developed an enrolment plan or intervention strategy so you can complete the course within the revised course completion date. Do not reduce your study load without prior consultation with Faculty.

What if I enrol in three credit points in Trimesters 1 and 2 plus two credit points in Trimester 3?

This is perfectly acceptable as this strategy will enable you to make up for a reduced enrolment in one trimester, however, bear in mind that not all units offered during every Trimester so ensure you plan your enrolment carefully so that you can still complete your course within the dates on your eCOE and student visa.

Can I enrol for an online or off-campus unit as part of my course?

Yes. You can enrol in online or off-campus unit as part of your course as long as you are also enrolled in at least one on-campus unit during each trimester (with the exception of Trimester 3). You may only enrol in online or off-campus units up to a maximum of 25% of your total course load. If you are unsure, consult your Faculty Enrolment Officer.

Can I enrol in an online or off-campus unit during Trimester 3?

Yes. You can enrol entirely for an online or off-campus units during non-compulsory study periods (e.g. Trimester 3).

Can I take a leave of absence (intermission)?

You may apply for a leave of absence for one or more trimesters, but only in consultation with your Faculty Enrolment Officer. You will need to provide documentary evidence and letters of support for any approved intermission based on compassionate or compelling circumstances beyond your control.

These circumstances include, but are not limited to:

serious illness or injury, where a medical certificate states that the student will be unable to attend class;
bereavement of close family members such as parent or grandparent (where possible, a death certificate should be provided);
major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel and this has impacted on the student's studies; or
a traumatic experience which could include:
- involvement in, or witnessing of a serious accident; or
- witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime,

and the above circumstances have impacted on the student (these cases should be supported by documentation such as police reports or psychologist's letters recommending the student takes a break from studies)

where the registered provider was unable to offer a pre-requisite unit;
inability to begin study on the course commencement date due to delay in receiving a student visa;
where Faculty staff have recommended it is in the student’s best interests to take a leave of absence.

Taking a leave of absence will have an impact on your student visa. Please refer to the Intermission Advice for International Award Course Students (506 KB).

What if I complete my course early or stop studying?

If you complete your course earlier than expected or discontinue your enrolment for any reason, Deakin University is obliged to report your cessation of studies to DIAC. Despite you still holding a visa label in your passport, when you cease studying, your visa may become invalid after approximately 28 days. You are strongly advised to seek advice from DIAC regarding your visa status if you complete your course early or cease your studies.

If I apply for a Course Transfer, what will be my course duration?

If you applied for a Course Transfer and have been granted Credit for Prior Learning, you will receive a new eCOE and the total course duration will be based on the number of credit points required to complete the reduced duration of the course, as determined by Faculty.

What happens if I fail one unit?

This means you will need an intervention strategy to plan to get back on schedule to complete the course within the expected duration. You are recommended to arrange a time to consult with your Faculty Enrolment Officer so the intervention strategy can be established. You should receive a letter from the Faculty outlining what actions you can take.

What is an Intervention Strategy?

Intervention strategies will vary from student to student. Strategies may be one or a combination of the following:

receiving a letter from the faculty highlighting support services to improve academic performance and accessing those services
attending academic skills programmes
attending tutorial or study groups
receiving individual case management
attending study clubs
attending counselling
receiving assistance with personal issues which are influencing progress
receiving mentoring
being placed in a suitable alternative subject within a course or a suitable alternative course; or
a combination of the above and a reduction in course load.
an approved intermission
enrolling in Trimester 3 Studies

What if I fail more units?

The Faculty Academic Progress and Discipline Committee (FAPDC) will make contact with you. It is important to always keep your contact details current on Student Connect as not doing so will not be accepted as a reason for failing to receive University mail and cannot be used as a basis of appeal.

What if I need to extend my student visa?

Please refer to the Visa Renewal web page.

Discontinuation of enrolment

Withdrawing from a course of study is a serious matter. If you are considering withdrawing from your enrolment at Deakin, you should make an appointment to discuss your case with your Faculty course advisor or an International Student Adviser (ISA). Please refer to the Deakin University - International Student DISCONTINUATION Checklist - Advice to Students (262 KB).

What do I need to bring to an appointment with a staff member for advice (eg. Faculty Enrolment Officer, International Student Adviser, Student Services Counsellor, etc)?

It is useful to bring the following:

Your passport with evidence of visa.
Any supporting documents as evidence of circumstances that may have affected your results.

Where can I get more information?

You can speak to International Customer Service Officers at Deakin Central, Faculty course advisors, Enrolment officers, or an International Student Adviser for further advice about enrolment related matters.

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