The purpose of our procedure
This procedure governs how students enrol in programs and courses at Adelaide University. Please read this procedure in conjunction with the Enrolment Policy.
Who our procedure applies to
Our procedure applies to any student enrolling in courses at Adelaide University, and our students enrolling in courses delivered by other providers.
Our Enrolment Procedure
1. Enrolling at Adelaide University
Students admitted to coursework programs at Adelaide University must enrol in courses necessary to meet their program requirements. International student visa holders must also meet student visa conditions. Information about enrolment processes and requirements will be published on the Adelaide University website and emailed to students.
Key enrolment dates will be published on the Adelaide University website. Students are responsible for understanding these dates, and any associated financial and academic consequences.
1.1 Courses with additional requirements
Where a course has a prerequisite students must have passed the prerequisite before enrolling.
Students who do not have the specified assumed knowledge to enrol in a course will not be prevented from doing so. However, they are responsible for seeking additional learning support and allocating extra study time as required.
For courses requiring special permission or specific enrolment conditions, such as an audition or participation in fieldwork, information on how to apply to enrol will be published on individual course webpages.
1.2 Courses that do not contribute to the GPA or WAM
Any study undertaken outside of Adelaide University, including cross-institutional study, exchange, and study abroad, will appear as credit transfer on Adelaide University transcripts and will not contribute to the calculation of a Grade Point Average (GPA) or Weighted Average Mark (WAM).
2. Outgoing cross-institutional enrolment
When another provider offers content not available at Adelaide University, domestic and international students may apply for cross-institutional study. Applications must be submitted at least 15 working days before the published course commencement date.
Unless there are compelling circumstances, cross-institutional enrolment will not be approved for core courses.
2.1 Applying for cross-institutional enrolment
We assess applications for cross-institutional study, including considering how it contributes to the student meeting their program outcomes. Students will be advised of the outcome of applications via email within 10 working days.
If an application is approved, the student must apply to the host provider for approval to enrol according to their processes, including paying any relevant fees at the host provider.
2.2 When a cross-institutional course is completed
As soon as practicable after completing cross-institutional study, the student must provide Adelaide University with an official academic transcript or certified results notice showing the grade awarded, to ensure the units can be credited to their Adelaide University program. Students in their final study period must supply their results before their award can be conferred.
2.3 International students
International student visa holders may only undertake cross-institutional study at a provider listed in the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), and the course must be within a CRICOS-registered program. International student visa holders must ensure that relevant visa conditions are met before enrolling cross-institutionally at another provider.
We maintain the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for international student visa holders who enrol cross-institutionally at another provider, if they remain compliant with their student visa conditions.
3. Incoming cross-institutional enrolment
3.1 Applying as an incoming student
A student enrolled in a program at another provider who wishes to enrol cross-institutionally in one of our courses must submit the required form at least 15 working days before the published course commencement date.
Applications for cross-institutional enrolment will be assessed, and the student notified of the outcome via email within 10 working days of submission.
3.2 Enrolling as a cross-institutional student
Where an application is approved, the student is responsible for enrolling in the approved course(s) and paying any relevant fees at Adelaide University. Domestic students are also responsible for completing applicable Commonwealth Assistance or Higher Education Loans Program (HELP) forms.
A student’s status at their home provider, either as Commonwealth supported or fee-paying, will determine their status at Adelaide University. Domestic undergraduate students who are not in a Commonwealth supported place at their home provider must enrol as a non-award student, rather than cross-institutionally.
3.3 International students
International student visa holders must ensure they meet all visa conditions before enrolling cross-institutionally at Adelaide University.
4. Exchange enrolment
Exchange opportunity details, including partner universities, how to apply, academic requirements, and available financial support, will be published on our website.
Applications for both incoming and outgoing exchange must be submitted before the published deadline.
4.1 When our students go on exchange
Adelaide University students undertaking an exchange program overseas will:
- continue to pay tuition fees at Adelaide University
- maintain their Commonwealth Supported Students status if applicable
- not pay tuition fees at the provider they are visiting
- provide Adelaide University with an official academic transcript or certified results notice showing completion of their courses
- enrol in the required number of units so that progress in their program is not affected, if they are an international student visa holder.
4.2 When students from overseas study with us on exchange
Exchange students visiting Adelaide University from overseas will:
- not pay tuition fees to Adelaide University and will not be liable for the Student Services and Amenities Fee
- enrol in either 18 or 24 units per half year or 36 or 48 units per full academic year, or the equivalent minimum requirement for a shorter term program
- obtain registration when undertaking a course that requires it.
5. Study abroad enrolment
Study abroad opportunity details, including how to apply, academic requirements, and available financial support will be published on our website.
5.1 When our students go on study abroad
- Adelaide University students undertaking a study abroad program will:
- incur fees at the provider they visit and do not incur any fees at Adelaide University for study undertaken overseas
- provide Adelaide University with an official academic transcript or certified results notice showing completion of their courses
- take a leave of absence in that study period.
5.2 When students from overseas come to us on study abroad
Students from overseas providers enrolling in study abroad at Adelaide University will:
- pay Adelaide University international tuition fees
- enrol in either 18 or 24 units per half year, or 36 or 48 units per full academic year, or the equivalent minimum requirement for a shorter term program.
6. Non-award course enrolment
Any person who is not a student visa holder can apply for enrolment as a non-award student in one or more of our courses up to a total of 12 units per study period.
A student who is precluded from a program is not permitted to enrol as a non-award student in any course that forms part of that program (see our [Academic Progress Procedure]).
Applications for non-award study must be submitted at least 15 working days before the published course commencement date. Non-award enrolment applications will be assessed, and students will be notified of the outcome via email within 10 working days of application submission.
Non-award students will:
- incur tuition fees and Student Services and Amenities Fees but will not be eligible for Commonwealth support
- complete all assessment items, including examinations, be awarded a grade on completion, and be eligible for an academic transcript
- be provided with an Adelaide University email and access to information technology resources and library facilities for the duration of the relevant study period.
7. When a student needs to amend their enrolment after a census date
If a student is not able to withdraw from a course until after the relevant census date, they may be eligible for an amended enrolment under certain circumstances. To be eligible under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, these circumstances apply if and only if we are satisfied that circumstances apply to the student that:
1. Are beyond the student’s control; and
2. Did not make their full impact on the student until on or after the census date for the course(s) in question; and
3. Made it impracticable for the student to complete the requirements for the course(s) in the period during which the student undertook, or was to undertake them.
7.1 Applying for an amended enrolment
A student who meets the criteria above may apply for an Amendment to Enrolment and Fees through our [website].
Applications must be submitted no more than 12 months from the date the course(s) were withdrawn from, or within 12 months from the last day of a deferred examination.
Students will be informed of the outcome of their application via email within 20 working days of submission.
7.2 Refunding fees
If an application is successful Adelaide University will do one of the following for the relevant course(s):
- repay any tuition fees paid
- repay any student contribution paid up-front
- arrange for remission of any HECS-HELP debt incurred
- re-credit any FEE-HELP balance consumed
- hold a commencing international student’s first tuition payment on their account, as detailed in the refund conditions provided with the offer of admission.
We will determine which of the above options is applicable and process within 20 working days of receiving an application.
Student Services and Amenities Fees will not be refunded.
7.3 Ineligibility for an amended enrolment
Students will not be eligible for an amended enrolment if they:
- have completed their program
- have passed the course
- have had academic misconduct recorded for the relative course(s) due to a breach under the Academic Integrity Policy
- have missed the 12-month deadline for submission
- do not provide supporting documentation in their application
- are still enrolled in the course(s) for which they are applying.
8. Leave of absence for domestic students and international students not holding a student visa
Students who have received a passing grade in at least one course and have no restrictions on their enrolment may apply for a leave of absence during the following academic year.
Students may apply for a 6-month or 12-month leave of absence at any time during the year for which the leave is being requested. Students will be notified of the outcome of their application via email within 20 working days.
Students may apply for subsequent leave of absence periods with approval at the discretion of the [Program Coordinator].
Students on leave of absence will not have access to Adelaide University information technology or library services but will retain access to their student email. Adelaide University policies governing access to email accounts will continue to apply.
Any period of leave of absence will contribute towards the maximum time allowed to complete the student’s program.
9. Leave of absence for international students on a student visa
Students who provide demonstrable evidence of Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances, as defined in the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018, may apply for up to 6-months leave of absence.
Issues such as homesickness or difficulty in adjusting to living in Australia do not constitute compassionate or compelling circumstances.
Students seeking a leave of absence must submit a leave of absence form before the last day to enrol in the study period for which the leave of absence is requested.
Confirmation of receipt of the application will be sent to the student via email.
Leave of absence applications will be assessed by the appropriate staff member. Students will be notified of their application outcome via email within 10 working days.
A leave of absence may result in the cancellation of a student’s CoE, which may affect their student visa.
International students enrolled in a program that requires registration with a registration body must maintain their registration while on leave of absence.
Students on leave of absence will not have access to Adelaide University information technology or library services but will retain their Adelaide University email account. Adelaide University policies governing that access to email accounts will continue to apply.
Any period of leave of absence will contribute towards the maximum completion duration for the student’s program.
10. Withdrawal from programs and courses
10.1 When a student wants to withdraw themself
We publish current key dates for course withdrawals, including fee and grade implications.
Domestic and international students are responsible for withdrawing from courses through the student system.
10.2 When we will withdraw a commencing domestic student
A commencing domestic student may have their initial enrolment withdrawn on the census date of their first study period if they fail to engage with their studies. Engagement is determined by an analysis of online participation with course content and a lack of response to phone and email communications from Adelaide University staff.
10.3 When we deem a domestic or non-student visa holder to have withdrawn from a program
Domestic students and international students not holding a student visa are deemed to have withdrawn from their program if they are neither enrolled nor on a leave of absence for a full academic year.
If the student wishes to return to their program they can:
- request re-admission within 12 months, which is approved by the [Program Director]. In this case the student may be re-admitted, refused, or retrospectively granted leave provided they are not prohibited from enrolment under another policy or procedure
- re-apply to be admitted into the program.
10.4 When we deem an international student visa holder to have withdrawn from their program
An international student visa holder is deemed to have withdrawn from their program if they are neither enrolled nor on an approved leave of absence in any compulsory study period.
The student’s CoE will be cancelled which may affect their student visa.
If the student wishes to return to their program, they must re-apply for admission for the next available intake.
11. Cancellation of enrolment in programs requiring professional registration
Adelaide University will cancel enrolment for a student who is unable to, or ceases to, hold a required professional registration and will inform the student via email of the intention to cancel the enrolment, the reason for the cancellation, and the student’s right of appeal.
12. Requirements for international students on a student visa
In accordance with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000: National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 (the National Code), international students in Australia on a student visa must:
- enrol in accordance with the program schedule or individualised study plan that allows them to complete their program within the expected duration specified on their CoE. Adelaide University will cancel the CoE of an international student visa holder who does not meet this requirement, which may affect their student visa.
- enrol in at least one face-to-face course in each compulsory study period, unless completing the final course in their program and the course is only available in online mode. Adelaide University will cancel the CoE of an international student visa holder who does not meet this requirement, which may affect their student visa.
- enrol in no more than one-third of their total enrolment load online. Adelaide University will cancel the CoE of an international student visa holder who exceeds this limit, which may affect their student visa.
- advise Adelaide University of their current residential address and contact details within 7 calendar days of arriving in Australia, and within 7 calendar days of any change. Adelaide University may cancel the CoE of an international student visa holder who does not meet this requirement, which may affect their student visa.
12.1 When an international student visa holder needs longer to complete their program
An international student visa holder can apply to Adelaide University to extend the expected duration of their program only on the grounds of one or more of the following:
- demonstrable evidence of Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances, as defined in the National Code, which may lead to an approved reduction in study load
- an outcome of academic review
- having failed a course or courses that must be retaken to complete their program
- an approved leave of absence.
If a program duration extension is approved Adelaide University will issue the student a new CoE and notify the Australian Government of the variation.
We may cancel a student’s CoE or refuse to issue a new CoE if the student is refused a student visa, their visa is cancelled, or they have overstayed their previous visa duration.
13. Withdrawal by Adelaide University
Adelaide University may administratively withdraw a student from a program or course for any of the following reasons:
- the outcome of an academic progress review process
- a serious breach of a relevant Adelaide University policy or procedure
- cancellation of a course due to low enrolment or insufficient resourcing
- to protect a student from financial or academic consequences when they are prevented from withdrawing on or before a key enrolment date due to a serious medical condition, death or other circumstance as deemed by Adelaide University
- exceeding the maximum enrolment load without obtaining approval
- student visa holders, exceeded online enrolment limits, either in a given study period or overall, as per the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000: National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
- failure to comply with enrolment requirements, or to meet eligibility requirements for a Commonwealth supported place as specified in the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth).
If an international student visa holder withdraws from, or is administratively withdrawn from, all courses in which the student is enrolled, Adelaide University will notify the Australian Government of the withdrawal as required by law. Adelaide University will cancel the CoE which may affect their student visa.
14. Exceeding a standard full-time load
A coursework student who has completed at least 18 units of study with a GPA of 5.0 or higher and who wishes to exceed a full-time load must obtain approval from their [Program Coordinator]. Approval is required to enrol in more than 24 units in a single study period, or more than 12 units in a single summer or winter teaching period.
Students seeking to exceed a standard full-time load must submit a request to Adelaide University via the student system, outlining their reasons for the request and how they plan to manage their workload.
Adelaide University will inform students of the outcome of their application via email within 10 working days of the application being submitted.
15. Appeals
Students who believe they have received an incorrect enrolment outcome because Adelaide University has not correctly followed this procedure can appeal under our [Student Complaints Policy].
Definitions used in our procedure
Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.
Assumed knowledge means knowledge that it is assumed a student will have before commencing a course, which is not necessarily obtained through the completion of another course, for example proficiency with a software package, a SCUBA diving license, or holding a White Card. Teaching in the course will take place on the assumption that students enrolled in the course have that knowledge.
Commonwealth Supported Student means a student who is eligible for, and is enrolled into, a Commonwealth supported place. Commonwealth Supported Students pay a student contribution amount towards the cost of their program, and a Student Services and Amenities Fee.
Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances means circumstances for holders of international student visas are those beyond the control of the student and have an impact on the student’s academic progress or wellbeing. Examples include:
a. Serious illness or injury supported by a medical certificate.
b. Bereavement of close family members such as a parent or grandparent. A death certificate should be provided, where possible.
c. Major political upheaval or natural disaster in the home country requiring emergency travel, which has impacted on the student’s studies.
d. Adelaide University is unable to offer a prerequisite course.
e. Inability to begin studying on the program’s commencement date due to a delay in receiving a student visa.
f. A traumatic experience, supported by police or a psychologist statement, such as involvement in, or witnessing a serious accident, or witnessing or being the victim of a serious crime.
Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) means an official document issued by Adelaide University to international students to confirm enrolment status as required by the Australian Government for student visa holders.
Cross-institutional study means where a student undertaking a program at an institution is permitted to enrol in individual courses at another institution and count these towards their program.
Email means sending and/or receiving correspondence via an official Adelaide University email address for current staff and students. For prospective students or other individuals, email means the email address provided to Adelaide University as part of an application for admission, or via any other correspondence.
Exchange means study undertaken under a formal agreement between Adelaide University and an overseas provider.
First tuition payment means the money that international students pay towards their tuition to accept their offer of admission to Adelaide University.
Higher Education Loans Program (HELP) means an Australian Government loan program to help eligible students pay their student contributions (HECS-HELP), tuition fees (FEE-HELP), overseas study expenses (OS-HELP) and their Student Services and Amenities Fee (SA-HELP). These loans are repaid through the Australian Taxation System.
Leave of Absence means a time period during which Adelaide University permits a student to remain unenrolled from courses but retain their place in a program.
Non-award enrolment means enrolment in courses that do not count toward a conferred program.
Prerequisite means a course that must be successfully completed before enrolling in another course.
Student means a person enrolled in an Enabling Program, award or non-award coursework study, a research program, or a short course or microcredential at Adelaide University.
Student Services and Amenities Fee means a fee charged to students for student services and non-academic amenities, such as sporting and recreational activities, employment and career advice, childcare, financial advice and food services in accordance with Higher Education Support Act 2003.
Study abroad program means a program through which an overseas student can study at Adelaide University while the student’s home provider either does not have an exchange agreement with Adelaide University or has an agreement, but all Adelaide University places provided under the agreement are already allocated.
Tuition fee means a fee charged for a course or program of study offered by Adelaide University. Tuition fee includes non-award fees, international student fees, offshore student fees, cross-institutional fees for students who are not Commonwealth supported, fees for domestic research degree students who exceed their funded time, fees for domestic students in fee-paying places, but does not include the student contribution amount or other fees related to incidental costs.
Working days are the weekdays from Monday to Friday inclusive, excluding public holidays.
How our procedure is governed
This Procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.
Parent policy | |
Policy category | Academic |
Approving authority | co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President |
Policy owner | Deputy Vice Chancellor Student Experience & Success |
Responsible officer | [Title] |
Effective from | 24 July 2025 |
Review date | [3/4/5 years after date this version is approved, TBC] |
Enquiries | Interim Central Policy Unit/[Central Policy Unit] |
Replaced documents | None |
Legislation and other documents related to this procedure
Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards) 2021 1.1 Admission 2.4 Student Grievances and Complaints 7.2 Information for Prospective and Current Students |
National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 Standard 2: Recruitment of an overseas student Standard 3: Formalisation of enrolment and written agreements Standard 8: Overseas student visa requirements |
History of changes
Date approved | To section/clauses | Description of change |
24 July 2025 | All sections | Procedure reviewed to reflect business process. Section 7 added. |
Note on structures, positions and position titles:
At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees, or any other unknown item etc. for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose such information in this procedure until confirmed.