Life can get busy, unpredictable or overwhelming. If you need a break, you can apply for a leave of absence.
This lets you pause your course for one session while keeping your place at Charles Sturt. You can apply for a maximum of four sessions leave of absence in a four-year period.
International onshore student: taking a leave of absence might affect your student visa. It’s your responsibility to check this with the Department of Home Affairs.
Taking a break can help you look after your wellbeing, stay on track, or explore new opportunities. Here are some common reasons you might want to take a leave of absence:
Understanding your situation helps us guide you to the right support.
These support options are here to help you stay connected during your time away and make your return to study smoother.
If you're not sure where to start, Student Central can connect you with the right support.
Taking a break from study can give you time and space to explore what’s next.
Internships, placements or industry experience can help you build skills and confidence. You’ll get a feel for the work and whether it’s the right fit for you.
Want a change of scenery? An international exchange lets you keep studying while exploring a new culture, meeting new people and gaining life experience. It’s a great way to reset and come back with fresh energy.
If your goals have shifted, you can look into changing your course, transferring to a different degree or even graduating with a lower award.
Read how one student changed degrees to pursue their passion.
The Careers and Skills Hub can help you explore your options and plan your next steps. They offer resources, workshops and one-on-one appointments.
Feeling overwhelmed? You don’t have to take a full break. Studying part-time could give you more balance while staying on track.
Charles Sturt offers free academic skills support to help you build confidence, manage study more easily, and find a way forward that works for you. Sometimes a small reset in how you study can make a big difference.
We have lots of resources online that can help you with things like:
We also run workshops to help you develop your study skills at university.
Whether you’re trying to get back on track or deciding what your next step looks like, a one-on-one chat can help you make an informed choice.
If your health, wellbeing or personal life is affecting your study, you're not alone. There’s support to help you through.
They’re your first stop for personal or study-related concerns. The team offers free, confidential support and can connect you with counselling or other services.
You can also access 24/7 mental health support through our call and text line.
Find tools and programs to support mental health, healthy habits, relationships, stress and managing student/life balance.
Starting uni or studying online can feel lonely at times. You can connect with others through:
There are plenty of ways to meet others and feel more connected.
Read how support and wellbeing helped one student find their feet at uni.
If money stress is affecting your study, you're not alone. There’s support to help you manage.
Each year, Charles Sturt offers over $10 million in scholarships and grants. Many are for students facing financial hardship—so it’s worth applying, even if you're unsure you’ll be eligible.
In an emergency? You may be eligible for the Student Emergency Equity Grant if you're dealing with sudden and significant hardship.
Explore scholarships for financial hardship
The Student Food Pantry offers free pantry staples and essentials at some campuses. It’s a practical way to ease cost-of-living pressure
Depending on your enrolment, you may be able to defer your tuition fees through HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
If you’re under pressure, switching to part-time study or reducing your subjects can help you balance work and uni.
The final date to lodge your application for leave is 12am (midnight) on the census date for the relevant session.
You only need to apply for Session 3 leave if your Course Director expects you to study in that session or your course includes mandatory Session 3 subjects.
If you've commenced your study and are not in your first session, and you need to take a break, you may be eligible to apply for a leave of absence.
If you’re a new student and unable to start your studies, you’re not able to take a leave of absence, you’ll need to defer.
If you're only enrolled in a year-long subject and wish to apply for leave, you’ll need to submit your request in writing to your faculty for approval. Please contact your faculty, or email Student Central.
If you’re an international onshore student, you'll need to read and submit a Leave of Absence (Temporary Visa holders) form. You will need to provide evidence for your request (e.g. a medical certificate or a statutory declaration). Until your leave of absence is approved you must continue your studies.
For more information, read about Leave of Absence in the Enrolment and Fees Policy.
A leave of absence covers one session or term only. You need to submit a separate leave request for each compulsory session you want to take leave for.
You may apply for a maximum of four sessions leave of absence in a four-year period.
We understand that extenuating circumstances can occur. If you need to apply for additional leave, you must meet the requirements stated in the Enrolment and Fees Procedure.
Apply for a leave of absence that exceeds the maximum leave allowance
If your application does not exceed the maximum time allowed, it will generally be automatically approved.
If leave of absence is approved, your enrolment for that session will be deleted and replaced with a leave of absence. You should allow 21 days for processing and then check your online transcript for confirmation.
To take a break, submit the online form and upload any required documents. Don’t stop studying until you get confirmation.