A student is only allowed to defer commencement or suspend studies of a course on grounds of illness, evidenced by a doctor's certificate, or other exceptional compassionate circumstances beyond the control of the student, for example, bereavement (NC 38)
Where a student defers commencement or suspends studies on any other grounds, the provider must report the student to DIMIA via PRISMS, as not complying with visa conditions (NC 38)
B. Guidelines
The National Code lays down strict requirements concerning the basis for approving intermission and deferment of study.
This means that authorized faculty staff can only approve LOA/intermission on these grounds. Where the grounds are illness or severe personal circumstance, this must be certified by a medical practitioner or registered psychologist
Intermission can be approved upon application without documentation in circumstances of the death of a close family member. However, a death certificate must be provided to the Faculty at a later stage (and can be faxed from overseas)
Where circumstances arise that are not 'exceptional compassionate' 'beyond the control of the student' and a student is required to withdraw from their course of study with faculty approval, Monash University may:
Offer the student guaranteed re-admission to the course for a maximum period of 12 months.
A longer period may be negotiated with individual faculties.
Students wishing to continue study in the course will be required to re-apply for admission.
Approve intermission on the grounds of exceptional compassionate circumstances only
Provide the student with a letter confirming the decision including the basis upon which approval has been granted and the date the decision is to take effect
Send a copy of the decision letter with full documentation to the student's file;
Advise Monash International of the reasons for the decision so that a general statement eg 'compassionate arising from medical circumstance' can be made in the Comments section of the PRISMS report
Record the outcome on Callista;
Ensure the student has obtained advice from Monash International concerning the visa implications of their leave application (verified by Monash International stamp on Intermission application)
2. Client Services
Provide advice to students about the visa implications of intermission
Stamp the Intermission application form to show that the student has approached the office for advice
ESOS Reporting Officer will, through PRISMS, advise DIMIA of the grant of intermission
3. Monash International Pty Ltd
Approve intermission on the grounds of exceptional compassionate circumstances only
Provide the student with a letter confirming the decision including the basis upon which approval has been granted and the date the decision is to take effect
Send a copy of the decision letter with full documentation to the student's file;
Provide advice to students about the visa implications of intermission
ESOS Reporting Officer will, through PRISMS, advise DIMIA of the grant of intermission
