Withdrawing from a course

If you haven’t chosen the right course or degree it's okay – sometimes things don’t work out in the way you thought they would.

If you're doing a course you don't enjoy or can't see the point of, it is time to take action by using some of the strategies below:

• See your lecturer/tutor to find out if the material you have found difficult or uninspiring is typical of the course. Maybe the course is going to turn a corner and become much more suitable for you shortly or they may be able to explain troublesome material and get you back on top of the course
• Some things take persistence - perhaps putting a bit more time and effort in will help you feel more positive about it
• If personal circumstances are impacting on your studies then consider accessing the Advisory Service. Student Advisors can help you find assistance with academic, financial and personal matters.
• If you think there is very little chance that you will enjoy OR pass the course, it may be best to withdraw from it. See the coordinator of your study program to find out what impact withdrawal from the course would have (e.g. is it a pre-requisite for later subjects?)
• If you decide to withdraw try to do so before the Census Date in each semester (31 March or 31 August), otherwise you will have to pay the course fees, whether you complete it or not.
• If you miss withdrawing before the Census Date at least try to withdraw before the 'Withdraw No Fail' (WNF) date. A WNF does not affect your Grade Point Average (GPA), so there will be no academic consequences if you withdraw by the WNF date, although financially you will still be liable to pay the course fees (please refer to critical dates for more information).

If you'd like to chat about your options for transfer or mid-year entry into a new program etc (either before or after you see your Faculty), the Office For Future Student is able to help. Contact the office on (08) 8313 6447 or drop in at Level 6, Hughes Building.