This policy addresses the procedures that Imperial will follow in deferring, suspending or cancelling a student’s enrolment. The policy also covers student access to the complaints’ and appeals’ procedure if Imperial initiates a suspension or cancellation of enrolment.
This policy/procedure supports “Standard 9” of the National Code 2018 and SRTO’s 5.2. The following procedures will ensure Imperial follows the required process when a student wishes to defer, suspend, or cancel their enrolment with Imperial.
Students are able to initiate deferral or suspension of their studies only in certain limited circumstances as described below.
Students may also have their enrolment suspended due to misbehaviours which can also be grounds for cancellation of studies.
Students have the right to complaint and appeal a decision by Imperial to defer, suspend or cancel their studies.
Imperial may suspend or cancel a student’s enrolment including, but not limited to, on the basis of:
Imperial will not authorise and report a deferment or suspension retrospectively unless there are unusual circumstances. This may include medical emergencies or any compelling and compassionate circumstances.
A student wishing to defer an enrolment must do so prior to the commencement of the course. Students must complete an ‘Application to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment’ and submit to the Student Admissions Department.
All application for deferral documentation will be kept on the students file and DHA shall be notified via PRISMS of the decision to defer the enrolment under section 19 of the ESOS Act.
Imperial is only able to temporarily suspend the enrolment of the student on the grounds of compassionate or compelling circumstances.
Those beyond the control of the student and they have an impact on the student’s capacity and/or ability to progress through a course. These could include:
Students will be required to complete an ‘Application to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment’ in and submit to the Student Admissions. Students will also be required to provide evidence of the compassionate or compelling circumstances in their application. (i.e. a medical certificate or police report, etc.)
Students who would like to defer/suspend their studies must first speak to a staff member in the Student Admissions to gain an application form and to ensure they understand the reasons that deferment may be granted. An ‘Application to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment’ form must be completed which will need to be approved by the CEO. This application to defer must include in detail the ‘compassionate or compelling circumstances’.
Where a suspension of enrolment is granted, Imperial will suspend an enrolment for an agreed period of time – to a maximum of 12 months. If the suspension is required for longer than 12 months the student shall have to re-apply once the initial suspension period has expired.
DHA’s policy is that if a student’s enrolment is suspended for a period of 28 days or longer, the student must return home (unless special circumstances exist). Please refer all questions about whether students may remain in Australia during a period of suspension of enrolment to DHA.
Students are to be informed in writing of the outcome of their application for deferral, suspension or cancellation and informed the need to seek advice from Immigration on the potential impact on his or her student visa.
All application documentation for the suspension will be kept on the students file and DHA shall be notified via PRISMS of the decision to suspend the enrolment as a result of the student’s request change to the overseas student’s enrolment under section 19 of the ESOS Act.
Students wishing to cancel their enrolment must complete an ‘Application to defer, suspend or cancel enrolment’ and submit to the Student Admissions.
Students wishing to cancel their enrolment prior to completing 6 months of study in their principle course must provide letter of offer from an alternative provider. This is required under Standard 7 of the National Code and further information can be gained from the ‘Transfer between Providers Policy/Procedure’.
All application documentation for the cancellation will be kept on the students file and DHA shall be notified via PRISMS of the decision to cancel the enrolment as a result of the student’s request change to the overseas student’s enrolment under section 19 of the ESOS Act.
Imperial can choose to suspend a student’s enrolment as long as it is in accordance with its documented procedures. Imperial informs the students, prior to enrolment, of the grounds on which their enrolment may be suspended or cancelled.
Imperial considers following actions by student as misbehaviour:
In some cases where the student’s misconduct is severe, Imperial has the right to cancel the enrolment.
Where CEO has decided the misconduct is severe enough for cancellation the following must occur: