Leave of absence
Leave of absence is usually offered for either six months or one year and is available to most students who have been enrolled in their program at RMIT (continuing students).
Commencing (new) students who have not yet enrolled in courses in their program can defer study rather than taking leave of absence.
How to apply
To take leave of absence from your program you need to complete an Application for leave of absence form (PDF 141kb 3p) (also available at the Hub) and gain approval from the school that administers your program prior to the enrolment deadline.
You cannot apply for leave of absence through Enrolment Online.
If you have not yet enrolled for the academic year you can apply for leave of absence without enrolling before the end of the enrolment period.
If you have enrolled for the academic year your deadline for confirming an approved leave of absence is the census date.
Details of the enrolment periods are included in your enrolment notification, your student diary and online. See Important dates for students or check the TAFE and higher education census dates websites.
Domestic higher education students
Please check your enrolment notification for your enrolment deadline.
If you do not enrol in classes and do not apply for leave of absence before the deadline you will lose your place in your program. To then continue with your studies you need to apply for late enrolment. This applies if you are enrolling into a new academic year and if you are due to return from leave of absence.
International onshore students
You can only apply for leave of absence in compassionate or compelling circumstances. You should speak to staff at Info Corner if you need more information.
While on leave — stay connected
The University may need to contact you during your leave with important information.
It is important that you continue to check your RMIT student email account and keep on the University’s records.
While on leave of absence you will retain your student card.
Returning from leave
Once your leave of absence period ends you are required to enrol for your next term of study by the relevant enrolment deadline for that semester or you may lose your place in your program. You will be advised by mail of the enrolment process prior to the enrolment period for that semester.