Full-Time/ Part-Time Study & Enrolment Loads for International Students

International Students studying on Student Visas are expected to enrol in a study load that will enable them to complete in the registered duration of their course as specified on their Confirmation of Enrolment (COE). This generally means students need to enrol in 60 Credit Points per semester or a 100% load. In addition, students must not exceed 25% of their course in Off-Campus Units and must always be in at least one On-Campus Unit.

Here is an example to help explain... a student is issued a COE (Confirmation of Enrolment) for 3 years to undertake a Bachelor of Business. This COE enables the student to be granted a 3 year visa by the Department of Immigration and Citizenship [DIAC] so the student can come to Australia to study. If the student does not enrol in 100% load (60 Credit Points per semester) they are unlikely to complete their course in 3 years and may require a visa extension. Should this be necessary the student will require an extension COE to obtain their new Visa from DIAC. Education providers are restricted from issuing a new COE, except in limited circumstances.     

Students are free to manage their load and select units as appropriate and some courses have summer school units providing addional options for students.

However, Students MUST seek approval for a reduced study load where they are likely to exceed their course duration. This will ensure they are eligible for an extension COE.

Approval for a reduced study load can be granted for students at risk of not meeting satisfactory course progress requirements or where compassionate or compelling circumstances apply.

Enrolment Loads for International Students

The Policy is available by clicking this link Enrolment Load for International Students Policy

A summary of the main rules follows:

1. Students must enrol in a study load that will enable course completion in the registered duration as specified on their COE. In most cases, this will be 60 credit points of study per semester.
2. Any reduction in study load that leads to a student being unable to complete their in the duration of their COE MUST be approved by ECU International and recorded on their student record. 
3. Student are permitted to enrol in Off-Campus units according to the following guidelines:
   • They must be enrolled in at least one (1) on-campus unit in each of the semester 1 and 2 study periods; and
   • the total proportion of off-campus units enrolled in during their course must not exceed 25% of the total Credit Points required for course completion.

There are only limited circumstances in which the University can issue a new COE so students can extend their Student Visas. These circumstances are:

• Compassionate and compelling circumstances (for example illness where a medical certificate states that you were unable to attend classes; where ECU was unable to offer a pre-requisite unit; failure of a small number of units)
• ECU implementing an Intervention Strategy for students who are at risk of not meeting satisfactory course progress requirements
• An approved deferment or suspension of study

Students not enrolled as per the Policy must take the following Action:

Reduced Load

• Students must select sufficient Units to enable course completion in its registered duration OR
• Students must seek approval for a reduced load

Off-Campus Units

• If a student has selected entirely Off-Campus Units they must select at least 1 On-Campus Unit

NOTE: Students that have left Australia and are now studying offshore must immediately advise ECU so their record can be updated

• Students who have reached the 25% Off-Campus unit maximum limit must enrol in entirely On-Campus Units. If this is not possible they should seek immediate assistance from an International Student Adviser

International Student Advisers are available on each campus to approve requests for study load reductions. In addition, they can offer valuable general advice and assistance. To request a reduced study load or make an appointment please email iss@ecu.edu.au or call ECUI Reception on 6304 2120

ESOS Information :: Course related Information :: Study & Enrolment Loads :: Achieving Satisfactory Course Progress :: Advanced Standing / Course Credit :: Changing Education Providers