International Students

• Why La Trobe
• Courses and research
• Apply and accept
• Fees, scholarships & US Financial Aid
• Predeparture and arrival
• Accommodation & life in Australia
• Education Abroad programs
• International student services
  • Programs and activities
  • Support services
  • Leaving La Trobe
    • Ready Set Go!
    • Results, transcripts and graduation
    • Withdrawal and intermission
    • Returning home checklist
    • Packing up
    • Alumni
    • Tax, superannuation and bank accounts
    • Visas
  • ESOS Compliance
• Contact La Trobe International

Withdrawal (Discontinuation of Enrolment)

Course withdrawal is also known as discontinuation of enrolment. It is important that you are certain of your decision, as after you withdraw from a course, you are not longer an enrolled student at La Trobe.

Before you decide to discontinue studies, it is recommended that you discuss the matter with a Faculty Adviser of Studies. It is also advisable to consult with staff from the counselling and/or careers services.

Discussion with a Lecturer or an Adviser of Studies does not constitute official notification of an intention to discontinue studies. You must complete a Discontinuation of Enrolment Form available from your local Student Administration Office or Faculty Office. This form must be signed by LTI and then needs to be lodged at your Student Administration Office or Faculty Office.

Your student ID card must be handed in with the Discontinuation of Enrolment Form.

Intermission of enrolment (after commencement of course)

Before you decide to intermit studies, it is recommended that you discuss the matter with a Faculty Adviser of Studies and international students should consult a member of the International Student Services team at LTI. It is also advisable to consult with staff from the counselling and/or careers services.

Intermission may be granted in all undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and faculties set policies regarding the administration of this process.

Discussion with a Lecturer or an Adviser of Studies does not mean that you have officially notified the University of your intention to intermit studies. You must complete an Intermission of Studies Form available from your local Student Administration Office or Faculty Office. This form must be signed by LTI and then needs to be lodged at your Student Administration Office or Faculty Office.

Enquiries involving possible suspension of research and higher degree studies should be made directly to the Research and Graduate Studies Office.

Students cannot intermit their course enrolment to avoid the requirement to 'Show Cause' for unsatisfactory academic progress in a given academic year.

In the first instance all enquiries concerning intermission of enrolment should be directed to your Faculty Office or your local Student Administration Office.

Your student ID card must be handed in with the Intermission of Studies Form.

Changing your tertiary institution

• Transfer Request Assessment Policy (PDF 36KB)
• Release Request Application Form - 2010 (PDF 65KB)
  

If you have enrolled in your course at La Trobe University you must officially discontinue your studies. If you hold a student visa and have not yet enroled, you still require a Letter of Release during the first six months of your intended course before accepting an offer from another provider. If you discontinue your studies before your results are released, you will not receive results for any completed assessments, so you might consider waiting until after your results to change your university.

If you want to change universities within the first six months of your course (per the date on your eCOE) and you want to continue studying in Australia, you will need to apply for a Letter of Release from La Trobe International. To apply you need to complete a Request for a Letter of Release Form (you can get this from LTI), together with a letter explaining why you want to be released. If you have completed one full semester of study, but less than six months of your course, this is all LTI will require. Provide a letter of your Letter of Offer or eCOE (Conformation of Enrolment) from the institution you wish to attend, as well as any other evidence which supports your application. If you are under 18 years of age you will need the written consent of your parent or guardian and if you are a sponsored student we may require written permission from your sponsor to provide a Letter of Release. You are advised to continue to attend all scheduled classes, until a decision is made on your application. You will receive a response from the Director, La Trobe International, within 10 working days from the date of submission. If the Director agrees to you being released, you will need to complete a Discontinuation of Studies Form and have this approved by LTI and your Faculty. There is no fee charged for a Letter of Release.    

If you want to change universities after the first six months of your course, you do not need a Letter of Release from La Trobe University once you have completed the first six months of you course. You will need to complete a Discontinuation of Studies Form and have it approved by LTI and your faculty. 

Leaving La Trobe University 

Once we have approved your discontinuation or issued a Letter of Release we will report to DIAC that you are no longer studying a t La Trobe and you eCOE will be cancelled. It is your responsibility to ensure that DIAC are aware of your new education provider and of the course you have chosen. You are strongly advised to report to a DIAC office within 28 days of your cessation of studies at La Trobe University.

Commencing with a new education provider 

If you are granted a Letter of Release, you will need to provide it to your new education provider. Once they have issued you with a new eCOE you should take that into DIAC. If your new course is in a different subclass to your course at La Trobe University you may be required to apply for a student visa.