Deferring your exams: What you need to know

The MGA team wishes you all the best with your upcoming exams!

Published Date 30/10/2024

While we all want to get exams out of the way sooner rather than later, sometimes life gets in the way. Below is some important information and what to do if you need to defer.

If you are feeling unwell on the day, don’t sit for your exam.

You don’t have to sit the exam if you’re sick – in fact, you shouldn’t! The same goes for other problems or emergencies that may befall you at the last minute. You may be eligible to complete your final assessment at a later date if such situations arise at the eleventh hour.

Reasons for deferral may include:

• medical condition (including COVID-19)

• mental health condition

• loss or bereavement

• family (relationship breakdown)

• victim of crime or concerns about safety

• financial/employment issues

• military, jury or emergency services obligations

• obligations as athlete, artist or performer registered with Elite Student Performer Scheme or as representative of University in other key events and programs

• carer responsibilities

• religious or cultural obligations

• technical disruption

• other exceptional circumstances beyond your control.

However, other issues like minor technical issues or mistakes (such as getting the time or location of your assessment wrong) will not be considered under the eligibility criteria. 

Make sure to collect supporting evidence (such as a doctor’s certificate), and apply before 11:55pm on the set date. You can find out more about applying for a deferral here.

In the event that you fall sick during the time of your assessment, it is advised that you contact staff on site or exam support immediately as laid out here. You may be able to apply for a deferral before 11:55pm the same day of your assessment; however, this is not guaranteed and it is advised that you do not sit the exam at all if you are sick on the day.

You can also apply for a rescheduled deferred assessment.

If you’ve already deferred your exam but still need more time, you may be eligible to apply for a rescheduled deferred assessment even later. Please note, the eligibility criteria for this is much stricter. In most cases, you will need to prove that an ongoing or extreme circumstance has occurred.

Applications for this must also be completed within 90 calendar days of the results release for the original assessment period.
Again, be sure to apply before 11:55pm on its set date. You can read more about rescheduling a deferred assessment here.

Do you have more questions?

If you are unsure about your eligibility for a deferred assessment, or have problems  with your exams this year, touch base with us at mga-advocay@monash.edu.