'Course withdrawal' refers to you permanently withdrawing from your entire course at VU. If you decide to resume your studies in that course in the future, you would need to reapply.

Withdrawing from a course is not a decision to be made lightly. We encourage you to discuss your options with a student advisor or other support services before you withdraw.

Alternatives to withdrawal

Support Services can offer a range of alternatives to withdrawing from your course.

There are several options that may help you to remain enrolled at VU:

Deadlines for withdrawal

To avoid financial and/or academic penalties, you need to withdraw by the published census date deadlines for the relevant study period.

If you have paid your fees in full and you are withdrawing from the course by the relevant census date, you may be eligible for a refund.

You can contact VUHQ if you need additional course information or don’t know which census date applies to you.

Domestic student withdrawal

If you are withdrawing from a Certificate I-IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or VE Graduate Certificate, you need to:

  • request a printed Course/Unit Withdrawal form from VUHQ which lists all enrolled units in current and future study periods for the current academic year
  • have the form validated against your withdrawal date by administrative staff in the relevant Victoria University Polytechnic Centre.

The withdrawal will not be processed until staff have done all of the following:

  • entered the withdrawal and participation dates
  • indicated fee liability for material fees
  • approved and signed off on the course/unit withdrawal.

Finalise your withdrawal by completing these steps:

  • sign the completed form
  • check that relevant details on the form are correct
  • submit the form in person to VUHQ, or email it to us via ASKVU.

Domestic Higher Education students in award courses can withdraw online through MyVU.

Not yet enrolled?

If you have received an offer from VU, but would prefer to start your course at a later date, you can apply for a course deferral.

Depending on the course discipline, you have the option to defer your course for six or 12 months (maximum).

Students enrolled in a Research program can't withdraw from the course online via MYVU.

You need to:

International student withdrawal

International students on a student visa need to comply with visa condition 8202. This condition requires students to stay enrolled in a CRICOS-registered course.

Once your course withdrawal has been approved and processed, your CoE will be cancelled and VU will notify the Department of Home Affairs of the change in your enrolment. You must leave Australia within 28 days of your CoE cancellation.

If you are withdrawing from the course by the relevant census date or have paid fees in advance, you may be eligible for a refund. For more information on refunds, check out the International Refunds Policy.

It is important that students understand that a course withdrawal is not considered a release. Find out more about Release - Transferring to another provider if you are intending to leave VU and study at another institution.

Visa enquiries

For all visa enquiries, please contact:

If you are withdrawing from a Certificate I-IV, Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or VE Graduate Certificate, you need:

  • A printed (TAFE) Course/Unit Withdrawal form from VUHQ, which lists all enrolled units in current and future study periods for the current academic year.

Your withdrawal will not be processed until staff have done all of the following:

  • entered the withdrawal and participation dates
  • indicted fee liability for material fees
  • approved and signed off on the course/unit withdrawal.

To submit your withdrawal, make sure you take the following steps:

  • complete and sign the (TAFE) Course/Unit Withdrawal
  • check that relevant details on the form are correct
  • submit the form in person at VUHQ, or by email via ASKVU.

If you are withdrawing from a Higher Education course, you need to:

Students (other than research students) withdrawing from Higher Education award courses do not require approval from the College.

Students enrolled in a Research program can't withdraw from the course online via MYVU.

You need to: