Postgrad Studies
Discontinuing your Study
How to discontinue
Current students who have been enrolled at Macquarie University but are thinking of discontinuing (stopping) their studies for a Session, a year or several years will need to withdraw from all units as soon as possible. Please refer to our Withdrawing from Unit(s) of Study page for more information.
Other than withdrawing from all your unit(s) prior to the relevant Census Dates you are not required to notify Macquarie University in any other way. However, if you are enrolled in units involving practical placements or research units, it is courteous to advise your unit convenor of your decision to withdraw.
How long can you discontinue for? How can you resume studies later?
The following student categories will help you to determine how long you can discontinue your studies for, and the appropriate steps to follow (where necessary) to resume your studies.
Category A: Students who have already obtained a grade(s)
Current students who have obtained a recorded grade including ‘W’ grades (withdrawn without academic penalty), in at least one unit in their course are able to take one Session of leave without completing any additional forms. For example, if you wish to take a Session or two off, simply do not enrol for Session 1 and enrol yourself for Session 2 via eStudent.
If you wish to take more than two consecutive Sessions of leave, you will need to re-apply for admission to your course when you are ready to return to study. You can do this by applying direct to the University using the re-admission application form, so long as your course continues to be offered.
Note that you will be re-admitted to the version of the course that is offered at the time you re-apply. This may mean you need to complete different units than those that were required when you first enrolled. The University does not guarantee the continued availability of a particular courses or unit of study from year to year and you will be required to pay the current fee rate applicable in the year of re-admission.
Please ensure that you submit your application on time. Applications can close a few months before the start of Session so please keep this in mind. For more information you may refer to our How to Apply and Enrol page.
Category B: Students that withdrew from ALL units in their first Session of study
If it is your first Session of study at Macquarie University and you formally withdraw from ALL your units by the relevant Census date(s) then you will be classified as having been “Early Withdrawn” from your entire course (i.e. not effectively enrolled at Macquarie University).
If you wish to commence your study, you would need to submit a new application for the course you previously received an offer for. Please review the application procedure when you wish to commence your studies, paying careful attention to the application closing dates. For more information you may refer to our How to Apply and Enrol page.
Category C – International Full-Fee Paying Students
If you are a full-fee paying International Student, you must contact the International Office at Macquarie University for advice on returning to your course.
Phone (02) 9850 6320 or www.international.mq.edu.au or email iso@mq.edu.au.