Deferring Courses: International Student Rights And Options

International students can defer their courses, but they must consider the pros and cons of doing so. The decision to defer is a huge one as it depends on a lot of factors and personal circumstances. Students may want to defer their courses due to serious illness or injury, or because of closed borders. Students are required to provide evidence to support their claims for deferral and should be aware of the possibility of having to extend their visas at the end of their course.

Student visa status

As an international student, you may be able to defer your course by taking a leave of absence or reduced load of study. However, this depends on the policies of your educational institution and your visa status.

In the United States, international students typically require an F or M visa to study. F-1 visas are for academic students, while M-1 visas are for vocational students. To maintain your F or M student status, you must attend all classes, maintain academic progress, and enrol in a full course of study each term. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of your student visa.

If you need to take a temporary break from your studies, it is important to consult with your Designated School Officials (DSO) and review the information provided by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You may be eligible for a reduced course load in limited circumstances, but this must be approved by your DSO.

In Australia, international students can take a leave of absence for up to six months. If the reason for the leave persists beyond six months, further discussion with an International Student Adviser is necessary. Educational providers in Australia may allow international students to study at a reduced load or put a deferral in place for compassionate or compelling reasons. During the period of deferral, students and their dependants are permitted to remain in Australia, and there are no restrictions on work hours.

Regardless of your location, it is essential to understand the specific visa requirements and regulations of your host country. Deferring your course or taking a leave of absence may have implications for your student visa status, and it is always best to seek official advice from your educational institution and relevant government sources.

Scholarship terms and conditions

As an international student, you may be eligible for a scholarship or financial aid to support your studies. Scholarship terms and conditions can vary depending on the institution and the specific scholarship programme. Here are some key points to consider regarding scholarship terms and conditions for international students:

Eligibility Criteria:

Eligibility criteria for scholarships can vary, but some common requirements include being an international student, demonstrating financial need, and meeting academic standards. Certain scholarships may have specific eligibility criteria, such as enrolling in a particular course or programme. For instance, the University of Bristol's International Scholarship requires applicants to have applied to any undergraduate course, excluding medicine, dentistry, and veterinary science.

Application Process:

Scholarships for international students typically involve a competitive application process. Institutions may require applicants to submit various documents, such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Deadlines for applications should be carefully noted, as late submissions may not be considered.

Scholarship Amount and Duration:

The value of scholarships can vary significantly, and they may cover tuition fees, living expenses, or both. Some scholarships are offered for a single year, while others may renew annually for the duration of your studies, provided you meet certain academic standards and other requirements.

Work Restrictions and Course Load:

International students receiving scholarships may have restrictions on the number of hours they are permitted to work. Additionally, maintaining a full-time course load is typically required to retain scholarship eligibility. Any changes to your course load must be approved by the scholarship provider to avoid affecting your scholarship status.

Deferral or Leave of Absence:

In certain circumstances, you may need to consider deferring your studies or taking a leave of absence. Scholarship providers may allow for such situations, especially when unforeseen and challenging circumstances arise. However, it is essential to consult with the scholarship provider and understand their specific policies on deferrals. Some providers may have restrictions on how long you can defer your scholarship.

Additional Requirements and Expectations:

Scholarship providers may have specific requirements and expectations that recipients must adhere to. This could include maintaining a minimum grade point average, participating in certain activities or events, or completing internships or research projects. Failure to meet these requirements may result in the cancellation or reduction of your scholarship.

It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any scholarship you are considering or have been awarded. Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a scholarship recipient will help ensure a smooth academic journey and allow you to make the most of the opportunity provided.

Work experience and finances

As an international student, you may be permitted to defer your course, but this will depend on the policies of your educational institution. If you are considering deferring your course, it is important to be aware of the potential impact on your work experience and finances.

Firstly, if you are granted a leave of absence or deferral, you will need to consider how you will support yourself financially during this period. You may need to budget for additional living expenses, especially if you plan to remain in your host country during the deferral. It is important to note that you may not be allowed to work or may have restricted working hours during the deferral period, depending on the regulations in your host country and the specific conditions of your student visa. Therefore, you may need to rely on savings or alternative sources of income to support yourself.

To prepare financially for a potential course deferral, it is advisable to explore funding opportunities in advance. In addition to entrance scholarships, there may be in-course awards that you can apply for during your studies. These awards can provide valuable financial support if you need to take a break from your studies. Additionally, if you are planning to work during your studies or during a leave of absence, you may need to obtain a Social Insurance Number (SIN) or an equivalent, depending on the country. For example, in Canada, a SIN is required if you plan to work for a Canadian employer or access Canadian government programs and benefits. You can apply for a SIN online, by mail, or in person at a Service Canada Centre, and it is recommended to do so as soon as you arrive in the country.

In terms of work experience, deferring your course may impact your ability to gain practical skills and build your resume. Employers often favour job candidates who were highly involved during their studies and worked while in school. Therefore, if you intend to work in the country of your studies after graduation, it is beneficial to gain relevant work experience beforehand. On-campus jobs and internships are excellent ways to build your resume and make professional connections. These opportunities can often be found through your university's career centre or international student office, which can also provide guidance on navigating the requirements of working in a foreign country.

Overall, when considering a course deferral as an international student, it is important to carefully assess your financial situation and explore potential sources of income. Additionally, be mindful of the potential impact on your work experience and employability, and proactively seek out opportunities to build your professional skills, even during any breaks from your studies.

Online learning

As an international student, you may be able to take a leave of absence or defer your course by taking time off your course. This can be done by applying for a leave of absence or deferral and having the application approved. If you are unsure whether taking time off is the best option or how it will affect your future studies, you can discuss your thoughts with an International Student Adviser.

For online learning, international students can enrol in online courses, but there are restrictions on how many online classes can count toward a full course of study. For example, only one online or distance learning class can count toward a full course of study for an F-1 student per term or semester. No online or distance learning classes may count toward an M-1 or ESL student's full course of study requirement.

If you are an international student studying through Open Universities Australia, you can apply for a leave of absence online. You may be able to delay the date you start your course for up to one academic year. If you have started studying but need to take some time off, you may be able to 'defer' if you’re a new student and you apply before the census date.

If you are still in your home country and have not enrolled, but have applied to a university via an agent, you should contact your agent to arrange a deferral. To apply for a leave of absence, you need to submit a form along with documents that support your reason for applying. The documents you need to give depend on your individual case. You must remain enrolled in your course and must continue to attend classes until the university approves your leave of absence.

University policies

Some universities, such as Queensland University of Technology, specify an email address for international students to request a deferral. Other universities may require students to apply for deferment through a different process, such as contacting the student secretariat or an international student adviser.

According to the National Code, registered providers must assess the deferral of commencement of study or suspension of study for international students in accordance with the provider's documented procedures for assessing and approving changes to enrolment. This means that if a university allows deferment, an international student can retain their student visa status and work up to 40 hours per fortnight and unlimited hours during school holidays.

Additionally, some universities may have restrictions on how long a course can be deferred, with students typically deferring for around 6-12 months. It is important to note that if a student is receiving a scholarship, deferring may result in the loss of that scholarship.

Frequently asked questions