“Staying on Track” identifies students who are not making good academic progression and provide them with support so they can pass in the future.

The University identifies students who are not meeting academic progress requirements under University and/or Faculty rules. There is detailed information for students on the uni website.

There are 4 stages and each time you hit an academic ‘at risk’ trigger you move along a stage – a stage closer to being excluded. Use being identified as ‘at risk’ as an incentive to make changes so you will pass everything from now on and do not move further along a stage. Get help early.

There are transitional arrangements for pre-2007. However, for most students the following will apply.

Postgraduates should contact SUPRA on 9351 3715.

Why are you on this Stage?

You have hit an academic ‘at risk’ trigger. This means one of these statements is usually true.

• I failed 50% or more of my credit points last semester (or year in some faculties)
• I failed to achieve a satisfactory Weighted Average Mark (WAM) over a defined period
• I failed a mandated unit of study, field/clinical work or practicum
• I failed the same subject more than once
• I can’t complete my degree within the maximum permitted time

Faculties vary. Check your Faculty handbook for progression rules and seek advice or clarification from the Faculty or SRC.

You think it’s the wrong stage?

If you can’t work out why you hit an academic ‘at risk’ trigger, or you think you’re on the wrong ‘Stage’, ask your faculty and/or see an SRC caseworker.

International Students

If you are an international student and want to study somewhere else you need a release letter if you have not been at the University of Sydney for more than 6 months. You normally need a firm offer of admission from another education provider. To get a release letter email compliance@io.usyd.edu.au or pick up a request form from the International Office.

You can explore doing less than 4 subjects per semester if your faculty think this will help your studies improve. Talk to the Faculty or the SRC.

Fails, fees & exceptional circumstances

If you believe your fails are a direct result of exceptional circumstances you can write to the Dean for consideration to have them changed to a Discontinue Not Fail (DNF).

Your circumstances must have been so extraordinary that you could not reasonably attempt the subject. These circumstances are usually unpredictable and out of your control. You should provide independent documentation about your circumstances.
If you are a domestic student and this was in the last 12 months you may also be able to apply to get your course fees back. You must outline your circumstances and provide documentation, as outlined above, and fill out the relevant form from the University website. Ask SRC Caseworkers for more details.

Domestic Student Fee Refunds (For HECS you want the Recrediting SLE form)

International Student Fee Refunds (This is currently not as good at the policy for domestic students, but the SRC is actively lobbying the university to make this fair for international students.)