Deferred Exams - Special Consideration

If you can't sit your exam on the scheduled day due to circumstances beyond your control, then you may be eligible for a Deferred Exam (to complete the exam at a later date).  See more about the Monash eligibility criteria for a Deferred Exam at this page.

You must apply for Special Consideration by 11:55pm on the DAY OF YOUR EXAM, unless you have experienced extreme circumstances, for example, hospitalisation. That means, submit the application form even if you have not yet received your supporting documentation.

You are generally required to obtain a GP letter on the day of (or before) the exam that states your are unfit to sit your exam on the specific exam date. If your usual doctor is unavailable you will need to see a new doctor, or you may need to attend an after hours clinic.  Please also note you can present to Uni Health Services (Ground floor, Campus Centre, Clayton Campus) to see if they are able to accommodate an appointment with you.  There are both GPs and Counsellors/Psychologists working at Uni Health Services, and sessions with Monash Counselling are free for all students.

If there are exceptional circumstances beyond your control you can provide supporting documentation up to three calendar days after the due date. The reasons for the delay must be provided in the application form.  Please note, not being able to see your usual doctor will not likely be accepted as 'exceptional circumstances'.

If you sit or attempt any part of your final exam, you will not be granted a deferred assessment unless you are deemed to be unfit to continue by a medical professional at the assessment venue (or online equivalent) on the day. 

So if you start your exam but are too unwell to continue, you must see the nurse at the venue and obtain from the same nurse a certificate confirming you are too unwell to complete the exam. This document can then be used to support the application for Special Consideration, which you must submit by 11:55pm on the same day. 

Please read carefully through all the information on the Uni’s Special Consideration webpage and contact MSA Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) if you need further advice.

Rescheduling Deferred Final Assessment (Exams)

The requirements to reschedule a deferred final assessment (exam) are strict. See Defer or reschedule your scheduled final assessment (exam) webpage for information.

If you feel unwell during your deferred final assessment, you must contact Exam staff and request to be assessed by the Exams nurse. Sitting your deferred final assessment remotely? Contact exam support straight away.

If you cannot obtain Special Consideration and consequently fail the unit, you may be eligible for a Withdrawn Grade (WDN). Contact MSA Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) immediately for advice in this situation.

Supporting Documentation

If you apply for Special Consideration to sit a deferred exam, then you’ll need some supporting documentation to support your case.  There are however strict rules around acceptable and unacceptable kinds of documentation, hence please read the information on this page thoroughly before seeing a medical professional.

Academic Integrity/Misconduct

What if an action of yours was ‘noted’ during the exam and you are worried you’ve breached Academic Integrity standards?  You may have heard the following from your invigilator “I’ll need to note this occurrence and the recording may be reviewed by your faculty.”  First of all, don’t worry – we have been told by the Uni that many of the instances that are ‘noted’ are deemed not to be breaches of Academic Integrity upon further review.  And the last thing you want is for worries about something which may not even end up being an issue, to negatively impact your subsequent exams.

If you have further questions about the Uni’s standards surrounding Academic Integrity/Misconduct you can check out Monash’s relevant webpage here.  Or if you need any assistance with navigating the process or guidance with next steps just reach out to Student Advocacy & Support by booking an appointment to speak with us here.

General Referrals

• Monash Counselling: Counselling can help you with problems like coping with study or university life, stress, anxiety and depression, loneliness, drug and alcohol abuse and addictions, negative feelings and suicidal thoughts, relationship and family issues. No issue is too big, or too small.

• Disability Support Services: Monash promotes access and equity for students who have a disability, ongoing medical or mental health condition.  If this is you then DSS have a range of ways to support you through your study journey.

• LearnHQ: We are here to support you through one-on-one consultations, learning resources and engaging workshops that address all your learning and language needs.

• Student Academic Success: When you need help with general study, assessment or academic writing, or academic English, visit us at Student Academic Success. Book in with one of our learning advisers.

If you have any questions, please make an appointment with Student Advocacy and Support.