Assessment extensions and deferring exams
If something unexpected affects your ability to submit an assessment on time or attend an exam, you may be able to apply for an extension for an assessment task or request a deferred examination in special circumstances.
You’ll need to submit your request before the original due date for assessment tasks and within five business days of your exam closing date.
Requests are reviewed as quickly as possible. If your request includes all required documents, you’ll usually receive a decision within 2 to 5 university business days.
While your request is being considered, and if your situation allows, we recommend continuing to work on your assessment and submitting it as soon as you can.
Short extensions help with brief, unexpected disruptions like illness or personal issues.
- Check your StudyDesk to see if your assessment item is eligible for a short extension.
- Apply before the original due date through your Student Centre.
- You don’t need to give a reason or documents for a short extension.
- Short extension requests are automatically approved for eligible assessment items, you’ll get a confirmation email with your new due date (which may or may not be a University Business Day).
- Note for quizzes: If you apply after hours or after the due date, you’ll need to wait for confirmation before you can access the quiz.
You can only request a short extension once for each eligible assessment item. If you need more time after that, you will need to apply for a long extension.
See Section 4.3.2 Short extension in the Assessment Procedure.
A long extension gives you extra time, four or more calendar days, to complete an assessment when unexpected, special circumstances outside your control significantly affect your ability to submit by the due date or the revised due date following a short extension.
Before you apply for an extension, make sure your assessment item is eligible by checking your StudyDesk. You should also check whether your situation meets the criteria in the Assessment of Special Circumstances Procedure, and what supporting documents you’ll need to include.
Requesting a long extension doesn’t guarantee it will be approved. If your request is not approved, and you submit your assessment late, a late penalty will apply.
If your request is approved, you won’t receive a penalty as long as you submit by the new due date.
Sometimes, an extension isn’t possible or your circumstances require more time than a long extension allows. In these cases, your assessment may be treated as a Deferred Assessment.
This can happen when:
- the assessment item isn’t eligible for an extension, but you’re affected by special circumstances
- your situation needs more time than the maximum long extension allows
- you can’t submit the assessment before the end of the study period, and your final grade can’t be released on time.
Deferred assessments are usually due after the study period ends but before the next one begins. If you have multiple deferred assessments, they may be due around the same time, so plan ahead and submit as early as you can.
While your final grade is pending, you’ll receive a temporary grade of Deferred Assessment (DA). Your final result is typically released by the census date of the next study period, which may affect your enrolment or academic progress.
You can’t defer an assessment that has already been deferred. Late submissions may receive a penalty. If you think you won’t be able to meet the new due date, contact assessment.support@unisq.edu.au as soon as possible.
Please see Section 4.5 Deferred Assessments in the Assessment Procedure for more detail.
Formal exams are essential to your academic progress. Some programs require you to complete certain courses before enrolling in others, so it’s important to sit your exams as scheduled each study period. Delays may extend your study duration.
If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending, you may be eligible for a deferred exam. Valid reasons may include:
- Medical - you must provide a medical certificate or report from a registered practitioner dated on or before the exam.
- Employment - If your employer cannot release you or assigns unexpected duties, you must submit a letter or statement from your employer confirming the situation.
- Family or personal - compassionate grounds may include serious personal or family issues. You must provide documentation that supports the nature and timing of the circumstance.
- Other exceptional circumstances - If your situation doesn’t fall under the categories above, you must submit relevant documentation explaining the impact on your ability to sit the exam.
Special circumstances are outlined in detail in the Assessment of Special Circumstances Procedure.
Find out how to apply for a deferred exam.
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