Case Study | Unmet Academic Requirements - International Student

Unmet academic requirements  - International Student Daniella*

Daniella*, an international student studying a foundation program, experienced serious personal hardship during the semester, including illness and a family emergency overseas.

These events led to lower attendance and missing assessment deadlines, impacting academic progress which resulted in breaching of the visa conditions.

The provider sent multiple emails to Daniella, but she did not respond. Due to lack of communication from Daniella. even missing review meetings, the provider took action took action to cancel Daniella’s COE and reported Daniella’s situation to Department of Home Affairs.

After the cancellation of the COE, Daniella contacted her provider asking to reinstate the COE and filed an internal appeal.

After her internal appeal was rejected, Daniella escalated her complaint to the NSO. After assessing the evidence provided by Daniella and the provider, the NSO identified that the university had taken reasonable steps, had offered support to Daniella to return to studies and acted in accordance with its policies and legal obligations.

Daniella did not provide evidence to explain why she had not responded to the provider emails or any action she had taken to manage her course progress.

In our view, while personal difficulties are valid, international students should respond to the provider’s communications in a timely manner using most suitable channel. The provider can also provide early intervention and wellbeing and counselling support if needed.