Leaving UOW

Applying to discontinue studies to return to home country

Applying to leave UOW has no bearing on your financial relationship with the University. It cannot be used to seek a refund, nor does submission of it entitle you to a refund.

Be sure to stay enrolled in your course of study during the release process to maintain your student visa obligations.

Non-student visa holder

• Complete the Leaving UOW form for non-student visa holders

Student visa holder

• Prepare support documentation: a copy of your boarding pass OR a copy of your flight ticket plus the receipt showing that your ticket has been paid in full. (You will be asked to upload the documents in the next step.)
• Complete the Leaving UOW form for student visa holders

Transferring to another institution before finishing 6 months of principal course at UOW

Step 1: maintain your enrolment status

• You must maintain enrolment during this release application process so that you are not breaching your student visa conditions.

Step 2: check if you have finished 6 months of studies

1. Six months of studies means 6 calendar months from the start date of your principal course. This is equivalent to completing one session (Autumn or Spring) at UOW or two Trimesters.

2. The principal course is your final course in your package. Examples:
   
   (a) You have two, one for English or Diploma at UOW College Australia, and one for a Bachelor course at UOW. The Bachelor course is your principal course.
   
   (b) You have two COEs, one for a Graduate Certificate course and one for a Master's course. The Master course is the principal course.

Step 3: do you hold a student visa?

No, I am a non-student visa holder:

1. Complete the Leaving UOW form for non-student visa holders

Yes, I am a student visa holder:

1. Prepare supporting documents:

   - One detailed letter of your Compassionate or Compelling Circumstances- Supporting documents (certified copies in English)
   - Official offer letter from your new university
   - If you are a Government-sponsored student, a copy of sponsor's letter supporting your leaving UOW for another institution.

2. Complete the Leaving UOW form for student visa holders (and attach the documents prepared in step 1)

How long does the release application process take?

• Processing begins when we receive all the required supporting documentation for your application.

• The processing time is generally around 10 working days, but may take longer.

• The International Student Compliance Team will email you to acknowledge the receipt of your application and to advise you of the outcome. Notification will be sent to the email address that you provided on your application.

Related information

• International Student Release Procedure

Transferring to another institution after finishing 6 months of principal course at UOW

Step 1: maintain your enrolment status

• You must maintain enrolment during the application process so that you are not breaching your student visa conditions.

Step 2: check if you have finished 6 months of studies

1. Six months of studies means 6 calendar months from the start date of your principal course. This is equivalent to completing one session (Autumn or Spring) at UOW or two Trimesters.

2. The principal course is your final course in your package. Examples:
   
   (a) You have two , one for English or Diploma at UOW College Australia, and one for a Bachelor course at UOW. The Bachelor course is your principal course.
   
   (b) You have two COEs, one for a Graduate Certificate course and one for a Master's course. The Master course is the principal course.

Step 3: are you a student visa holder?

No, I am a non-student visa holder

1. Complete the Leaving UOW form for non-student visa holders

Yes, I am a student visa holder

1. Prepare supporting document: a copy of the official offer letter from your new university

2. Complete the Leaving UOW form for student visa holders (and attach the document prepared above)