Exam alternatives
Learn about supplementary exams and eligibility for alternative exam arrangements.
Unable to attend your final exam due to circumstances outside your control?
In most cases, you should apply for Special Consideration and attach supporting documentation. If your application is approved, we will organise a supplementary exam or another alternative arrangement to help you meet exam requirements.
Supplementary exams
Supplementary exams are held after the main exam period to deliver deferred or make-up exams to eligible students.
Important notes:
- Supplementary exams assess the same learning outcomes as the main exams, however the questions will be different.
- If you miss your main exam, you should ensure you are available for the supplementary exam period.
How does it work?
- You must apply for Special Consideration. We'll assess your application to determine if you're eligible to sit a supplementary exam. For updates on your application, monitor your UNSW email.
- We'll finalise the supplementary exam timetable once all Special Consideration applications have been assessed.
- No later than seven days before your supplementary exam, you will be able to access your supplementary exam details on myUNSW. Please check your Exam Timetable the week before the supplementary exam period.
If you've been awarded a supplementary exam and your exam timetable has not been updated in myUNSW by the Friday before the supplementary exam period, please email exams.bengaluru@unsw.edu.au.
Alternative arrangements for exams
Do you have a commitment or restriction that prevents you from taking your final exam? You could be eligible for an alternative arrangement.
The UNSW Examinations Team can arrange an alternative exam for eligible students. This could involve a different exam with similar content and difficulty, or sitting the same exam at a different time.
Unlike supplementary exams, exams with alternative arrangements can be scheduled during the main exam period - sometimes even on the same day.
Important: If your alternative exam is rescheduled on the same day as the main exam, you must remain under supervision until both the morning and afternoon exam sessions conclude. You will not be permitted to use any electronic devices capable of transmission, including computers, mobile phones, tablets and smart watches. You should bring your lunch and any study materials with you.
Eligibility for alternative exams
You may be eligible for an alternative arrangement for your exam for these reasons:
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Your exams will be rescheduled and you will be informed of your new arrangements approximately one week prior to the exam period.
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Students with long-term health conditions, disabilities and caring responsibilities are highly encouraged to register with Equitable Learning Services (ELS) to receive appropriate, ongoing support.
If you've registered with ELS, they will contact the examinations team to organise alternative arrangements for you, where required.
If your studies are impacted by unexpected, short-term circumstances outside your control, you should apply for Special Consideration instead.
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If you're unable to attend your exam for religious reasons, the Examinations Team can work with your course coordinator to help you sit your exam at a different time during the exam period.
To request a rescheduled exam due to religious reasons, you must apply for Special Consideration no later than two weeks after the release of the final exam timetable. You will need to include a supporting letter, on appropriate letterhead stationery, from an authoritative member of your religious community to confirm you cannot attend your exam.
Once your request has been assessed and approved, your exam details will be updated on myUNSW.
If you haven't received an outcome five working days before your scheduled exam, please email the Examinations Team at exams.bengaluru@unsw.edu.au.
Important information: We cannot guarantee an alternative time for your final exam within the main exam period. Your exam may take place during the supplementary exam period if your Special Consideration application is:
- Submitted more than two weeks after the release of the final exam timetable
- Incomplete with deficient supporting documentation
- Appealing for an exam that cannot be rescheduled in the main exam period.
Providing falsified documents in support of your application will result in one of a range of penalties, from failure in the course to suspension or exclusion.
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If you have a training or competition commitment (where you are representing UNSW, your state or your country) that clashes with an exam, you may apply for Special Consideration. You will need to provide a letter from your club or the competition organiser confirming the date of your commitment.
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If you are unwell or have other circumstances preventing you from taking your exam, you may be eligible for Special Consideration. If your application is approved, you will be offered a supplementary exam.
See also
Need help with your exam arrangements?
Reach out to the UNSW Bengaluru Examinations Team at exams.bengaluru@unsw.edu.au. Please include your zID and course code in your email to help us assist you faster.