Important updates to Special Consideration

It's important to be familiar with the latest updates for Special Consideration.

The latest changes revolve around the eligibility criteria for online medical certificates. If you're enrolled in an onshore program and need to apply for Special Consideration, this may affect you.

Key changes:

1. Onshore medical documentation requirements
   

   Students enrolled in an onshore program who were in Australia during the period of your medical circumstances must provide verifiable documentation from a medical practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). 
   
   Overseas medical documentation for onshore students may only be considered if there were reasonable grounds for you to have been overseas during that time, such as a UNSW-approved overseas placement or competition.
   
   Students enrolled in an offshore program (eg. Study Abroad or Exchange) may continue to provide medical documents from practitioners in your country of study.
   
   Learn more about preparing supporting documentation for Special Consideration. 
   
   Important note: This update is also applicable to Fee Remission applications.
    

2. Reviewing a decision
   A review of decision must now be requested by completing the Special Consideration Review Form.
   
   Learn more on what to expect after submission.
   
   
3. Online Medical Certificates
   Certificates issued online without real-time confirmation of a telehealth consultation with a medical practitioner will not be accepted if:
   
   
   • The length of your online medical certificate has an impact period greater than 3 days
   • The resulting extension is longer than 3 days from the original due date
   • Your application is for a final examination.

Read the full Special Consideration Guidelines to see detailed information on the Special Consideration process.

It is recommended that you submit all required information in your application so you receive the most appropriate outcome for your circumstances.

Last edited on 13 February 2026