Support for students affected by a natural disaster
Open Universities Australia is here to help.
Have your studies been impacted by bushfires, floods, or extreme weather events?
If you're studying through Open Universities Australia and your ability to study has been impacted, we're here to help with a range of options.
On this page:
- Complete assessments
Get some extra time or help. - Pause your studies
You can pause your studies for later. - Talk to someone
Counsellors and student advisors are available
If you need some extra time to complete assessments
The best people to contact about your subjects and assessments are your tutors and coordinators. You’ll find their details in your uni’s learning management system (LMS).
Open your LMS (Student Hub sign in required)
If you need to pause your studies
Depending on how far you are into your studies, and how much time you need off, you have different options.
Withdraw online
If you’ve just recently enrolled, consider withdrawing online. Three weeks after your classes start, you’ll reach the census date. You can withdraw before the census date and you won’t be charged for the subject.
Withdraw from your subjects (Student Hub sign in required)
Special circumstances
When you’re dealing with events beyond your control and you have to withdraw from your subjects, but the census date has come and gone, you can apply for special circumstances. If you’re eligible, we will refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.
Apply for special circumstances (Student Hub sign in required)
Leave of absence
If you’re studying an undergraduate degree, you can spend an extended period away from your studies by taking a leave of absence. A leave of absence gives you a break from your degree for two or more study terms.
Take a leave of absence (Student Hub sign in required)
If you need to talk to someone
At Open Universities Australia, we're here to help.
Counselling
It’s understandable to feel worried during this time. Whether it relates to your study or not, knowing there's someone you can talk to can really help.
How to make a counselling appointment
Your first step is to request an appointment by emailing counselling@open.edu.au. When you ask for an appointment, let us know your Open Universities Australia ID number, plus the best number to reach you on over the phone.
If you're seeking support outside business hours, you can reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14. Emergency services can be contacted on 000, and you can also visit BeyondBlue for a comprehensive list of support services.
Student advisors
Our team of student advisors are standing by to help you work through your study options.
They can explain the difference between withdrawing, special circumstances, and a leave of absence. They’ll help you decide which break is right for you and guide you through the process.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.