The process for deferring your study is different depending on whether you are a local or international student. Be sure to follow the deferral process that aligns with your student type.

If you’re unsure whether you are considered a local or international student, check your student status below. 

Next, click on the tab that best describes your student type and follow the steps to defer your study.

International students who want to defer an offer to study an undergraduate or postgraduate course, including Foundation Year and UniLink diplomas, need to follow the deferral process for international students.

Are you a local or international student?

For undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including UniLink diplomas, local students are:

  • Australian citizens
  • New Zealand citizens
  • Permanent residents of Australia.
For vocational education (formerly TAFE), local students are:
  • Australian citizens
  • Permanent residents of Australia
  • East Timorese asylum seekers
  • Temporary Protection Visa (TPV) holders.

If you’re none of the above, then you are an international student.

How to defer your offer as a local student

To defer your offer, log in to eStudent (Student Portal) and click on the Offers tab. Use your student ID as it appears in your offer letter to log in. Then follow these steps:

  1. Select ‘Respond to offer’
  2. Choose ‘Defer’
  3. Enter details of the year and study period you’d like to defer until
  4. Select ‘Continue’.

We’ll assess your deferral request and inform you if it’s been successful via email.

How long can I defer for?

We offer most new, local undergraduate students the option to defer an offer for up to two years. If you’re applying for a diploma or certificate, you can usually defer for up to one year.

However, not all courses are able to be deferred due to limited places. If your course falls into this category, it will be clearly marked on the course page.

How do I enrol after I defer?

As normal — log in, enrol, then get ready for classes. 

Find out how to enrol in your course.

Can I defer my university place after accepting?

Yes, you can. If you enrol in your course and then decide to defer, you need to email admissions at domadmit@swinburne.edu.au and state the intake you wish to return. If want to defer your place, try and do so before the census date so you’re not liable for fees. You’ll find all the key dates in our academic calendar.

Need help with deferring your offer?

Our friendly and knowledgeable team at StudentHQ is here to make your student journey as easy as possible. Contact the team today for help with deferring your offer.

Contact us now

How to defer your offer as an international student

Postponing your start date

To defer your offer, you must email Swinburne International for approval. 

It is possible to defer your course for a maximum of 12 months. If you are assessed as continuing to meet our entry requirements and Australian regulatory requirements, you will receive a revised Letter of Offer with a new start date.

If you have already accepted your offer and need to defer because a student visa has not been granted to you, you’ll receive a new Letter of Offer indicating your new start date, and a new Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). This will enable you to reapply for your student visa for the new intake. 

Need help with deferring your offer?

Our friendly and knowledgeable team at Swinburne International is here to make your student journey as easy as possible. Contact the team today for help with deferring your offer.

Contact us now