UNSW academic appeal: result review steps and deadline

Rule checked against UNSW Sydney's own pages on 3 November 2026.

First, discuss the mark with the Course Authority. If you still think it doesn't reflect your performance, apply for a Review of Results within 5 working days of the date you receive the mark, whether it came during the official release of results or at another time; public holidays and UNSW Shutdown periods aren't counted. A review isn't automatically approved, and it may move your grade up or down.

Time limit to appeal

A Review of Results application must be submitted within 5 working days of the date you receive the mark for the assessment item, whether it came during the official release of results or at another time. Public holidays and UNSW Shutdown periods aren't counted.^[1]

What to try first

Discuss the mark with the Course Authority first. If you still believe it doesn't reflect your performance, you can apply for a Review of Results.^[1]

Grounds you can use

You must give a clear reason and supporting evidence, such as references to the marking rubric. Requests without adequate justification or evidence may be declined by the Course Authority.^[1]

If that fails

A review isn't automatically approved, and it may move your grade up or down.^[1]

Talk to the Course Authority first

Start with the Course Authority for the assessment. The university's process says you discuss your performance in the assessment with the Course Authority first. If you still believe the mark doesn't reflect your performance after that discussion, you can apply for a Review of Results. Read your own letter and the university's page so you know what decision you are dealing with. Keep all marked work in case it is needed for re-marking. Keep copies of anything you submit.

The deadline is 5 working days

You must submit your Review of Results application within 5 working days of the date you receive the mark for the assessment item. This applies whether the mark came during the official release of results or was returned at another time. The count uses working days. Public holidays and UNSW Shutdown periods aren't counted. The clock starts from the date you receive the mark, so check that date against your own letter and the university's page. If you've been suspended, excluded or terminated due to poor academic standing, you must still submit an appeal by the deadline, even if your review outcome is pending. The pages we read say this protects your position in case the review is unsuccessful.

Give a clear reason and true evidence

Your application needs a clear reason and supporting evidence, such as references to the marking rubric. Requests without adequate justification or evidence may be declined by the Course Authority. Before you apply, read the reasons that are not grounds for a Review of Results. The pages we read ask you to review that list. For group assessments, all group members must agree to the request. You must include the zID of each group member, as the outcome may affect everyone's results. Use true evidence only. Do not invent or exaggerate a reason, and do not alter a document. Keep all marked work in case it is needed for re-marking.

After you apply

A review isn't automatically approved. It may move your grade up or down. A request without adequate justification or evidence may be declined by the Course Authority. Read the outcome and keep a copy with the other copies you have kept. If the outcome is not what you sought, read your own letter carefully and ask Arc Legal & Advocacy about your options. Do not assume a review will lead to a higher mark, and do not assume it will leave the mark unchanged.

Where to get help

Arc Legal & Advocacy is listed under Free help at UNSW. Talk to them about the process and your own situation. Read the university's page and your own letter for your matter. Keep copies of what you submit and what you receive. If English is a second language, ask for an explanation of any term you don't understand before you act. You can also ask the Course Authority to explain the mark.

Common questions

How long do I have to apply for a Review of Results at UNSW?

You must submit within 5 working days of the date you receive the mark, whether it came during the official release of results or at another time. Public holidays and UNSW Shutdown periods aren't counted.

What should I do before I apply?

Discuss the mark with the Course Authority first. If you still believe it doesn't reflect your performance, you can apply for a Review of Results.

Can a review lower my grade?

A review isn't automatically approved, and it may move your grade up or down.

What evidence do I need?

You must give a clear reason and supporting evidence, such as references to the marking rubric. Requests without adequate justification or evidence may be declined by the Course Authority.

Sources

General information, not legal or migration advice. This page can't assess your case and doesn't promise any outcome. If the university's current page or your own letter says something different, that applies. If you hold a student visa and the outcome could change your enrolment, a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer can look at your own situation.