UQ academic appeal: deadline, grounds and steps
Rule checked against The University of Queensland's own pages on .
First, check that the initial decision-maker has already considered your matter and given you a decision, because the Student Academic Administrative Appeals Committee (SAAAC) only considers an appeal after that. If it has, submit your appeal online via the Grievance resolution process (students) page in my.UQ, clearly explaining the decision and your grounds. An appeal to the SAAAC must be brought within 28 calendar days of the decision unless the notice of decision sets a different timeframe; an appeal against refusal of enrolment and/or conditions attached to enrolment following submission of a Progression Improvement Plan has 10 business days.
- Time limit to appeal
- An appeal to the SAAAC must be brought within 28 calendar days of the decision, unless the notice of decision sets a different timeframe. An appeal against refusal of enrolment after a Progression Improvement Plan has 10 business days.[1]
- What to try first
- The SAAAC only considers an appeal after the initial decision-maker has considered the matter and given the student a decision.[1]
- Grounds you can use
- An appeal can rest on new information not previously available that may affect the decision, or on assertions that the decision did not comply with UQ rules, involved improper conduct, involved discrimination or bias, or was demonstrably unfair or unjust.[1]
- Where to submit
- Submit the appeal online via the Grievance resolution process (students) page in my.UQ, explaining the decision and the grounds clearly.[1]
- If that fails
- The notice of the SAAAC decision states that the decision is final and cannot be appealed within UQ.[1]
- External review
- If you remain dissatisfied with the SAAAC appeal outcome, you may lodge a complaint with the National Student Ombudsman.[1]
Check the decision you are appealing
The Student Academic Administrative Appeals Committee (SAAAC) only considers an appeal after the initial decision-maker has considered the matter and given you a decision. Start by reading your notice of decision. It sets out the decision you are appealing. The pages we read do not list the documents you should prepare for your case, so ask Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) if you are unsure what to prepare.
Know the SAAAC deadline
An appeal to the SAAAC must be brought within 28 calendar days of the decision, unless the notice of decision sets a different timeframe. If the appeal is against refusal of enrolment and/or conditions attached to enrolment following submission of a Progression Improvement Plan, the time limit is 10 business days. Those are different conditions: one is a calendar-day limit from the decision, the other is a business-day limit for a particular appeal. Check the date and wording on your own notice rather than counting from when you first felt unhappy with the result. The pages we read do not state how long the SAAAC takes to decide an appeal; ask SAS about any timing question.
Build your grounds and evidence
An appeal can rest on new information not previously available that may affect the correctness or fairness of the decision. It can also rest on assertions, based on reasonable grounds, that the decision did not comply with UQ policies, rules or procedures; involved improper, irregular or negligent conduct; involved discrimination, prejudice or bias against you; or was demonstrably unfair or unjust in the circumstances, even if it was made in accordance with the relevant rule or policy. The procedure says it is normally not sufficient to assert certain circumstances, actions or a change of circumstances without supporting evidence that substantiates the assertions. Use evidence that is true and relevant. Keep the original and a copy.
Submit online and keep copies
Submit the appeal online via the Grievance resolution process (students) page in my.UQ. Explain the decision being appealed and your grounds clearly. Keep copies of what you submit, the notice of decision and any replies. You can talk to Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) or UQ Union for free help before you submit.
What happens after the SAAAC decision
After the SAAAC makes a decision, it must give you a written notice as soon as practicable. The notice must state the decision, the reasons, that the decision is final and cannot be appealed within UQ, and that if you remain dissatisfied you may lodge a complaint with the National Student Ombudsman. If you remain dissatisfied with the SAAAC outcome, you may lodge a complaint with the National Student Ombudsman. A student may also seek to pursue a complaint with an external complaints and review body in relation to the matters raised in the appeal. The pages we read do not state the National Student Ombudsman's time limit; ask SAS where to confirm it.
Free help at UQ
Common questions
What is the deadline to appeal to the SAAAC at UQ?
An appeal to the SAAAC must be brought within 28 calendar days of the decision, unless the notice of decision sets a different timeframe. An appeal against refusal of enrolment and/or conditions attached to enrolment following submission of a Progression Improvement Plan has 10 business days.
Can I appeal to the SAAAC before the initial decision-maker decides?
No. The SAAAC only considers an appeal after the initial decision-maker has considered the matter and given you a decision.
What grounds can I use for a UQ academic appeal?
The grounds can be new information not previously available that may affect the correctness or fairness of the decision, or assertions based on reasonable grounds that the decision did not comply with UQ rules, involved improper conduct, involved discrimination or bias, or was demonstrably unfair or unjust. It is normally not sufficient to assert circumstances without supporting evidence that substantiates the assertions.
Where do I submit my SAAAC appeal at UQ?
Submit online via the Grievance resolution process (students) page in my.UQ. Explain the decision being appealed and your grounds clearly.
Sources
- Academic Administrative Appeals by Students, The University of Queensland. Checked 3 November 2026.