UQ special consideration: extension steps and deadlines

Check your course profile first

1. Check your course profile to see whether you can request an extension for the assessment task and the maximum duration that may be granted. Some assessment is not eligible for extensions.
2. Check whether the task is an in-semester exam, end-of-semester exam, deferred exam or supplementary exam. For those, you need to apply for a deferred exam instead.
3. Note the assessment due date and time. To be on time, UQ must receive your extension request within 24 hours of the assessment due date and time. You should aim to submit on or before the due date and time.

A request received after 24 hours is considered late. Late applications are only considered in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances, such as hospitalisation, and you must supply additional information and relevant documentation.

Apply through the correct form

Use the Request now form on the extension page. Do not send your request directly to a course coordinator; the page says those applications will not be accepted. If you are eligible for the discretionary option, you can request one 48-hour extension for a single assessment task per semester with no supporting evidence required. That option applies only if the task allows it and it is your first extension request for that assessment. It cannot be used for group work. If you have a Student Access Plan (SAP), submit your request under those grounds. An individual SAP does not by itself secure an extension for a group assessment task.

You can request a maximum of 3 extensions for the same assessment task. A third request also requires you to complete an Assessment Management Plan (AMP). The AMP outlines how you intend to complete the task based on your new requested due date and time.

What makes a stronger extension request

Give evidence that is true and relevant to the circumstances you are describing. Supporting evidence should be in written English, or translated by a NAATI-accredited translator. Statutory declarations are only considered when you cannot obtain the required supporting evidence, such as a police report or road service report. Keep original copies of your supporting evidence for at least 6 months. If you fail to produce the original documents, your application may be refused or overturned. If you provide a medical certificate as evidence, it must meet the requirements for medical certificates.

An extension cannot be longer than 28 days. It also cannot be longer than the number of days on your supporting documentation. The course profile sets the maximum duration that may be granted for that task, so check it before you state the date you are asking for. Keep copies of what you submit and of the evidence you rely on.

What happens after you apply

While your extension request is being considered, you should work towards completing your assessment by the due date and time. If you submit your assessment late, or you are not approved for an extension, late penalties apply. For the late penalties for each assessment task, refer to the 'Assessment' section of your course profile.

If the decision goes against you

If you are refused, read the decision carefully and keep a copy. The current appeals procedure covers student appeals of administrative decisions on assessment matters under the Assessment Policy and Assessment Procedure. The pages we read do not state the appeal time limit, so check your decision letter and confirm the time limit with UQ Student Advocacy & Support (SAS) or UQ Union.