UTS special consideration: deadlines, evidence and how to apply

Check the deadline for your assessment type

Start with the assessment type, because the deadline depends on it. For a centrally-conducted exam you attended, the deadline is within 48 hours after the exam, excluding weekends. The pages we read do not state the deadline for a missed centrally-conducted exam, for faculty-based exams, for in-class quizzes or tests, or for take-home exams. For a missed centrally-conducted exam, the page lists the action as "Apply for an Alternative Exam", but the deadline for that step is not in the pages we read. Confirm the date on the UTS special consideration page, in your own letter, or with UTS Student Administration or your faculty. Do not estimate a deadline.

You may apply if a health-related matter, a loss or bereavement, online technical issues (for example during an online exam), hardship or trauma, exceptional employment demands such as active service, Australian Defence Force reserve or State Emergency Service, religious commitments, or other circumstances beyond your control affected you. Special consideration is not automatically granted and may not result in a study or mark adjustment.

Apply through My Student Portal

To apply online, log in to My Student Portal with your UTS credentials. Click Special Consideration, follow the prompts and upload your supporting documents. The page says file format must be PDF and file size must not exceed 10MB. Multiple files can be uploaded. If you do not have your supporting documents yet, the page says you can click Submit and resume the application before the deadline to upload them. The same page also says you must attach your supporting documents and submit before the deadline. Keep copies of what you submit.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. A late submission may be requested only in exceptional circumstances. The page says to submit an online enquiry and include reasons for the late submission, supported by documentary evidence.

Build evidence that matches your claim

Applications need current supporting documents showing the circumstances, their impact and their duration. The UTS page says the documents must clearly indicate the details of the circumstances, the impact on your ability to complete an assessment or exam, and the duration, including start and end date. It also says a document needs a physical signature and contact number of an appropriate representative, and the date the document was issued. In the first instance, the page asks for a Professional Authority (PA) form completed by a medical practitioner, psychologist, counsellor or other registered health practitioner. Applications are refused if no documentation is provided or the documentation does not support the claims. UTS will not obtain documents on your behalf from third parties, such as medical doctors, hospitals or police. The University may verify the documentation with the issuing authority. Disciplinary action may be taken if false or misleading documentation is submitted. Evidence must be true.

Short extensions and missed exams

Some assessments allow a short extension of less than 72 hours, typically Canvas assessments with an 11:59pm deadline on the due date. Where a short extension is permitted, request it in Canvas by 11:59pm on the due date using the short extension tool. In that situation, requests are processed and approved automatically and need no supporting documentation. For a missed centrally-conducted exam, the page lists "Apply for an Alternative Exam", but the pages we read do not state the deadline for that step. Confirm it with UTS Student Administration or your faculty and read your own letter.

After you submit

Read the outcome and any conditions carefully. Special consideration is not automatically granted and may not result in a study or mark adjustment. If your application is refused because documentation is missing or does not support your claim, read the written outcome and ask UTS Students' Association about your options. The pages we read do not set out an appeal deadline or process for this situation, so confirm any next step with UTS. You can also ask UTS Students' Association for help understanding the rule that applies to your assessment and what to do next.