Middle East travel advice and support

At this point, staff should work with the Course Convenor/Program Director to determine study viability, considering:

• Mode of delivery: Can the student complete the course fully online? Are there accreditation requirements that preclude online delivery?
• Learning outcomes: Can required outcomes be achieved remotely?
• Assessment requirements: Are there invigilated, practical, laboratory, placement, or accreditation-linked components?
• Time zone and connectivity constraints: Is meaningful participation feasible?
• Safety and wellbeing considerations.

If learning outcomes can be met through online or flexible arrangements, continuation should be supported.

Where essential in-person requirements cannot be completed remotely:

• Consider whether these components can be deferred to a later teaching period.
• Assess whether a revised study plan can enable progression in other courses.
• Confirm whether accreditation or professional body requirements limit flexibility.

If none of the above are possible, discuss formal leave or withdrawal options.

If continuation is not viable, staff should outline formal pathways, including:

a) Leave of absence (LOA)

• Temporary pause in studies for an approved period.
• Preserves enrolment status (where applicable).
• via Student Connect (Leave of absence online form).
• International students can take a leave of absence in certain circumstances as there may be impacts that need to be understood related to making this decision. If you are an international student, you may benefit from discussing your needs with an International Student Advisor. Contacts include International Student Advisory (isa@griffith.edu.au) or International Admissions for commencing international students (deputydirector-GI@griffith.edu.au)

b) Late Withdrawal or Withdrawal Without Academic Penalty

• May be considered under compassionate or compelling circumstances.
• Financial implications should be clarified.
• May have visa implications (refer to International Student Advisory).

c) Reduced study load

• Where partial engagement is possible.
• Subject to program requirements, academic approval and visa requirements (for international students).
• May have visa implications (refer to International Student Advisory).

d) Deferral (for commencing domestic/international students)

• Deferral to a future intake, subject to program rules.
• There is provision in the Admission Procedure Section 3.4 for domestic students: Domestic students may be considered for deferral for a program that does not allow, or for an extension of deferral in extenuating circumstances such as on the basis of medical, compassionate or compelling grounds that were not present at the time of submitting their application. These requests must be submitted in writing along with any relevant supporting documentation to the Senior Manager, Domestic Admissions and Scholarships for consideration prior to census. Additional approvals may be sought. The Senior Manager Domestic Admissions and Scholarships will liaise with the relevant Dean L&T to confirm approvals.

Students must be advised of academic, financial, and visa implications before finalising any decision.

• Record the student’s circumstances in the approved case management system.
• Ensure advice provided is consistent with University policy.
• Escalate complex cases to:
  • Academic Registrar (or nominee) - registrar@griffith.edu.au
  • International Student Advisory - isa@griffith.edu.au
  • International Admissions (commencing international students) - deputydirector-GI@griffith.edu.au
  • Graduate Research School (HDR cases) - hdr-enquiry@griffith.edu.au
  • Relevant Group leadership.

Consistency of documentation is critical.

Staff should:

• Acknowledge the uncertainty and stress students may be experiencing and referral to Student Counselling & Wellbeing, if required.
• Reassure them that the University is committed to supporting viable study pathways.
• Provide clear, structured options rather than informal or ad hoc arrangements.
• Avoid making commitments outside approved policy settings.

On 14 March the Australian Government passed the Migration Amendment (2026 Measures No. 1) Act 2026 allowing the government to temporarily ban specific offshore temporary visa holders from entering Australia. Media reports have said that under the changes, the government would be able to stop some people from nominated countries entering Australia for up to six months if they are on a temporary visa. Temporary visas are issued to people for a range of reasons, including for holidays, study or business.

It is important that anyone travelling from Australia seeks advice on their visa status and if they are affected by the legislation. The legislation can be found at www.legislation.gov.au.

If a student contacts you directly and you can resolve the issue, no referral is required. If further assistance is needed (for example, fees or other administrative matters), email the details to student-forms@griffith.edu.au (internal use only – not for students). Student Connect will prioritise the enquiry and provide advice or refer it to the appropriate team.

For clarification or complex cases, contact:

• For HDR candidates, primary supervisor in the first instance, with escalation through the Graduate Research School for candidature, milestones or enrolment matters (hdr-enquiry@griffith.edu.au)
• Course Convenor and Program Director (for advice regarding whole-of-program matters where students course loads are affected in terms of different course options etc.)
• Student Engagement & Success (Withdrawal with special circumstances) – Nathan Seng
• Student Connect (Leave of absence online form)
• Griffith International (Reduced study load, Leave of absence, visa compliance implications, etc.) - International Student Advisory (isa@griffith.edu.au) - or International Admissions for commencing international students (deputydirector-GI@griffith.edu.au)
• Student Counselling & Wellbeing – Emma Morgan
• Registrar’s Office (Complex cases) – registrar@griffith.edu.au
• OUA ( OUA student access issues, etc.) - student.solutions@open.edu.au