Applying for an assessment extension
Overview
Don’t leave your assignment until the last minute — we encourage you to plan your workload so you can meet all assessment deadlines.
If unavoidable circumstances prevent you from submitting an assessment on time, you may be eligible for an individual or group extension. Please note that extensions:
- are not available for all assessment tasks
- cannot be longer than 28 days.
Check your course profile to find out if you can request an extension for an assessment task, and the maximum duration that may be granted.
You can't request extensions for:
- in-semester examinations
- end-of-semester examinations
- deferred or supplementary examinations.
In the above instances, you will need to apply for a deferred examination.
You can request a maximum of 3 extensions for the same assessment task. A third request will also require you to complete an Assessment Management Plan (AMP). This plan outlines how you intend to complete the task based on your new requested due date and time.
When do you need to apply?
You should aim to submit your application on or before the assessment due date and time. To be on time, a request must be received within 24 hours of the due date and time.
If we don’t receive your application within 24 hours, it will be considered late. Late applications will only be considered in exceptional and unavoidable circumstances (e.g. hospitalisation) and you will be required to supply additional information including relevant documentation to support your request.
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 and/or are not approved for an extension, late penalties will apply.
Refer to the 'Assessment' section of your course profile to see the late penalties for each assessment task.
Acceptable reasons for an extension
To understand when you can apply for an assessment extension and the evidence you must provide, please refer to this document:
Acceptable evidence for assessment extensions (PDF, 214 KB)
Additionally, please ensure that your evidence meets the following requirements:
- Supporting evidence should be in written English (or translated by a NAATI-accredited translator).
- Statutory declarations (DOC, 67.5 KB) are only allowed when you can't obtain the required supporting evidence (e.g. a police report, road service report etc.)
- 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 are applying on medical grounds, you must meet the requirements for medical certificates.
Your request may be denied if you don’t provide appropriate evidence to support your request at the time of application.
Discretionary extensions
You can request 1 discretionary extension for 48 hours for a single assessment task per semester. No documentation will be required for this request.
You're only eligible to apply for a discretionary extension if:
- the assessment task allows it (see your course profile for details)
- it is your first extension request for that assessment.
Discretionary extensions cannot be used for group work. You can apply using the standard application form.
How to apply
Request an extension for an assessment task
Before you apply, read your course profile and the relevant section of the Assessment details.
You will receive an email notifying you of the outcome of your request.
If you are applying for an extension as group, or are on your third extension request for a single assessment task, you will need to attach additional documentation with your request.
Group assessment tasks
You can request an extension on behalf of your group for a group assessment task, provided that at least 50% of your group members also agree to the request.
Download and complete the below form, and attach it to your extension request:
Extension of Group Assessment - Group Member Acknowledgement (PDF, 161.4 KB)
Assessment Management Plan
If you are submitting a third extension request on the same assessment task, you need to complete an Assessment Management Plan (AMP).
This plan will help you identify steps for succesfully completing your assessment by the new requested due date. This can include changing how and/or where you study, breaking the assessment down into sub-tasks, and seeking further help and advice.
Download and complete the form below, and attach it to your extension request:
Help and advice
UQ offer a range of services to support your academic success, health and wellbeing. This includes:
- help with adjustments to study
- study skills and learning advice
- study resources
- financial assistance including emergency aid, grants, and advice for students experiencing financial hardship
- emotional and wellbeing support including counselling, mental health resources, and spaces to talk.
For general advice, please visit Student Central or phone Student Support and Wellbeing Services on 1300 275 870 (8:30am-5pm).