There is sufficient cause that is outside the student's control

There will be situations that are outside a student's control that are sufficient to prevent them from undertaking full-time study. In these situations a student can apply for approval to study on a Limited full-time basis.

This may include, but is not limited to:

• family circumstances or responsibilities or
• a disability or
• significant administrative changes made by the education provider to a student's proposed course of study

Each case must be considered on its merits.

A student may be studying less than full-time due to the 'recognition of prior learning'. This may include cross-crediting of previous study or recognition of relevant work experience.

The 'recognition of prior learning' is not on its own a sufficient cause that is outside of the students' control. This is because it is not unusual nor something that either necessarily prevents a student undertaking full-time study, or justifies payment of a Student Allowance for undertaking part-time study. Rather, it simply means that a student does not need to undertake full-time study to meet the minimum requirements of the particular programme or qualification they are undertaking.

Where an education provider substitutes other relevant study, for work that the student cannot complete because of a disability, this information should be included on the application form, including:

• an outline of the proposed course or programme and
• the length of time in which the student should complete the course or programme

A student who is undertaking a changed course or programme because of a disability can apply for assistance beyond the 120/200 week limit for tertiary study.

Students with a disability may be eligible for other types of assistance, such as Supported Living Payment or Disability Allowance. Students receiving Supported Living Payment are not eligible to receive a Student Allowance at the same time.