Aggregation of study load 010-22033035

Education providers break up academic years into shorter study periods such as semesters, trimesters, terms, etc. If a student is enrolled in and undertaking 75% (or an approved concessional study load percentage) of the normal Equivalent Full-Time Student Load (EFTSL) in a shorter study period, they would meet the study load requirement for the study period.

However, if their study load in a shorter study period is less than the required amount, they may be able to add the study loads of more than one shorter study period together. This is known as aggregation of study load.

Students can use aggregation of study load if:

• the student is able to enrol over the entire aggregation period at the start of the period
• the study load over the aggregation period is 75% (or an approved concessional study load percentage) of the normal EFTSL, and
• the shorter periods that make up the aggregation period are consecutive

There is no requirement for evidence for an aggregation assessment in a new claim or claim re-assessment if the student advises:

• they are enrolled over the academic year, and
• their study load adds up to at least 75% of the EFTSL over the academic year, or
• they have an approved concessional study load, and their study load adds up to an approved concessional study load percentage over the academic year. For example, a student is approved for a 66% concessional study load if they:
• use aggregation of study load that adds up to 66% over the academic year, and
• have a concessional study load which is assessed and approved before applying aggregation

All other aggregation assessments require current date evidence confirming the student's total EFTSL or approved concessional study load over the entire aggregated enrolment period. Suitable evidence may include:

• proof of enrolment documents
• academic transcripts, or
• letters from the education provider

Where study loads for study periods are added together for the purpose of satisfying full-time study load requirements, these periods are to be counted as full-time when assessing satisfactory progress.

For example, student is part-time (0.250 EFTSL) in semester one and full-time (0.500 EFTSL) in semester two. Aggregation assessment is completed and the customer is paid as a full-time student for both semesters. This equals 0.750 EFSTL, allowing the customer to meet the satisfactory progress rules as they have been undertaking an aggregated full time study load over the year.