Aggregation of study load 010-22033035

Item

Description

1

Changing study load from full-time to part-time

In January 2024, Julie enrolled in a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne and claimed Austudy. Julie enrolled in an EFTSL of 0.375 (75% of the normal amount of full-time study) in both Semester 1 and 2 before commencing Semester 1 on 23 Feb 2024.

On 17 March 2024, Julie's study load in Semester 1 reduces to 0.250 EFTSL. An aggregation assessment was conducted as Julie provided evidence, showing enrolment across the enrolment/aggregation period (Semester 1 and 2) from the start of the year. The assessment revealed that from 17 March 2024 Julie had an EFTSL of 0.625 across the year. As a result of the assessment, Julie is not eligible for Austudy from 17 March due to no longer maintaining 75% a full-time study load in either Semester 1 (as a stand-alone) or across the academic year (Semester 1 and 2 combined).

On 2 June 2024 (prior to the end of Semester 1), Julie's Semester 2 study load increased to 0.500 EFTSL, prompting another aggregation assessment. This assessment showed Julie's EFTSL is now 0.750 across the entire enrolment period, satisfying the full time student obligations again from 2 June 2024.

Julie would NOT be eligible for Austudy from 17 March 2024 to 1 June 2024 as Julie is not considered a full-time student for this period.

On 30 September 2024, Julie drops one subject bringing the study load back down to 0.375 EFTSL in Semester 2 and 0.625 EFTSL across the year. Even though Julie would be considered to have a study load of at least 75% in Semester 2 only, aggregation of Semester 1 and Semester 2 was already previously approved in order to be paid as a full-time student from 2 June 2024. Julie, therefore, cannot redefine the aggregated study period to a shorter period, being semester 2.

The assessment revealed that from 30 September 2024 Julie dropped to 0.625 EFTSL across the year. As a result of the assessment, Julie was not eligible for Austudy from 30 September 2024 as she no longer maintained a 75% full-time study load across the academic year.

Julie is still entitled to Austudy for Semester 2. Julie's entitlement in Semester 1 is not reassessed based on this change. At the time Julie was paid Austudy under the aggregation rules, normal study load requirements were satisfied.

2

Student enrols in a Summer Semester

Alice commenced a Bachelor of Arts in Semester 2, 2024 after a break in study. Her enrolment shows a study load in Semester 2 of 0.250 EFTSL. This is insufficient study load to qualify as a full-time student in Semester 2 on its own. However, Alice also enrolled in summer Semester 2020 at the same time as enrolling in Semester 2, 2024 in 0.125 EFTSL bringing the total for the enrolment period of Semester 2, 2024 and Summer Semester to 0.375 EFTSL.

As the Summer Semester is consecutive with Semester 2, 2024 she can aggregate the study loads. As Summer Semester is not a compulsory study period the normal amount of full-time study would remain at 0.500 EFTSL and 0.375 EFTSL would satisfy the 75% requirement.

Alice would be considered to be undertaking full-time study over the aggregate study period of Semester 2, 2024 and Summer Semester.

3

Student withdraws from study in a compulsory study period

Lily has enrolled in a Bachelor of Science at Deakin University in 2024. She enrolled across the three Trimesters with 0.250 EFTSL in each Trimester. As Trimester 1 and 2 are considered compulsory (Trimester 3 is an optional study period), the normal amount of full-time study for Trimester 1 and 2 is 0.500 EFTSL therefore 0.250 EFTSL is insufficient to satisfy full-time study requirement in Trimester 1 and 2.

However, she can aggregate all three trimesters with a study load of 0.750 EFTSL for the year, which is sufficient to be considered a full-time student.

On 14 May 2024 (prior to commencing Trimester 2), Lily alters her enrolment so that she has no enrolment in Trimester 2, 2024 and 0.500 EFTSL in Trimester 3, 2024. While she is still enrolled in a total of 0.750 EFTSL for the academic year, she cannot take advantage of aggregation of study load because she has no enrolment in the compulsory Trimester 2, 2024. The study periods are not consecutive.

Lily would cease to be qualified from 14 May 2024 as her study load for the year dropped below 0.750 EFTSL for the academic year and she does not have a study load4of 0.375 EFTSL for the Trimester. However, she would qualify in Trimester 3, 2024 with a study load of 0.375 EFTSL. Note that Lily would not lose qualification for the period prior to 14 May 2024 as she was, on the basis of aggregation, enrolled and undertaking 75% of the normal amount of full-time study. This situation only changed as of 14 May 2024.