Aggregation of study load 010-22033035

Education providers break up academic years into shorter study periods such as semesters, trimesters, terms, etc. A student would meet the study-load requirement for the study period if they are:

• enrolled in a course of study, and
• undertaking 75% (or an approved concessional study-load percentage) of the normal amount of full-time study in a shorter 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 of the course they are undertaking. 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 amount of full-time study, 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 in the entire aggregation period at the start of the period, and
• their study-load adds up to at least 75% of the Equivalent Full-time Student Load (EFTSL) over the aggregation period, or
• they have an approved concessional study-load, and their study-load adds up to an approved concessional study-load percentage over the aggregation period. 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, including historical cancellation and regranting of YA or Austudy, require evidence confirming the student's total study-load 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 1 and full-time (0.500 EFTSL) in Semester 2. Aggregation assessment is completed and the customer is paid as a full-time student for both semesters. This equals 0.750 EFSTL, meaning that it will count as one full-time year spent as they have been undertaking an aggregated full-time study-load over the year.