Academic progress is the formal way RMIT supports students who are not making satisfactory progress in their program.
To be officially identified as making unsatisfactory academic progress, a student needs to meet the criteria in the following document. If this happens, you'll be advised by email that you are at risk of not meeting the academic requirements of your program.
It’s important to remember that, throughout this process, there are many support services available to get you back on track, and people who can help you succeed.
50% pass rate requirement removed
The Australian Government removed the Job Ready Graduates Low Completion Rate legislation from universities on 1 January 2024. RMIT adopted this change before the November Semester 2 2023 results release. Students no longer need to maintain a more than 50% pass rate to keep their Commonwealth supported place (CSP) or defer fees to a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loans. Read more here.
The first time you meet one or more of the unsatisfactory academic progress criteria, you’re officially considered to be first stage 'at risk' of not meeting the academic requirements of your program.
If you make unsatisfactory academic progress again in the same program, you may be identified as final stage 'at risk' of not meeting the academic requirements of your program (see the next section).
If, after being identified as first stage 'at risk', you again make unsatisfactory academic progress in the same program, you may be identified as final stage 'at risk' of not meeting the academic requirements of your program.
The show cause submission is a way for you to explain your situation to the Board. Based on the information in your submission, the Board will decide if you can continue in your program. This decision will be based on whether you have a reasonable likelihood of future success in the program.
Before preparing your submission, you may want to consider if your current program is the right one for you, or if a break from the program would be beneficial.
If you decide to make a show cause submission, you need to include the following information:
For the teaching periods in which you’ve been identified as 'at risk', especially the most recent teaching period, you need to explain:
You need to explain:
The Program Assessment Board will expect independent supporting documentation of any circumstances outside your control that have impaired your academic performance.
Typical supporting documents include:
The following form can be used to help you complete your show cause submission:
After the Program Assessment Board has considered your submission, it may decide to allow you to continue in your program, or exclude you from your program for 12 months, after which you may apply for re-admission.
You may appeal the decision to exclude you from your program. The email from the Academic Registrar will include information about how to submit an appeal. You will need to wait to receive the email before you can proceed.
You’re eligible to apply for re-admission to the program 12 months after exclusion. You won’t automatically be re-admitted to the program from which you’ve been excluded at the end of the exclusion period. You must apply to be re-admitted through the normal application process. If you cancel your enrolment, you’ll still need to wait 12 months before applying for re-admission.
You must formally cancel your enrolment before the census date or relevant withdrawal date to avoid financial or academic penalties. Cancelling your enrolment will not stop the exclusion process.
If you’re studying an RMIT program on a student visa, your visa may be cancelled if you’re excluded from your program for continued unsatisfactory academic performance.
RMIT is required by law to notify the Department of Home Affairs of any excluded students. This is in accordance with Section 19 of the Educational Services for Overseas Students Act.
If you’re being excluded and you cancel your enrolment, transfer to another RMIT program, or transfer to a program at another provider, RMIT is still obligated to notify the Department of Home Affairs.
If you appeal the decision, we won’t notify the Department of Home Affairs until the appeal process has been completed (and then only if your appeal is unsuccessful).
If your visa is cancelled, your status will be considered unlawful and this may affect future visa applications. For more information about your visa requirements, contact the Department of Home Affairs.
If you’re worried about your results and academic progress, we recommend first talking to staff in your School or College. The following support services are also available.
Access expert academic advice, peer-mentoring and 24/7 online resources.
Our support services are here to help you achieve your study and personal goals. If you're feeling stressed about study, we can help.
RUSU can provide advice about academic progress and help you prepare a show cause submission.
Acknowledgement of Country
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
