Can You Defer an Australian University Offer for More Than 12 Months? A 2027–2028 Guide

Last reviewed: 4 November 2026

If you have received an offer to study at an Australian university but cannot start on your planned date, you may be able to postpone your studies. However, deferral policies are not the same at every university.

Some universities allow eligible students to defer their offers for up to 12 months. Others use a different process. For example, the Australian National University (ANU) uses a reassessment process for international applicants rather than formal offer deferral.

Understanding these differences is important because changing your intake may affect your admission, tuition fees, scholarships, Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and student visa arrangements.

This guide explains the published policies of the University of Sydney (USYD), ANU and the University of Wollongong (UOW), and what international students should consider before changing their intended intake.

1. What Does It Mean to Defer a University Offer?

An offer deferral means asking a university to postpone the commencement date of an offer you have received, usually while keeping your place available for a later intake.

Students may consider deferring their university offers for various reasons, including financial preparation, student visa processing delays, pending academic requirements, personal circumstances, or needing additional time to prepare for studying abroad. Whatever the reason, it is important to understand that deferral options depend on the university, the course, and the student’s individual circumstances.

It is also important to distinguish between four different processes:

• Deferral: The university approves a later commencement date for an eligible offer. The university may issue an updated offer with a new start date.
• Reassessment: The university reviews your application again for a different program preference or intake.
• Fresh application: You submit a new application for admission, assessed under the requirements and procedures applicable at that time.
• Suspension of enrolment: You have already commenced your course and request an approved temporary break from your studies. This is different from postponing an offer before you start.

These processes are not interchangeable. Always check which process your university requires before changing your study plans.

2. Understanding the 12-Month University Deferral Limit

Some Australian universities allow eligible applicants to defer their offers for up to 12 months. This generally means that the approved new commencement date must fall within the university’s permitted period.

Example: July 2027 intake

Imagine that you receive an offer for a course commencing in July 2027.

Depending on the university, course availability and approval of your request, you may be able to move your commencement to a later 2028 intake, such as February 2028 or July 2028.

However, if you want to postpone your studies until February 2029, this would be beyond a 12-month deferral period measured from the original July 2027 intake. Where the university applies a 12-month limit, you would generally need to submit a new application rather than continue using the original deferred offer.

Important: This example explains how a 12-month formal deferral limit can work. It should not be applied automatically to every university. ANU’s international admissions process is different and is explained below.

3. University Deferral Rules: USYD vs ANU vs UOW

The update specifically identified the University of Sydney (USYD), Australian National University (ANU), and University of Wollongong (UOW). This guide therefore examines the published deferral and reassessment processes at these three institutions. It does not present them as a complete representation of every Australian university’s policy.

The comparison is particularly useful because the universities follow different processes. USYD and UOW allow eligible students to defer their offers for up to 12 months, subject to course-specific restrictions. ANU, on the other hand, uses a reassessment process for international applicants rather than formal offer deferral.

This highlights why students should always check the individual university’s requirements instead of assuming that the same deferral rules apply everywhere.

University of Sydney (USYD)

The University of Sydney states that, depending on the course, students may be able to defer an offer for up to one year.

However, not every course can be deferred. The university publishes examples of undergraduate and postgraduate courses that usually cannot be deferred, and notes that many honours degrees also do not allow deferrals.

The university assesses deferral requests on a case-by-case basis.

If you have received an offer but have not accepted it, you can request a deferral through Sydney Student. If you have already accepted your offer, the process depends on your circumstances. International students who have accepted their offer and paid tuition fees can still contact the university’s admissions team to request a deferral.

USYD also explains that if you want to delay your course for longer than one year, you will need to submit a new application.

Official source: University of Sydney – Defer your offer

Australian National University (ANU)

ANU has a different process for international applicants.

According to ANU’s international admissions guidance, international students cannot formally defer an offer. Instead, applicants who want to start in a later intake or change their program preference should request a reassessment of their application.

ANU describes this as a new application, but confirms that no application fee will be charged for this specified reassessment process.

The application will be reassessed for the new program preference or intake. Applicants should therefore not assume that their original offer will automatically remain valid for a later semester.

Before requesting a change, check the relevant course availability, entry requirements and intake dates. Contact ANU if you are unsure which process applies to your circumstances.

Official source: ANU – International students: Accept, decline or change preference

University of Wollongong (UOW)

The University of Wollongong states that, depending on the course, students may be able to defer their offer for up to one year.

Deferral requests must be submitted through UOW’s designated process. Requests may be reassessed against the university’s current admission criteria and Genuine Student (GS) requirements. If approved, the university issues a new offer.

UOW’s current Coursework Admissions Procedures specify that an applicant may request a deferral for up to 12 months, subject to the policy’s conditions. The policy lists courses that cannot be deferred, including certain postgraduate courses in Psychology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Nursing (Pre-registration) and Exercise Science, as well as the Doctor of Medicine.

The policy also states that applicants who do not take up their deferred offer within the 12-month period will be required to submit a new application for admission.

There are additional restrictions for research students: UOW’s international offer guidance states that Higher Degree by Research offers can only be deferred for one session.

Official sources:

• UOW – Understanding and accepting your offer
• UOW – Admissions Procedures (Coursework)

Quick comparison

4. What Happens If You Want to Start More Than 12 Months Later?

If your university’s formal deferral period does not cover your preferred start date, you may need to apply again or follow the university’s alternative reassessment process.

Depending on the university and your circumstances, this may involve:

• Submitting a new application or requesting reassessment for a different intake.
• Paying an application fee, if one applies to the new application process.
• Meeting the academic entry requirements that apply to the new intake.
• Providing updated academic transcripts, certificates or other supporting documents.
• Meeting the English language requirements applicable to your application.
• Completing any additional assessment or documentation requested by the university.

A new application does not guarantee admission. Course availability, entry requirements, application deadlines and the competitiveness of the applicant pool may change.

Do not assume that you must always pay a second application fee. ANU, for example, specifically states that its international application reassessment process does not incur a new application fee. Fee arrangements should be checked with the relevant university before submitting anything.

5. Will Your Scholarship or Bursary Continue After Deferral?

A deferral can affect your scholarship or financial support.

Scholarships may be linked to a particular intake, commencement date, academic year or course. Therefore, an award offered for one intake may not automatically transfer to a later intake.

Before accepting a deferral, ask the university to confirm:

• Whether your scholarship remains valid for the new commencement date.
• Whether the scholarship amount or eligibility conditions will change.
• Whether you need to submit a new scholarship application.
• Whether the scholarship is available for the course and intake you have selected.

Research students should be particularly careful. Research funding may only be available for a limited period, and deferral may affect access to funding. Confirm scholarship eligibility for the later research period before requesting a deferral.

UOW also advises that fees, scholarships and bursaries may change after deferral.

Our advice: Obtain written confirmation from the university or scholarship provider before making a decision based on an assumed scholarship transfer.

6. Can Tuition Fees Change After a Deferral?

Yes. Tuition fees can change between academic years or intakes.

A university may calculate your fees using the rates applicable when your new offer is issued or when you commence your course. A later intake may therefore have different tuition fees from the original offer.

UOW specifically explains that students who defer may be subject to fee adjustments, including changes to tuition fees, scholarships and bursaries. Any fee difference may need to be paid before a new CoE is issued.

Before confirming a later intake, request updated information about:

• Annual tuition fees.
• Total estimated course costs.
• Any deposit or outstanding payment.
• Scholarship or bursary adjustments.
• Refund or credit arrangements for payments already made.

Do not rely only on the fee amount shown in an older offer letter.

7. International Students: Deferral, CoE and Student Visa Implications

For international students, changing a university intake is not only an admissions matter. It may also affect the Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and student visa arrangements.

The correct steps depend on whether you have applied for a visa, are waiting for a decision or already hold a student visa.

A. You have not applied for your student visa yet

If you have not submitted a student visa application, first obtain confirmation of your new admission arrangements.

Depending on the university’s process, you may need an updated offer and a new CoE reflecting the revised course commencement date.

Check that the course, provider, start date and other details on your CoE are correct before using it in your visa application.

You should also review the current Student visa (subclass 500) requirements and allow sufficient time for visa processing.

Official guide: Study Australia – Student visa (subclass 500)

B. Your student visa application is still being processed

If you have already lodged a student visa application and your university approves a later start date, do not assume that the original CoE and visa application will automatically update.

Contact your university about the revised CoE arrangements and check with the Department of Home Affairs about whether and how the change must be reported or updated in your pending application.

Keep copies of your updated offer, CoE and any relevant university correspondence.

C. You already hold a student visa

If your student visa has already been granted, changing your course commencement date may affect your visa arrangements and conditions.

Contact your university and the Department of Home Affairs before making travel or study plans. Ask the university what it will update in its student records and CoE arrangements, and obtain advice about your own visa circumstances.

Do not assume that an approved university deferral automatically changes your visa validity, conditions or permitted stay in Australia.

What is National Code Standard 9?

National Code Standard 9 forms part of Australia’s regulatory framework for overseas students. It sets out requirements for registered education providers when managing the deferral, suspension or cancellation of an overseas student’s enrolment, including maintaining relevant information in PRISMS.

For student-initiated deferrals or suspensions of an overseas student’s enrolment, the National Code provides for providers to assess requests in accordance with their documented procedures. Compassionate or compelling circumstances are relevant to this process.

However, Standard 9 should not be treated as a single university admissions rule that makes every offer deferral identical. University admission policies, the student’s enrolment status, the CoE and the student’s visa circumstances all need to be considered.

Official source: Australian Government – National Code Standard 9

Important: This section is general information, not immigration advice. For advice about your individual visa application or visa conditions, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a suitably qualified migration professional.

8. Intake-Planning Checklist Before You Defer

Before requesting a deferral or reassessment, review the following points with your university and education counsellor.

• Academic completion: Will you have completed your current studies and received all required results and certificates before the new intake?
• English language requirements: Will your English test results still meet the university’s requirements and any applicable validity period?
• Course availability: Is your chosen course available in the intake you want?
• Admission conditions: Will you need to provide updated documents or meet new entry requirements?
• Funding: Can you afford the updated tuition fees, living expenses and other costs?
• Scholarships: Has the university confirmed in writing whether your scholarship or bursary will continue?
• Application process: Does your university require a formal deferral, reassessment or a completely new application?
• Application fees: Has the university confirmed whether a new application fee applies?
• CoE: Will you need a new or updated Confirmation of Enrolment?
• Visa timing: Have you checked how the new start date affects your visa application or existing visa?
• Deadlines: Have you confirmed the deferral request deadline, acceptance deadline and course commencement date?

Planning these details early can help you avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I defer my Australian university offer twice?

It depends on the university and course. A university may allow a deferral within its permitted period, but this does not mean that you can automatically request another deferral. USYD and UOW have published limits and course-specific conditions. ANU’s international applicant process is based on reassessment rather than formal offer deferral. Always obtain written confirmation before relying on a second change of intake.

Can I defer my Australian university offer for two years?

Not where the applicable formal deferral limit is 12 months. For example, if your original intake is July 2027, a February 2029 start would be beyond 12 months. You may need to submit a new application or follow the university’s alternative process. The exact requirements depend on the university and course.

Do I have to pay another application fee if I apply for a later intake?

Not always. Application fees depend on the university and process. ANU states that its specified international application reassessment process does not incur a new application fee. Ask the university to confirm the fee before submitting a new application.

Can I defer my offer after paying a deposit?

Possibly. The process depends on the university, course and stage of acceptance. The University of Sydney states that international students who have accepted their offer and paid tuition fees can still request a deferral by contacting its admissions team. However, payment, refund and new CoE arrangements should be confirmed directly with the university before proceeding.

What if my student visa is delayed?

Contact your university as soon as possible. Ask whether a later commencement date is available and whether you need to request a deferral or another admission arrangement. If you have already lodged a visa application, check with the Department of Home Affairs about the effect of the changed course dates on your application.

Will my scholarship remain valid after deferral?

Not necessarily. Scholarship conditions may be linked to a particular intake or academic year. Ask the university or scholarship provider to confirm in writing whether your award will continue, change or require a new application.

Is a university deferral guaranteed?

No. Approval depends on the university’s policy, course eligibility, available places, intake availability and assessment of the request. Some courses cannot be deferred. A request may also be reassessed against current admission requirements.

10. How Edugate Can Help You Plan Your Next Intake

Choosing the right intake is an important part of your Australian study plan. A change of start date can affect more than your admission offer. It may also influence your tuition fees, scholarship eligibility, CoE and student visa arrangements.

At Edugate, our counsellors help students understand their study options, compare university requirements and plan their applications according to their academic background and preferred commencement date.

If you have received an offer but are considering postponing your studies, speak with your Edugate counsellor before requesting a change. We can help you identify the questions to ask your university and understand the next steps for your application.

Planning to defer your Australian university offer? Contact Edugate before choosing your next intake.

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Editorial disclaimer: University admission and deferral policies, course availability, tuition fees, scholarships and visa requirements can change. The information in this guide is general and reflects the official university and government information linked above at the time of review. Requirements may differ by course, applicant type and individual circumstances. Always confirm the latest course-specific requirements and your personal admission and visa arrangements directly with the relevant university and Australian authorities before making a decision.