The Guides to Social Policy Law is a collection of publications designed to assist decision makers administering social policy law. The information contained in this publication is intended only as a guide to relevant legislation/policy. The information is accurate as at the date listed at the bottom of the page, but may be subject to change. To discuss individual circumstances please contact Services Australia.

3.2.7.80 YA study-load - full-time students in more than one course or institution

Additional subjects

Subjects additional to the minimum requirements of the course or award are included as study-load if the subject is included in the student's enrolment record against the approved course (1.1.A.210) they are undertaking.

Non-award enrolments

Some higher education providers allow full-time enrolments on a non-award basis in subjects that are otherwise part of an award course of study. This may occur when, for example:

  • due to a technicality the student's formal enrolment is deferred until the following year
  • subject to the student successfully completing the first year/semester they are guaranteed later course enrolment, with the completed study credited to their degree, OR
  • the person is undertaking a bridging course for overseas trained professionals.

These studies may be counted as YA study-load. If a student meets the full-time study requirements, they will be considered full-time for YA purposes.

Prior credits

Subjects, units or points credited for work done previously do not count as YA study-load for the purposes of determining whether a student is undertaking full-time study.

Combined courses

If a student is undertaking a course that is a double degree course or combined course, the study-load is measured against the normal full-time study-load for the course.

Example: An approved BA/Bachelor of Law degree course.

Last reviewed: