Postgraduate Study Load Information
Study Full-time, Part-time or Overload
The normal full-time study load is 48 points (8 units) for an academic year. A standard semester’s workload for a full-time student is 24 credit points—normally four units.
It might be possible to complete more or less points in an academic year or semester, for details see:
- Part-time Study - for Domestic Students
- Underload Semester Enrolment - for International Students
- Overload Semester Enrolment
Part-time Study - for domestic students
In most courses part-time study is allowed without any special permission.
Keep in mind if you study part-time, you must complete within a specific timelimit. This information is included in the 'Monash Course Structure Policy' and applies to all postgraduate degrees.
If you decide to study on a part-time you will not be eligible for certain types of Centrelink payments. To be eligible for payments you must undertake a minimum of 18 points during each semester.
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Underload Semester Enrolment- for International Students
Under the conditions of your student visa, you are required to enrol in a full-time study load, 48 points per year or 24 points for each of semesters one and two.
In special circumstances and upon faculty approval, you can be given permission to enrol in a reduced load.
You must apply to underload your semester enrolment by the process listed below. The 'Underload Application Form' provides information on grounds for approval and required supporting documentation. Please read this information carefully.
To apply:
- Download from Monash Student Forms
- Take form to the Faculty of Arts office on your home campus for assessment, see Contact Arts Student Services for office locations and contact details.
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Overloading Semester Points
The term ‘overloading’ refers to when you enrol in more than the standard number of credit points in a particular semester. A standard semester’s workload for a full-time student is 24 credit points—normally four units.
Monash Arts Postgraduate Coursework students may overload by up to 6 points per semester. Simply enrol in the additional unit via the Web Enrolment System (WES) or in person at Arts Student Services.
These rules apply to domestic and international students.
Before you enrol, think carefully about the additional work you are taking on by overloading. If you overload in a semester and then struggle to meet assessment or attendance requirements because of your workload, the fact that you are undertaking additional studies will not be suitable as a reason for requesting special consideration.
If you wish to request to overload and you do not meet the criteria above:
- Download and complete a Request to Overload [RTF].
- Submit the completed form to your home campus. For locations, see Contact Arts Student Services.
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