Everything You Need To Know About Deferring Uni

Is there an inkling at the back of your mind saying: "you could defer uni y'know?'... Whether you want a break from the books, to travel the world or save some mulla before you commit to more study, here's your ultimate guide to deferring university. 

What does it mean to defer university? 

So you got into uni. Hurrah! But what if you're craving some time away from more classrooms.

Maybe you're keen on galivanting across the globe, storming into the workforce, or just taking some well-deserved R & R time to recharge before three or so years of study... Whatever you fancy, deferring lets you delay starting your course.

How long can I defer uni for? 

In most cases, you can defer a full year of study, although some universities allow you to defer for two. If you'd prefer to take less time off, and if mid-year intake is available in your course, you can put your place on hold for a single semester and start getting learnt up in July.

Keep in mind that not all course places can be deferred. This may be because a course is particularly competitive or because it has intakes every second year. You may also find that this applies to vocational and postgraduate courses. To figure out if your desired course allows deferment, reach out to your university! 

What are the advantages of deferring uni? 

• Did someone say gap year? Maybe you could work abroad or volunteer. You might wanna complete an internship or save up your dosh to move away from home...
• A year away from classrooms lets you clear your head and recharge. If a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into getting into your course, taking some sweet time off can avoid you burning out.
• You get a taste of adult life before other students who enter tertiary study straight off the bat. Maybe you experience full-time work or travel around the world -- these are things most students don’t experience until their 20s.
• You have the op to consider (and re-consider) your study options. During your time off, you may realise that your true passion is in a different field than your course. This gives you time to think about your options without the pressure of exams and deadlines.

What about the disadvantages?

• Going straight from high school to uni is seamless -- not too many lifestyle changes. Taking a year off can make the transition back to study a little more difficult, particularly if it means swapping sleep-ins or a full-time income for morning lectures and years of careful budgeting.
• Once you have time off, you might not wanna go back... Whether you choose to explore the world, work full time, or even just chill out on the couch, there may be a real temptation to continue this lifestyle even once the new academic year begins.

Can I defer midway through my course? 

Yes! But technically speaking, deferring your studies means delaying starting your whole course. If you have started studying and you want to take a temporary break, this is called interrupting your studies. 

How do I defer university?

Last but not least, how do we actually defer? Well dw ladies 'n gents, this part is easy peasy.

Normally, you can either submit a deferral request through the state or territory’s Tertiary Admissions Centre or directly through the university’s own online portal. You might even be able to defer IRL at the student service centre.

You might just have to give a reason for your request to defer your place, and what you plan to do in your during your time off. Some uni's will charge a deferral fee of around $100 - $200, which may or may not be refundable. 

But there you have it. Everything you need to know about deferring! If you have any other questions, slide into our dms on Instagram! Year13 is here for you. 🥰