ASSESSMENT EXTENSIONS
If you are experiencing circumstances beyond your control and are unable to submit your assessments on time, you have the option to submit an application requesting for an assessment extension.
Applications must be submitted before your assessment due date and time. Applications may be accepted up to 5 working days after the assessment due date and time if you can provide evidence to explain the delay e.g. emergency or severe illness.
Curtin Access Plan
If you have a Curtin Access Plan (CAP) which grants extensions to your assessment, you are no longer required to submit individual assessment extension applications for each assessment of every unit enrolled. This change has been in effect since 2 August 2019.
You will need to email your Unit Coordinator/s within one week of receiving your CAP at each study period. If your CAP supports you for additional days to submit assessments, your Unit Coordinator will confirm the adjusted due dates with you in writing.
If you have not heard from your Unit Coordinator/s within 7 days please email them again and copy in access.ability@curtin.edu.au.
If you require an extension that is longer than the additional days supported by your CAP you must complete an Assessment Extension form and provide supporting documentation for the additional period of time.
Your CAP does not support you to defer a test or exam. To defer a test or exam you must apply for an Assessment Extension with supporting documentation as per the Assessment Extension policy.
The final approval of additional days and Assessment Extensions is still up to the Unit Coordinator even if it is listed on your CAP.
Application Criteria and Supporting Documents
In order to apply for an Assessment Extension you must be able to provide supporting documentation proving circumstances beyond your control, which may include:
- Student injury, illness or medical condition
- Family issues (family injury, illness, or bereavement)
- Participation in Defence Force or Emergency Services
- Unavoidable and unexpected work commitments not opted into on a voluntary basis
- Elite Athlete sporting activity participation
- Obligatory Religious Requirements
- Further reasons including social and welfare
If you are submitting any supporting documents, ensure that the date is not after it's due.
If you are using your smartphone to scan the document, make sure that it is legible. It may be clear on your mobile but not when it's viewed on a desktop.
Changes to Assessment Extensions in 2022
* Note that Curtin has set in place COVID-related provisions for Assessment Extensions in 2022
- Self-certification remains permitted for durations of up to a maximum of 5 days, subject to limits.
- Students undertaking a study load exceeding 50 CR will be permitted two self-certifications in each study period.
- Students with a study load of 50 CR or less will be permitted one self-certification in each study period.
- Each self-certification can only be used once (even if the full 5 days have not been requested).
- Extension requests for longer than 5 days will be supported by a medical certificate. To relieve the expected pressure on medical services, evidence of either a positive Covid test (PCR or RAT) or a requirement to isolate will be accepted in lieu of a valid medical certificate.
- Students are permitted to self-certify for extension requests exceeding 5 days if they are unable to access medical services. (This position is designed to be able to operate in situations where students could be subject to movement restrictions and/or in isolation.)
- Such requests should be accompanied by an explanation of the circumstances. Ensure your explanation is specific, detailed and include dates that cover the assessment or exam due date.
View SUpporting Document Guidelines
Application Process
Applications must be submitted before your assessment due date and time. Applications may be accepted up to 5 working days after the assessment due date and time if you can provide evidence to explain the delay e.g. emergency or severe illness.
Your Unit Coordinator is expected to inform you of the status of your application within 10 working days.
Successful Applications
If your application is successful, you will be notified of your new submission details.
Unsuccessful Applications
Should your application be unsuccessful, you have the option to appeal this decision to the Head of School (or authorised person).
This appeal has to be submitted within 5 working days from when you were notified of the decision. The outcome of this decision is final.
The Assessment Extension policy is located in Curtin's Assessment and Student Progression Manual.
The policy outlines the process you must follow if you want to apply for an assessment extension.

AccessAbility Services
For clarification on Curtin Access Plans (CAP), please make an appointment with AccessAbility Services.
Email: access.ability@curtin.edu.au
Phone: (08) 9266 2850 or 1800 651 878
Building 109, Level 2 Curtin University
Monday to Thursday, 8:30am to 5pm
Friday, 8am to 4:30pm