Trimester Break Eligibility and Process Information
This page of APIC's Student Hub provides information relating to trimester break eligibility and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ's).
APIC operates on a Trimester based academic year, which allows students (with no awarded credit or Recognition of Prior learning) to choose to complete a three year bachelor/undergraduate degree in two years, or a two year postgraduate degree in one year and one trimester if no Trimester Breaks are taken.
It's compulsory for students to complete two consecutive trimesters in their first year of study. After two consecutive trimesters of study, students may be eligible to take Trimester Breaks. Approval of a Trimester Break is not automatic; it is dependent on a number of factors including (but not limited to) academic progress, sufficient Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) duration and the requirement to successfully complete an Equivalent Full Time Study Load within an academic year. All students are advised of their trimester break eligibility each study period as the below Trimester Break process describes.
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Students who have commenced their studies in the Mid Trimester 3, 2024 study period on 2 December 2024 are not eligible for a Trimester Break during Trimester 1, 2025. You will be sent a holiday letter for your two- week holiday break.
Trimester Break FAQs
What is a Trimester Break?
Within the trimester system, students who successfully complete two consecutive trimesters of a full-time study load may be eligible to take a trimester off if they have sufficient time remaining on their Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
Is a Trimester Break different from Leave of Absence?
Yes, Leave of Absence and Trimester Break are two different study break types. Students can apply for Leave of Absence if they have demonstrated compassionate and compelling circumstances and meet the criteria. Leave of Absence is normally applied for when a student is unwell or has experienced a personal trauma/crisis, is medically unfit to undertake studies and requires a substantive period of time to recover, or the death or serious illness of an immediate family member. When Leave of Absence is approved the Department of Home Affairs are advised.
Do I need to apply for a Trimester Break?
No, Trimester Break eligibility is assessed every trimester and students receive email notifications that provide advice about their eligibility. Students who are eligible for a Trimester Break must confirm their decision. Refer to the Trimester Break Eligibility process below.
How do I know if I am eligible for a Trimester Break?
Various factors contribute to a student's eligibility for a break without putting their ability to complete the course within the expected timeframe at risk. The below are guidelines only!
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Students may be eligible for a Trimester Break if they have:
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Completed 6 months study; AND
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Successfully completed all units for the previous and current trimester; AND
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Completed the requirements of a full-time student in the previous and current trimester; AND
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Sufficient time on their CoE to complete the course; AND
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Have no outstanding fees.
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Students are not eligible for a Trimester Break if they:
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Are in their first or second study period; OR
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Are enrolled in the last unit(s) of their course and whose CoE expires at the end of the coming study period; OR
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Have completed their final unit(s), once all units are completed, students cannot take a break of any type even if there is time remaining on their CoE; OR
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Are unable to complete the course within CoE duration without overloading into more than a .05 Equivalent Full Time Study Load (EFSTL) (3 units for postgraduate and 4 units for undergraduate courses) in the remaining trimesters; OR
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Have studied less than a full-time study load, and/or have not successfully completed 6 units for postgraduate and 8 units for undergraduate courses in the previous and current trimester; OR
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Have been on an approved trimester break or leave of absence for the current study period​
The Trimester Break Eligibility Process
Step 1 - Initial Trimester Break Notification
Towards the end of each trimester, students are sent an email indicating their initial eligibility for a trimester break for the coming trimester if they successfully pass all their enrolled units in the current study period. This email also includes a Holiday Letter for the holiday break between the current and next trimester.
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Step 2 - Trimester Break Confirmation
After results for each trimester are released, all students receive an email that confirms their Trimester Break eligibility. If a student is not eligible for a Trimester Break the email outlines the reasons why and includes advice to enrol for the coming trimester before the close of enrolment. Students who receive Result Pending (RP) grades will be sent an updated Trimester Break Eligibility email following the finalisation of RP grades.
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Step 3 - Students who are NOT eligible for a trimester break
Student Action Required: Enrol for the coming study period
Students who are not eligible for a trimester break must enrol for the next trimester before the close of enrolment. Failure to enrol results in the cancellation of the student’s CoE.
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Step 3 - Students who are eligible for a Trimester Break
Student Action Required: Accept or decline the Trimester Break
Students who are eligible for break must confirm their decision to take or reject the trimester break via a link to the decision form contained within the email. Students with outstanding fees must clear all fees before a trimester break can be confirmed. Reminders are sent every business day until a decision is submitted.
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​When an eligible student accepts a Trimester Break they automatically receive a confirmation email, together with a Trimester Break letter confirming the duration of their approved break; and if they had previously enrolled for the coming trimester, unit enrolments and the associated invoice will be deleted.
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​If a student does not submit a response or rejects the Trimester Break, they must enrol for the next trimester before the close of enrolment. Failure to enrol results in the cancellation of the student’s CoE.
Trimester Break Queries
​Trimester break eligibility cannot be confirmed by staff members prior to the release of results.
If you have questions after receiving your eligibility email, please contact Student Services. Additional information on eligibility is also provided in the trimester break eligibility emails.