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 (FAQs).
APIC operates on a trimester-based academic year, which allows students (with no awarded credit or Recognition of Prior Learning) to complete a three-year undergraduate degree in two years, or a two-year postgraduate degree in one year and one trimester if no Trimester Breaks are taken.
Students must complete two consecutive trimesters in their first year of study. After that, they may be eligible to take Trimester Breaks. Approval is not automatic and depends on several factors, including academic progress, sufficient Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) duration, and the requirement to successfully complete an Equivalent Full-Time Study Load (EFTSL) within an academic year.
Trimester Break eligibility is assessed based on the previous and current trimester of study. The next trimester, in which the break would occur, is not included in the assessment. Students are advised of their Trimester Break eligibility each study period, as described in the process below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Trimester Break?
Within the trimester system, students who successfully complete two consecutive trimesters with a full-time study load may be eligible to take one trimester off, provided they have sufficient time remaining on their CoE.
Is a Trimester Break different from Leave of Absence?
Yes. Leave of Absence and Trimester Break are two different types of study break. Students can apply for Leave of Absence if they have demonstrated compassionate and compelling circumstances and meet the criteria. Leave of Absence is normally used when a student has experienced personal trauma or crisis or is medically unfit to undertake studies and needs a substantial period to recover. When Leave of Absence is approved, the Department of Home Affairs is notified.
Do I need to apply for a Trimester Break?
No. Trimester Break eligibility is assessed every trimester based on the previous and current trimester of study. The next trimester, in which the break would occur, is not included in the assessment. Students receive email notifications advising them of their eligibility. Students who are eligible for a Trimester Break must confirm their decision. Refer to the Trimester Break Eligibility Process below.
Does Trimester Break eligibility guarantee that I can complete my course within my remaining course duration?
No. Trimester Break eligibility does not guarantee that you can complete your course within your remaining course duration. The assessment does not account for course prerequisites or non-standard course structures. Before accepting a Trimester Break, it is your responsibility to contact your course coordinator if you have any questions or concerns about how a break may affect your course progression.
What if I change my mind after accepting the break?
Students can NOT change their decision after accepting the break and will not be allowed to enrol into the study period.
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 following 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 of study (2 trimesters); AND
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Maintained satisfactory academic progress; AND
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Completed the requirements of a full-time student in the previous and current trimester; AND
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Have sufficient time on their CoE to complete the course without overloading into more than a 0.5 EFSTL (3 units for postgraduate and 4 units for undergraduate courses) in the remaining trimesters; AND
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Have no outstanding fees; AND
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Have all Result Pending (RP) grades resolved.
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Students are not eligible for a Trimester Break if they:
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Have not completed 6 months of study (2 trimesters); OR
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Have not maintained satisfactory academic progress; OR
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Have not completed the requirements of a full-time student in the previous and current trimester; OR
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Do not have enough time on their CoE to complete the course; OR
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Would not have enough time on their CoE to complete the course if they take a Trimester Break, without overloading into more than a 0.5 EFSTL (3 units for postgraduate and 4 units for undergraduate courses) in the remaining trimesters; OR
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Have outstanding fees; OR
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Have completed all units in their course. Once all units are completed, students cannot take a break of any type, even if there is time remaining on their CoE.
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 in the coming trimester. This is not a confirmation of break, only an indication!
This assessment is based on the final results of the previous trimester and assumes they successfully pass all their enrolled units in the current trimester. This email also includes a Holiday Letter for the break between the current and next trimester.
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Step 2 - Trimester Break Confirmation
After results are released, students who are eligible for a Trimester break will receive an email confirming their eligibility based on the final results.
Students who were not eligible in the first email will not receive another email. Their first email explains the reason and tells them to enrol in the coming trimester before enrolment closes. If a student has a Result Pending (RP) grade, the grade must be finalised before Trimester Break eligibility can be confirmed. Similarly, students must clear any outstanding fees before they are eligible for break.
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Step 3a - 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 in the next trimester before the close of enrolment. Failure to enrol may result in the cancellation of the student’s CoE.
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Step 3b - 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 accept or decline the trimester break via the link to the decision form included in the email. Reminders are sent 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 may result 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.