This policy applies to current and prospective students of Flinders University applying for or receiving US Federal Aid (Direct Loan Subsidized, Direct Loan Unsubsidized and Direct Loan PLUS) and is in addition to the Student Progress Policy and the Higher Degrees by Research policy and HDR Progression procedures.
Students receiving financial aid will be evaluated at the end of each semester. This evaluation process will consider the student's progress under the following categories:
a. Academic standing
b. Maximum timeframe
In order to continue to receive US federal aid must meet minimum standards for both of these components.
Academic standing
Students in receipt of financial aid who are completing a coursework program will be required to maintain a cumulative GPA of 4.0 (Australian scale). The following table describes the current GPA scores:
Result |
GPA |
High Distinction |
7.0 |
Distinction |
6.0 |
Credit |
5.0 |
Pass |
4.0 |
Withdraw Fail |
1.5 |
Fail |
0.0 |
The following results are not used when calculating GPA scores:
- Non-graded Pass
- Withdraw Not Fail
GPA scores achieved at other tertiary institutions prior to commencing with Flinders University will not count towards the assessment of Academic Standing whilst studying at Flinders University. Results obtained for cross-institutional studies which are completed whilst a students at Flinders University will be used in GPA assessments.
Students in receipt of financial aid who are completing a Masters by research or a PhD will be required to maintain satisfactory progress as determined by their academic supervisor as part of the University's HDR Milestones process.
Students who transfer courses within Flinders University will carry with them the GPA from their previous course.
Students who fail to meet these academic standing requirements will initially be placed on Financial Aid warning. Continued failure to meet these requirements may result in Financial Aid suspension.
Maximum timeframe
A student is entitled to receive financial aid for 150% of the allocated course timeframe.
- 3 year degree - eligibility for aid is 4.5 years
- 4 year degree - eligibility for aid is 6 years
- 5 year degree - eligibility for aid is 7.5 years
Students who transfer to Flinders University and are granted Credit for previous studies will have their maximum timeframe adjusted to reflect this.
Students who transfer courses will have their previous study periods included when calculating the Maximum Timeframe.
Students should be advised that whilst US federal eligibility may allow them to continue to apply for aid, individual academic progress rules and student visa restrictions may impact on the student's ability to continue with the program.
Students who have received remissions for topics due to extenuating circumstances may apply to have these topics excluded from the maximum timeframe component.
Warnings, suspensions and probation
Students who do not meet the Academic Standing requirements described above will be placed on Financial Aid warning for an initial period of one (1) semester. Students will be notified of this in writing by email.
Students who have been placed on Financial Aid warning and who subsequently meet the Academic Standing requirements for the following semester will have the Financial Aid warning status removed.
Students who have been given a Financial Aid warning status and who fail to attain the minimum Academic Standing requirements in the following semester will have their aid suspended. Such students may be eligible to re-apply for aid if they meet the Academic Standing requirements in a subsequent teaching period. Students placed on Financial Aid suspension will be advised in writing by email and by registered letter.
Students may appeal their suspension of aid, as detailed below.
Appeals
A student may seek to have a decision made under these provisions reviewed. To seek such a review a student must lodge a request in writing, setting out the reason for the review request. Applications for a review and any supporting documentation should be forwarded to:
Manager, Student Finance and Scholarships
Student Centre
Flinders University
askflinders@flinders.edu.au
Students who successfully appeal a decision to suspend their Financial Aid and have their status reinstated will be placed on Financial Aid probation for a minimum period of one (1) semester.
Note: Failure to meet these requirements do not impact on any assessment of progress made under the University's Student Progress policy.