Quick answer: University of Sydney decides whether evidence is accepted and what outcome is granted. A medical certificate does not guarantee approval.
This guide covers coursework assessment extensions, special consideration and deferred assessments. It does not replace the institution’s current policy or application instructions.
A standard sick certificate may be insufficient where an institution form, real-time consultation, functional-impact assessment or supporting proof is required.
What evidence may be accepted?
The University of Sydney may consider its Professional Practitioner Certificate or a medical certificate containing equivalent details from an appropriately registered Australian practitioner. Evidence must be verifiable and issued within the practitioner's scope.
Certificate and form requirements
Required form
The Professional Practitioner Certificate is the safest format. Equivalent evidence needs practitioner identity and contact details, AHPRA number, signature, consultation and issue dates, exact impact dates and the degree of academic impact.
Consultation modality
Sydney states that telehealth may be considered where an in-person appointment was impractical. Current public wording also refers to face-to-face consultation and a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship, so online eligibility must be treated conservatively.
Previous dates
Backdated evidence is not guaranteed and needs adequate clinical support for the earlier period. Post-dated certificates are not accepted.
Duration
Evidence should identify when the impact began and, for ongoing circumstances, when the student is expected to be able to complete the assessment.
Impact wording
The practitioner should describe whether the student was unable to study, significantly affected, or whether impact could not be assessed, with exact from and to dates.
Submission deadline
Apply within three working days after the original assessment due date, examination, missed class or placement, generally by 11:59 pm Sydney time. Apply on time even if evidence will follow.
What this guide does not cover
Placements and ongoing conditions may have additional requirements. This navigator does not establish whether a particular telehealth relationship meets Sydney's rules.
Frequently asked questions
Will University of Sydney accept a medical certificate?
University of Sydney makes the decision. Evidence must meet the current policy and may need specific practitioner, form, consultation, date and academic-impact details.
Does University of Sydney accept telehealth medical certificates?
Sydney states that telehealth may be considered where an in-person appointment was impractical. Current public wording also refers to face-to-face consultation and a pre-existing doctor-patient relationship, so online eligibility must be treated conservatively.
Can evidence for University of Sydney be backdated?
Backdated evidence is not guaranteed and needs adequate clinical support for the earlier period. Post-dated certificates are not accepted.
Official sources and review information
- University of Sydney special consideration requirements
- Sydney application and deadlines
- Professional Practitioner Certificate
Policy effective or updated: Public application guidance updated 2 June 2026; PPC version 3.0 dated 7 June 2024
Last checked: 31 July 2026
Updoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution. Policy interpretation and acceptance remain with the institution.
