Quick answer: UNSW 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?
Evidence from an AHPRA-registered practitioner may support special consideration. A medical certificate can be used only when it contains all information required by the current policy; the UNSW Professional Authority Form is the safer format.
Certificate and form requirements
Required form
The Professional Authority Form is recommended. It records consultation details, affected dates, the basis of the practitioner's findings and separate impact ratings for different assessment settings.
Consultation modality
Online evidence must show that a real-time phone or video consultation occurred. Supporting proof may need the date, time and duration of the consultation; an appointment confirmation by itself is insufficient.
Previous dates
The governing instructions effective June 2026 say backdated or out-of-date certificates are not accepted. Older February 2026 student guidance appears less strict, so this conflict must be resolved before publication.
Duration
Short-term impact limits vary by teaching period: generally 14 calendar days for a term, 21 for a semester and 7 for a hexamester. Any extension should not exceed the documented impact period.
Impact wording
Evidence should explain the circumstances, timeframe, severity, effect on the student and likely effect on assessment performance. The practitioner form separates minor and major impact.
Submission deadline
Apply no later than three working days after the assessment due date. If illness arises during a timed assessment, separate notification and evidence-within-24-hours rules may apply.
What this guide does not cover
Timed assessments, examinations and teaching-period limits have additional rules. This page must not override instructions in the current assessment portal.
Frequently asked questions
Will UNSW Sydney accept a medical certificate?
UNSW Sydney makes the decision. Evidence must meet the current policy and may need specific practitioner, form, consultation, date and academic-impact details.
Does UNSW Sydney accept telehealth medical certificates?
Online evidence must show that a real-time phone or video consultation occurred. Supporting proof may need the date, time and duration of the consultation; an appointment confirmation by itself is insufficient.
Can evidence for UNSW Sydney be backdated?
The governing instructions effective June 2026 say backdated or out-of-date certificates are not accepted. Older February 2026 student guidance appears less strict, so this conflict must be resolved before publication.
Official sources and review information
- UNSW Assessment and Progression Policy
- UNSW special consideration guidance
- UNSW Professional Authority Form
- UNSW February 2026 update
Policy effective or updated: Assessment Allowances Instructions v1.0 effective 1 June 2026
Last checked: 31 July 2026
Updoc is not affiliated with or endorsed by this institution. Policy interpretation and acceptance remain with the institution.
