Current Students Assessment and results Applications based on medical grounds

Applications based on medical grounds

Applications for deferred exams and special consideration on medical grounds in relation to an exam may be considered for the following types of situations:

  • an unexpected illness
  • reoccurrence of a chronic illness
  • an accident resulting in temporary impairment.

In your application form you must draw a connection between the medical condition and its effect on your performance in each examination you are applying for.

Supporting evidence

Your supporting evidence must include either a completed medical certificate template or an original medical certificate (or certified copy) on letterhead from a registered medical practitioner. The certificate must include the full name and signature of the medical practitioner together with contact details of the medical practitioner or their medical practice and must state the following:

  1. The date on which the health practitioner examined you
  2. The nature, severity and duration of the medical complaint
  3. The health practitioner's opinion regarding the impact of the medical condition on your performance/ability to sit an exam on the date concerned, as applicable.

Supporting documentation for medical or psychological reasons must have resulted from a face to face or online consultation with a medical practitioner. Medical certificates where there has been no consultation (e.g. receiving a medical certificate based on a questionnaire a student has submitted) will not be accepted.

Please note the following points about the evidence you provide:

  • A statement that only declares that the patient was ‘not fit for duty’ or, was ‘suffering from a medical condition’ will not be accepted if it does not include the required information in points 1, 2 and 3 above.
  • Documents must be originals or certified copies. We advise you to keep a photocopy of your completed application for your records.
  • Any supporting documentation should account for the dates that are specified in your application.
  • Medical Certificates are legal documents and cannot be backdated.
  • The University will not accept medical certificates issued by a person who is a close associate or near relative of the student. Examples of near relatives are: partner, child, brother, sister or parent. Examples of close associates are: close friends, neighbours and partners or children of colleagues.
  • Attempts to alter or otherwise amend or falsify information contained in a medical certificate or letter issued by a registered health practitioner may be considered a crime under the Queensland Criminal Code Act (1899) and may result in disciplinary action by the University against the student.
  • JCU conducts regular audits of medical certificates, letters and supporting documents issued by registered health practitioners to confirm the authenticity of the document.
  • Where a document is in a language other than English, the student must provide a translation of the document into English. Translated documents must either be notarised by an Apostille or Notary Public (or equivalent), or have been translated and signed/stamped by the accredited translating service, for example, the National Authority for Accredited Translators and Interpreters.

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