Rule Waiver

What is a Rule Waiver?

A Rule Waiver is a student form used to request approval from your Director of Academic Program (DAP), Academic Program Advisor (APA), or equivalent authority to register for a subject when you do not meet the enrolment, registration, or subject/s requirements.

If you're unsure about the criteria to submit a Rule Waiver, it’s recommended that you seek academic advice before submitting your application.

Please note that you must complete and submit the Rule Waiver form online before the Important Dates (Census) or you will not be able to register in that subject for that term.

For more information or further details about Rule Waiver please refer to the Enrolments Policy.

WSU Online students are unable to apply for a rule wavier and should contact their Student Advisors regarding enrolment advice.


Criteria for Requesting a Rule Waiver

To be able to submit a Rule Waiver you must meet the following criteria.

Subject Rule

If you haven’t met the requirements for a pre-requisite, co-requisite, or incompatible subjects, you can apply for a waiver of these rules. Additionally, if a subject doesn’t permit self-registration in MySR under these circumstances, you can submit a Rule Waiver form.

Credit Points

If you need to register in more than the maximum permitted credit points for the relevant term, you can apply for the rule to be waived via the Rule Waiver form.

Please note, you are limited to enrolling in up to 40 credit points during main teaching periods (1H/2H, Autumn/Spring, or Trimester). For Summer, Blocks, and Quarters, the limit is 20 credit points.

Home Campus

If you need to register in a subject that is not at your home campus, you need to submit a Rule Waiver form for this to be waived. Please note this option is not required for Summer teaching term.

Late Enrolments

If you have not registered within the first two weeks of teaching period, you will be unable to enrol via MySR. In this case, you will need to submit a Rule Waiver form.

Excluded to apply for a Rule Waiver

  • Students on an Academic Progression sanction of Conditional Enrolment cannot apply for a Rule Waiver to register for more credit points than permitted.
  • Students that are enrolled in a non-award subjects refer to enrolments are excluded to apply for a Rule Waiver.
  • Students should not apply for a Rule Waiver to drop a subject.

Reasons For Rule Waiver Form

Please note that approval for a Rule Waiver is not automatic. Academic staff will review your request in accordance with university policies and procedures. To ensure your application is processed in a timely manner, you must provide the correct reason with appropriate details when completing the form. For example:

  • Provide details about the prerequisite or co-requisite and explain the reason for your request.
  • If requesting a campus change, include a justification for why the academic should approve it.
  • Include details of additional credit point requirements, along with supporting rationale.
  • Provide details and rationale to support a late enrolment request.

Instructions To Complete The Rule Waiver Form

To complete the form, follow the steps below, or refer to the knowledge article for more detail

  • Go to Rule Waiver Request form
  • Complete and submit the form online before the census date.
  • Confirmation of your submission will be sent to your WSU student email.

Application Processing

Once you submit your form, you will receive an automated confirmation email acknowledging its receipt. The form then goes directly to the relevant Director of Academic Program (DAP), Academic Program Advisor (APA), or equivalent authority for consideration.

If approved, you will be automatically enrolled in the subject, so there’s no need to manually add it in MySR. If your application is declined, you will need to reach out to the relevant academic staff via Schools webpage for further details on the rejection.

Please note that most applications are processed within 7 business days, but delays may occur if additional information is needed. It's recommended that you provide all necessary details to support your request.

Off-Shore Students

This form is only available for WSU Domestic and International students, The College students and Vietnam, Sydney City students. For any other Off-Shore students, please reach out to your relevant subject Coordinator for the equivalent process.

International Exchange Students at Western Sydney University

Please contact the Go Global Team for enrolment advice. If recommended by the Go Global Team, you may submit a Rule Waiver Application to enrol in specific subjects. Your application will then be assessed by the Go Global Team.

Support

Academic Program Advisors (APA)

Please contact your APA through the Schools webpage if you are concerned about the criteria above and need advice.

Student Service Hub Support

If you need further help completing your application, Student Services Hub can help. You can call the Student Services Hub Infoline on 1300 668 370 or drop in to a Student Services Hub on campus.

Support for Students at The College

If you are studying at The College and need support or advice regarding your application, please contact your First Year Experience Coordinators.

Support for WSU Online Students

WSU Online students are unable to apply for a rule wavier and should contact their Student Advisors regarding enrolment advice.