Academic appeals for coursework students
What is an appeal?
An academic appeal is a process to challenge an academic decision or a breach in due process in making an academic decision.
You have the right to appeal academic decisions made by the University. If you disagree with an academic decision, or believe the decision was procedurally unfair, then you can lodge an appeal.
The University of Sydney (Student Academic Appeals) Rule 2021 is the policy that governs academic appeals.
Note: there are certain decisions which are not considered academic decisions and therefore can’t be appealed, such as decisions related to unit of study administration, access to University facilities and simple extension outcomes. You can read more about what counts as an ‘academic decision’ in section 1.5 of the Academic Appeals Rule.
Reasons to appeal
Decisions that are commonly appealed include:
- a mark for an essay or exam
- the overall mark for a unit of study
- a fail grade
- termination of a placement
- a finding of plagiarism or breach of academic integrity
- a declined special consideration or special arrangements application
- a declined credit or reduced volume of learning for previous study application
- a decision to impose conditions or restrictions on your re-enrolment after you are asked to Show Good Cause
- a decision not to re-admit or re-enrol you following exclusion from your award course
- a decision to terminate your candidature, if you are completing a postgraduate award.
An appeal must identify your concerns with the decision, or lack of due process. You need to clearly explain how the decision failed to properly follow one or more University policies or procedures. For example, an essay marked without following the published marking criteria.
Examples of when you would not have strong reasons to appeal include:
- receiving a poor mark or grade alone
- working hard and unexpectedly failing.
It may be difficult to appeal a decision based on an academic’s judgement or assessment, or where the decision maker has discretionary powers. For example, appealing a failed placement where your supervisor used their expertise to assess your performance as inadequate. If you fail a placement and are not satisfied with the feedback you receive, you can contact us for advice.
Sometimes, lodging a complaint may be more appropriate than lodging an appeal. For more information on whether to lodge an appeal or complaint, read our article Appeal or complaint? and our article Making a complaint.
The appeals process
The University of Sydney provides all enrolled students with an internal process for appealing decisions made by the University. There are 3 escalating stages in the academic appeal process. You can read a summary of these 3 stages in the table below, or click on the following links to read our detailed articles about each stage.
The 3 stages in the academic appeal process are:
| Your responsibility | The University's responsibility | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 Resolution with the original decision-maker | If you are concerned about an academic decision, make an appeal in writing to the relevant decision-maker (usually your unit coordinator). Do this within 15 working days of the decision. The Business School uses an online form to start a Stage 1 appeal. | The relevant decision-maker should deal with the issue promptly and give you a full explanation for the decision. They need to explain the next step in the appeals procedure and refer you to a copy of the Appeals Rule. |
| Stage 2 Application for review | If your concerns are not resolved, or you believe there was a failure to follow due process, you may submit an online application for review within 20 working days of the Stage 1 decision. Include your reasons for the review and any support documentation. | The person who receives your application should acknowledge receipt within 3 working days and make reasonable efforts to respond within 15 working days. Be aware that there can be delays. You will be informed of the reasons for the delay and given an estimate for how long your review will take. |
| Stage 3 Appeal to Student Appeals Body | If your concerns are still not resolved by the application for review you may submit an appeal to the Student Appeals Body (SAB). Your appeal needs to explain why you believe due process was not followed. SAB appeals must be lodged within 15 working days of the Stage 2 decision. | If you have fulfilled the requirements for an SAB appeal, you will receive confirmation of a hearing date at least 10 working days in advance of an appeal hearing. The written outcome provided after the hearing is the final decision at the University. |
Clear advice on each appeals stage can be found on the University’s academic appeals pages.
Useful tips for appeals
- Communicate via email rather than phone calls or face-to-face conversations so that you have written documentation.
- If you have a face-to-face meeting, send an email summary of what you discussed as confirmation.
- Read your unit of study outline at the beginning of the semester so you understand the content and assessments. Familiarise yourself with the University’s late penalties, as well as the process for simple extensions and special consideration.
- Make sure you receive sufficient feedback on each assessment task as you progress towards the final assessment of a unit.
Frequently asked questions about academic appeals
Reasons to appeal
Q. I got a mark of 49, why can’t the faculty award a ‘conceded pass’ grade?
A. The University of Sydney does not allow ‘conceded pass’ grades. If you received 49 you should review your exam paper, request further feedback, and consider an appeal if you believe you have good reasons.
Q. One of my tutors treated me badly during the semester. Can I use this to appeal my grade?
A. No. All University staff are expected to demonstrate professional and respectful behaviour towards all students. Grades are awarded on academic merit and the University uses anonymous marking. If you think you have been treated badly by a tutor, you can submit a complaint. Contact us for help with your complaint.
Q. Can I argue that my exam performance was affected by illness, emergency or a personal problem?
A. Unfortunately, no. Serious illness or misadventure are not reasons for an academic appeal, but you may submit a late application for special consideration for an assessment. In your application you will need to explain your reason for applying late and have appropriate medical documentation relevant to the date of the assessment. Contact us for help.
Q. Does SUPRA have a list of acceptable or strong appeal arguments?
A. No. We recommend that you clearly explain the reasons why you believe you were incorrectly marked and/or you should have earned a higher mark according to the assessment criteria. Be specific about which questions or exam responses you are appealing against.
Q. Can I argue that it is too expensive for me to retake this unit or that I need to graduate on time due to visa, career, family, or health reasons?
A. Unfortunately, no. Although these experiences are very difficult, they are not considered reasons for an appeal.
Q. I failed my final exam, but I don’t think it was fair because it was online and I was not comfortable with this format. Can I appeal?
A. Unfortunately, no. Being unfamiliar with an online exam is not a valid reason for an appeal. However, if you felt unusually anxious or stressed during an online exam, you may be able to apply for late special consideration if you can explain your reason for why it is late and have appropriate medical documentation to support your request. Contact us for help.
Q. I failed a subject but had lots of health issues. Can I appeal or ask for special consideration?
A. If you have appropriate medical documentation that covers the period of your assessment and a good explanation for the delay in application, you may submit a late special consideration application. If you had ongoing health issues throughout the entire semester, you may consider applying for a late discontinuation under special circumstances for the unit of study, instead of individual special consideration applications for every assessment.
Q. Can I appeal a group work decision?
A. At stage 1 of an appeal, all members of the group must consent to the appeal and be listed on the appeal form. You can also appeal a finding of academic dishonesty for a group work assignment. If you are unhappy about a group work result and are considering an appeal, contact us for help.
Q. Can I still appeal if the faculty states that my grade was checked by multiple markers?
A. Yes.
Writing your appeal
Q. Do I need to use special language in my appeal letter?
A. No special language is required for an appeal. However, some faculties use an online form so check whether your faculty has a specific appeal process.
Q. Where can I find the assessment criteria?
A. Check your unit of study outline. If you need a copy, or if you’re not sure what a unit of study outline is, contact your unit coordinator.
Q. Can I ask for a re-mark?
A. Yes, your stage 1 appeal can ask for a re-mark which is where your original answer, paper, or assessment is marked again. This could be by the same marker or a different academic. Your grade may stay the same or be adjusted. It is possible to lose marks if your assessment is re-marked.
Q. Can SUPRA write my appeal?
A. No. SUPRA’s caseworkers can advise you how to write your appeal and can review your draft before you submit it, but they can’t write it for you.
Policies
Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service September 2025
Postgrad Advocacy Service
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