Stage 3 appeals – appeal to Student Appeals Body (SAB)
If you believe a review decision made by a faculty, school or Academic Panel was not based on merit, procedurally fair, or made in accordance with all relevant University policies and procedures, local provisions and rules, you may appeal to the Student Appeals Body (SAB). Appealing to the SAB is the final stage for reviewing an academic decision at the University.
You must submit your written appeal online within 15 working days of receiving an outcome from your faculty review. If you are late, the Director of Compliance and Student Affairs may extend the submission due date at their discretion.
For your SAB appeal:
- Your appeal letter needs to clearly explain your reasons for believing a decision was not made fairly, or that there was a breach of due process, policy and procedures.
- You must submit all relevant documentation to support your claims in your appeal.
It is important that you submit all the information and supporting documentation that you wish to reply on during your hearing at the time of submission, or as soon as possible after submission. Whether any additional submissions are accepted after this date, is at the discretion of the SAB Chair.
Information and advice on how to submit your SAB appeal is available on the University website.
After you submit your appeal
Your appeal will be reviewed by the SAB and they may grant you a hearing if they believe your reasons for appeal meet the eligibility requirements.
If you are not granted a hearing, you may apply for a review of the decision to the Register within 10 working days of receiving the outcome. Your review must be submitted in writing and must clearly outline your reasons for believing the decision was not made in accordance with clause 1.6 of the Student Appeals Rule.
Appeal hearings
The SAB will notify you, your faculty, school, Academic Panel or relevant HDR examination committee with at least 10 working days’ notice of the date, time and location of your hearing. You have the right to bring a support person to your hearing – this may include a caseworker from SUPRA.
The SAB will provide you with a copy of the faculty, school or Academic Panel’s written response to your appeal 5 working days prior to your scheduled hearing.
The SAB panel will include three members, usually two staff and one student from a different faculty to your own. The SAB will review all your written submissions before the hearing. During the hearing, you may be asked questions or clarifications about your submission.
We strongly recommend you contact us for advice on preparing for your appeal hearing.
The outcome of your hearing
A decision is reached by the SAB panel on a simple majority. Your appeal may be upheld or dismissed.
If your appeal is upheld, the SAB may: refer the decision back to your faculty, Academic Panel or HDR examination committee; make a new decision; or determine no further action will be taken.
If your appeal is dismissed, the decision from your faculty, Academic Panel or HDR examination committee will stand.
You will receive a decision within 20 working days of your hearing. If there is a delay, you will be notified.
What if my academic appeal is still not resolved?
An external complaint option is to contact NSW Student Ombudsman (NSO). For local students, recommendations by the NSO are non-binding on the University, but you can usually expect them to be followed. For international students, federal government requirements mean the University is obliged to implement any decision or corrective action the NSO recommends.
The Ombudsman will only investigate complaints on limited types of conduct.
Getting more advice on your appeal
We are happy to review your written appeal. Contact us for assistance.
Policies
Written by SUPRA Postgraduate Advocacy Service September 2025.
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