Extenuating Circumstances Application

Key Points (ECA at a Glance):

ECA is the process that students across the university can use to seek specific academic adjustments where circumstances unexpectedly impact their studies.

How do I apply for an ECA?

The ECA is an e-form, available through your ANUHub account. Step by step instructions have been published and are available here.

Applications must be submitted within 5 working days of an assessment due date.

What are the grounds for an ECA?

•         Medical: e.g. significant illness/injury, significant exacerbation of condition registered in access plan
•         Hardship: e.g. victim of significant crime including family and domestic violence; financial hardship; significant car accident or widespread public transport issues; significant broad spectrum IT issues; sudden, unavoidable primary caring responsibilities
•         Compassionate: e.g. death/sudden serious illness of immediate family member or close friend
•         Elite: e.g. sport or performer event
•         Duties: e.g. essential, military, emergency/volunteer emergency services
•         Disaster: e.g. significant natural disaster/geo-political event
•         Religious or Cultural Commitments: e.g. Indigenous cultural duties consistent with the ANU Reconciliation Action Plan, other cultural or religious commitments. This is a new addition from 2026.

Possible Outcomes of an ECA:

Once an ECA is submitted, there are set outcomes that can be made. These are:

• Approved: altered assessment due date (extensions of 10 working days or more)

• Approved: deferred examination

• Approved: alternative assessment

• Approved: modified assessment weighting

• Not Approved

There have been several changes to the ECA process over the last 12 months. Some important changes include:

•         Updated Medical Documentation:
  The ECA webpage outlines acceptable medical documentation. A new templated Health Assessment Form is also available to help ensure the correct documentation is provided. ANUSA recommends using this form, as it simplifies the process for health practitioners to provide the correct information.
•         Improved Exam Incident Reporting:
  If something affects your performance during an exam (e.g. illness or disruptions), you should request that the invigilator complete an Exam Incident Report, which can support your ECA submission. Additional supporting documents may still be required.
•         Appeals Process:

All appeals must now be made within 10 working days. Appeals for deferred exam results are sent to appeals@anu.edu.au while appeals for ECAs for any other adjustment are sent to your college. All appeals must address the reasons why the decision was not aligned with the student assessment (Coursework) policy or procedure.

Important considerations:

An ECA must be submitted within five (5) working days of the assessment due date or exam. If an extension has been granted, the ECA must be submitted within five working days of the revised due date.

You cannot apply for more than one ECA for the same assessment.

If a deferred exam is approved and new or worsened circumstances prevent you from completing it, you may apply for one further ECA for the same task, however, no additional ECAs will be granted beyond this.

In cases where an assessment cannot be repeated, an alternative assessment may be granted. Additionally, modified assessment weighting may be considered when learning outcomes can still be met, though these changes are generally minor and cannot be reversed once applied. Always seek advice from your college before requesting these adjustments.

Even if you are applying for an ECA, it can be a good idea to advise your course convenor or college about your circumstances. In some cases, they may even provide you with a longer extension or a quicker outcome than the ECA.

For more information, please see ANU’s webpage on ECAs

Where can I get confidential advice?

If you do not feel comfortable to speak to your college or course convener or have questions about the process or your application, you can contact the ANUSA Student Assistance Team.

Appointments are confidential and can be held either in-person or via Microsoft Teams.

Please feel free to reach out to discuss your situation via the link below or by visiting us on level 2 of the Di Riddell building in Kambri. We are also available at AMA: 2-3pm Mondays in the Marie Reay building.

Click “Contact Us” > Other Support> Select Academic Support as “Type of Support”> Select relevant “Type of Academic Support”