Alternative times for exams
Find out about when you may apply to sit your exam out-of-time.
Examination period availability
Make sure to plan all your personal activities around the exam period as we expect you to be available for the entire duration.
Dates printed in course handouts or in student diaries may not be accurate.
Individual exam dates are not finalised until they are published on Student Services Online.
Problem with an exam time
There are strict criteria in place for approving an exam to be sat at a different time (referred to as out-of-time). Applications for personal commitments or travel will not be accepted. You should not book any travel or make personal commitments during the exam period until after your finalised timetable is published. University exam periods can be viewed by visiting Semester and Quarter dates.
Out-of-time exams must be taken as near as possible to the actual date of the scheduled exam. This is usually scheduled within 24 hours of the main sitting.
Applications must be submitted at least 4 weeks before the first day of the examination period; otherwise your application may not be considered in time. You may request to sit out-of-time or out-of-centre under the following categories: religious, bereavement, study, legal, sport/cultural, wedding, business.
If your application does not meet the criteria for any of these categories or relates to the timezone you are located in meaning your exam has been scheduled during the night in your location, please immediately contact the Assessment Services.
All applications to move an exam time for Semester Two 2024 must be made by Thursday 26 September 2024. Semester Two 2024 Alternative applications have now closed.
Examples of the required supporting documentation for each category is listed below. Depending on your situation, further evidence may also be required. Applications with insufficient supporting documents will not be approved.
Religious
Criteria: Exam conflicts with the Sabbath
Application forms: AS-33 Request to sit an examination out of time for religious reasons
Application fee: These applications are fee-exempt if made on time. Late applications are subject to a fee.
Documentation required: A completed AS-33 application form and an AS-32 religious declaration form completed by your pastor, rabbi, or church elder (for first-time applicants only).
Bereavement
Criteria: Family member or close friend (short notice acceptable).
Application forms: AS-28 Request to sit an examination out of time for bereavement
Application fee: These applications are fee exempt.
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: a death notice, order of service, or other appropriate documents.
Study, legal, sport/cultural, wedding, or business categories
Criteria and Supporting Documentation for each category:
Study
Criteria: Overseas study; must be at a tertiary institute
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: letter of confirmation from other institute showing enrolment, and flight itinerary.
Legal
Criteria: Court appearance (short notice acceptable)
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: Court notice or court order.
Sport / Cultural
Criteria: Representing New Zealand at an international sporting or cultural event.
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: A letter from your NSO and, if applicable, flight or travel itinerary (in most cases a match or game schedule will also be required).
Wedding
Criteria: Wedding of an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child) or part of bridal party.
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: Invitation card, letter from marriage celebrant and, if applicable, flight itinerary.
Business
Criteria: Unavoidable business obligation or business travel.
Documentation required: Completed application form, along with supporting evidence such as: a letter from your employer and, if applicable, flight itinerary (in most cases conference schedules, invitations or other documents will also be required).
Semester Two 2024 Alternative applications have now closed.
- Applications submitted during the exam period will not be considered unless the reason is due to bereavement or a legal obligation.
- Academic staff cannot approve out-of-time or out-of-centre requests. Please direct your enquiries to the Assessment Services.
- If your application does not fit in the listed criteria, please contact Assessment Services.