"A university student applied for an extension for an assessment after the deadline, stating that they were suffering from a severe mental health crisis at the time that the assessment was due, which also prevented them from applying for an extension within the required time. The extension was refused, and the student received a mark of zero for the assessment, meaning that he failed the relevant unit and did not complete their Graduate Certificate.
The student complained that the public university’s decision to refuse their extension application for the assessment was unreasonable, and they appealed. The appeal was unsuccessful, and the student complained to the Ombudsman.
Following an investigation by the Ombudsman, the university agreed to consider a Special Consideration application, on the information the university had and any additional information. Ultimately, an extension was granted for the assessment, resulting in a deduction of 10% of the final mark rather than a mark of zero.

*From February 2025, university complaints should be lodged with the National Student Ombudsman: www.nso.gov.au"