If you’ve received your final grade for your course and it’s not the one you were hoping for or expecting then the first thing to do is remember not to panic.
There are processes in place at your university to help you either appeal the grade or better understand why it was awarded.
Stage 1: Informal resolution
If you’re unhappy with your final grade or feel like it doesn’t reflect your work, the first step is usually to raise the issue with your assessor or coordinator (whoever marked your work) and have an informal discussion.
During this stage, you can:
- Clarify how your work was marked.
- Ask for feedback linked to the marking criteria.
- Raise concerns if you think an error has been made in the calculation or assessment weighting.
Quite often, concerns are resolved here without the need to progress to Stage 2 (a formal appeal).
Stage 2: Formal review
If an informal discussion doesn’t resolve the issue, the next step is usually a formal review or assessment complaint. Universities set strict timeframes to lodge this. The University of Adelaide advises students to make the initial complaint within 10 business days of receiving results, while RMIT requires you to do this step within five days.
Grounds for a formal review often include:
- Procedural errors (e.g. incorrect weighting or missing assessment criteria)
- Inconsistencies between feedback and the grade
- Bias or a lack of fairness in the marking process
The University of Newcastle lists errors in calculation and irregularities in applying marking criteria as valid reasons for appeal. Similarly, the University of Adelaide states that dissatisfaction with a grade isn’t grounds for a review, nor are personal/medical issues (these should be dealt with separately – get in touch with your university’s support services if this is the case for you).
During this stage, you will usually need to submit a written request, sometimes via an official form, outlining your reasons for requesting a review and any evidence you have.
Stage 3: University appeal
If the outcome of the formal review doesn’t change your grade, many universities allow you to escalate the matter through a university-level appeal process.
Appeals at this stage are usually only considered if:
- Policies and procedures were not correctly followed.
- There was a lack of procedural fairness.
- New evidence can be shown.
For example, the Australian National University limits appeals to cases where university rules were breached; it is not a third review of the academic judgement of the marker.
These appeals are normally reviewed by either the Dean or a central body (a University Appeals Committee) and must be lodged within 10-20 working days of the previous decision. Make sure you look at your university’s specific appeals procedures for the timeframes and process most applicable to your situation.
Where to find support
Before lodging a formal review or appeal, most universities encourage students to seek support.
- Student advocacy services
- Independent welfare officers
- Student representative councils
- University counselling services
These services can help you understand the policies and prepare your application. You might also like to touch base with your university’s international student support services which can help you if the process feels overwhelming or you need more tailored support.
