University Special Consideration Application
Frequently Asked Questions – Supporting Documents for University Special Consideration Application
We often receive enquiries from international students regarding medical documentation for purposes such as withdrawal from courses, special consideration for exams, timetable changes, or tuition fee refunds.
If you require documentation for one of these reasons, please let us know clearly in your first phone call or email so we can guide you accordingly.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions:
Can a psychologist issue a medical certificate?
Most universities require a Health Professional Report (HPR) rather than a traditional medical certificate from a general practitioner. According to university guidelines, an HPR must be completed by a registered health professional under AHPRA. All registered psychologists meet this criterion and are qualified to write such reports.
Some institutions also accept reports from counsellors registered with ACA or PACFA — please check with your university to confirm.
Reports written by provisional psychologists will be reviewed and co-signed by a supervising registered psychologist, and carry the same level of validity.
Can I get a letter after just one session?
We understand that special consideration applications often have strict deadlines, so we strongly recommend that you check your deadline and seek support early.
If your mental health has started to impact your studies, the earlier you come to see us, the more helpful the support will be. Waiting until the deadline is near can increase psychological stress and reduce the effectiveness of support.
Psychologists need to understand your situation before issuing any supporting documentation, especially if a diagnosis is involved. In some cases, we may have enough information after the first session. If so, we will not delay the process unnecessarily.
However, we cannot guarantee that one session will be sufficient, and a second appointment may be needed to ensure the report is accurate, thorough, and tailored to your specific circumstances.
Our reports are not generic or one-line letters — they are carefully written, sincere communications that describe your situation to the university. A rushed or poorly written document may delay or undermine your application.
How many days of leave will the psychologist give me?
This is a clinical decision and can only be made after a thorough discussion with the psychologist.
Our administrative team cannot provide an estimate before your appointment.
What are the fees?
Fees and rebates for psychologists and counsellors can be found here
Report writing: Charged based on writing time — typically a one-page, single-spaced report takes about 25–30 minutes
Book Appointment
Please complete the form here to help us determine whether we can help you with your request and which psychologist is the best fit for your circumstance.
