Receiving a failing grade can feel like an overwhelming setback in your study journey. But help is available. Here’s what to do if your academic progress doesn’t go according to plan.
What happens if you fail a subject at uni?
You’re likely full of disappointment right now, but there are plenty of understandable reasons you might find yourself in this situation.
Maybe it’s your first time studying, and you struggled with the workload and time commitment. Or maybe something unexpected happened in your personal life, making study a lower priority.
Whatever the case, it’s worth checking with your subject tutor to see if there’s anything you can do to change your grade, like re-sit an exam or submit an additional assessment.
Otherwise, you have two options:
- If it’s a core subject: repeat the subject when it's next available.
- If it’s an elective subject: choose a different subject and complete that instead.
Your university will email you after results are officially released to outline your options and the actions you need to take. If you’re a student through Open Universities Australia, our advisors can also offer guidance on what to do next.
What’s the difference between failing a core subject and failing an elective?
"A core subject is a unit that the uni has determined to be of value and is necessary in your chosen field," explains Omkar, an Open Universities Australia student advisor who regularly supports online students facing academic challenges.
“If you fail a core subject, we recommend you repeat it as soon as possible because it might be a pre-requisite that you need before you can enrol in another core subject.”
Since core subjects are compulsory, you need to successfully complete them to graduate with your qualification.
Electives, on the other hand, aren't compulsory, which means you aren't required to repeat these subjects if you receive a failing grade—though you certainly can if you want to. Most students opt to take another elective instead to make up the credit points needed for graduating. You can pick something easier, or something that sparks more of your interest.
How common is it to fail a uni subject?
It’s actually more common than you might think, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about.
In a large study of Australian undergraduate students, 40% revealed they’d failed at least one subject at the time they were surveyed. This was especially common in education, civil engineering, nursing and commerce.
The reasons given varied from too many family responsibilities to a lack of self-confidence and difficulty with the subject matter. Many students just weren’t aware of the support services available to help them turn things around.
What if you have a valid reason for failing?
You can make a case to your university (or us) if external circ*mstances affected your ability to study, and apply for Special Circ*mstancesto have your failing grade overturned.
Mental or physical health issues, a bereavement in your family, natural disasters and changes in your employment circ*mstances are all valid reasons to get in touch.
So what happens when you repeat a subject?
As frustrating as it is, you can’t receive creditfor the work you’ve already completed. You’ll need to start the subject from scratch, and approach your assessments with a fresh eye.
But think of it this way—you have a leg-up on your classmates because you already know what the subject tutor wants. You can seek out help with that in mind.
On the financial side, you will have to re-pay the subject fees. For most people, this means it’s added onto their HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan.
What can you do to get yourself back on track?
Setbacks are part of life, so you shouldn’t feel too disheartened (as hard as it is to tell yourself that).
“Even Albert Einstein failed an entrance exam for a Swiss uni as a teenager, but we all know what he went on to achieve later on,” Omkar notes.
The student advisor has five tips for dusting yourself off and trying again.
1. Take a moment to reflect on why you failed the subject
“Was it due to lack of understanding, poor study habits, personal issues, or other factors?” he prompts. “Understanding the root cause can help you address your challenges more effectively.”
2. Keep a line of communication open with your subject tutor
Your subject tutors want you to succeed. “Don't hesitate to reach out to them if you need clarification, feedback or additional support,” Omkar says. “They can help you understand the task at hand and what’s expected of you.”
3. Take advantage of your university’s (many!) support services
One of Omkar’s favourite support tools is Studiosity, a tutoring service that is available for free to students from most universities. “You can request to have your assignments assessed by [an impartial] tutor, and then get feedback to incorporate before your due date,” he explains.
Other resources available include study skills workshops and peer tutoring services, as well as disability support services. Plus, you can always book a call with an Open Universities Australia student advisor if you want advice about reducing your study load.
4. Take care of yourself
While the pressure of studying can feel like having the weight of the world on your shoulders, there’s nothing more important than your self-care.
“Maintain a healthy balance between your academic responsibilities, personal life and relaxation,” says Omkar. That means recognising the signs of burnoutand finding ways to overcome it. You can also access free mental health and counselling appointments through your university whenever you need.
5. Celebrate the little wins
“The best way to keep yourself motivated is to set small, realistic goals and celebrate your wins,” Omkar says.
Your failure doesn’t have to define you—if anything, it can make you more resilient. “Think of it this way," he says. "We all once fell down when we were learning to ride a bike. It hurt in the moment, but what did we do next? We got up and tried again until we learnt how to ride the bike.”
Links and services that may help if you feel at risk of failing
- Tutoring advice
- Study preparation short courses
- Disability support contacts
- Natural disaster support and counselling contacts
Looking for one-on-one advice? Book a study check-in with a student advisor at a time of your choosing.
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