Appeal a final grade
Find out whether you can appeal a final grade, and what the process involves.
Before you appeal
If you're unhappy with your results, the first thing you should do is ask your lecturer or tutor for more detailed feedback. This might help you understand what was expected and how you can improve in the future. If you disagree with the feedback, you can ask for a second opinion by writing to your unit coordinator (in some units, this happens automatically for assignments that get under 50% – check the unit description to find out if this is the case). If you still don't think the result is fair after this, you can submit an official appeal.
What is a final grade appeal?
A final grade appeal (also referred to as a review of grades) is a formal request to have a final grade reconsidered if you have valid concerns about how a unit was delivered or assessed.
If you didn't perform well due to personal or health issues, you can't appeal your grade, but you can apply for a remission of debt (debt cancelled or fees refunded).
Eligibility and timing
Most final grade appeals relate to MF or F grades, but you can appeal even if you've passed the unit (e.g. if you've received a distinction but believe issues during the course prevented you from achieving a high distinction).
Your appeal must be based on one or more of the following grounds:
- The task descriptions or assessment criteria were insufficient or unclear.
- The assessors didn't follow the set assessment procedures.
- The marking criteria were either applied inconsistently, misinterpreted or used in a way that disadvantaged you.
You can only appeal after your final result is officially published in my Student Centre, and you must get your submission in within 10 working days from the grade publication date. Late applications might be accepted, but only at the discretion of the institute staff.
How to appeal a final grade
Follow these steps or download a pdf version (239 KB).
Read the Student Appeal Procedure to see if you meet one of the grounds for appeal.
Use our Applying for a Review of Grades Student Guide (PDF 79 KB) to find out how to explain your concerns and what you could use as supporting evidence. If you need advice about specific issues, download one of these student guides:
Groupwork Challenges (PDF 116 KB)
Concerns with Marking (PDF 116 KB)
Assessment Information Unclear (PDF 116 KB)
Concerns with Placement Documentation (PDF 116 KB)
We can help you:
- understand whether you have grounds to appeal a final grade
- review your draft statement and give you feedback before you submit
- decide what evidence to include in your application.
If you'd like to speak with us, make an appointment as soon as you receive your grades. We're usually very busy after results are published, so you might have to wait a few days to get in to see us.
Your appeal statement should explain why you're appealing (on what grounds). Make sure you describe what impact the issue had on your results, and include evidence that supports your argument (such as marking rubrics and emails to and from your teachers). Be clear, focused and stick to the facts.
You can write your statement directly onto the Institute Appeal Submission Form (PDF 284 KB) or attach it separately. Either way, you must complete the form. (Use Acrobat to edit the file rather than your browser.) Include your student number on any attachments.
Email your appeal form and any attachments to the executive dean of your institute with the subject line 'Review of Grades Application: CONFIDENTIAL'. Not sure which institute you're with? Contact us to check.
Institute of Health and Wellbeing: health.appeals@federation.edu.au
Institute of Education, Arts and Community: educationarts.appeals@federation.edu.au
Institute of Innovation, Science and Sustainability: iiss.appeals@federation.edu.au