The University of Auckland has removed all fees and made other changes to the aegrotat and compassionate consideration application process for 2022. This follows criticism from students over the University’s decision not to waive the fees last year, despite the impact of the pandemic.
All application fees for exams and tests have been waived since March 15 and will apply for the rest of 2022. Previously, the fee was $30 per exam, $10 per test, or up to $50 per application.
UoA is the only university in Aotearoa to have charged students application fees for experiencing medical, personal, or technical issues beyond their control. Spokespeople from Auckland University of Technology, Massey University, and Victoria University of Wellington all confirmed this to Craccum.
AUSA previously recommended that these fees be waived in 2021 to reflect the disruption and hardship for students during COVID-19. However, UoA decided against this, stating in their response that dropping the fees in Semester Two of 2020 led to an increase in invalid applications.
“Students put in an application without meeting the criteria and this draws resource away from the students in genuine need.”
Additionally, students will now only need a passing grade (C-) overall in coursework instead of a C+ to be eligible to have their applications considered.
Changes have also been made to the evidence requirements, which now includes a personal statement. On their website, the University states that they will only require supporting evidence that “can be reasonably obtained.”
“We understand the usual forms of evidence may be more difficult to obtain at the moment with the current Omicron outbreak.”
UoA has not confirmed whether aegrotat fees will return in 2023.