Top Universities in Australia Accepting Backlogs: Complete Guide

You want to study in Australia. But you’re also worried that your academic performance is going to get in the way of that. Luckily, there are many Australian universities accepting backlogs.

So, what’s a backlog? Which are the Australian universities accepting backlogs?

Just for explanation’s sake, a backlog is created when you’re not able to clear an exam on the first attempt. Before we dive into the list of Australian universities accepting backlogs, let’s check out the following pointers about backlogs:

• Most countries, except Australia and Germany, calculate backlogs depending on the number of subjects you’ve failed.
• In Australia and Germany, backlogs are calculated based on the number of attempts you have taken to crack an exam. So if you cleared your math exam on the 4th attempt, then you have 4 backlogs and not 1.
• Upon course completion, you’ll have to get in touch with your university authorities to give you a backlog certificate. This certificate would mention the number of backlogs you’ve got.

But, is a backlog certificate necessary for masters in Australia? Find out below.

Factors affecting acceptance of backlogs by universities in Australia

So now you know that Australian universities consider backlog, but this acceptance comes with the condition that students meet certain criteria. You should be aware of these factors before handing in your backlog certificate to the respective universities in Australia. 

1. Your CGPA

In Australia, several universities consider students with a backlog, but there’s one condition. Some of the universities, like Monash University, Australian National University, and University of Western Australia, accept students with backlogs, but students have to justify their backlogs with strong academic GPAs in their undergraduate degrees.

2. Number of Backlog Subjects

The number of backlog subjects is also critical in the application process. Hence, many Australian Universities consider the number of backlog subjects. A higher number of backlogs showcase a student’s inability to keep up with and manage their coursework. Hence, a limited number of backlogs and an above-average academic record is acceptable. 

3. Number of Attempts to Clear Backlog

The universities also consider the number of attempts you made to clear the backlog before accepting your admission. Repeated attempts may be seen as indicators of a student’s inability to grasp certain subjects. 

4. Status of Backlog: Active or Inactive 

To get admission into an Australian university, you should not have any active backlog at the time of application. 

These factors affect your admission into the Australian university. Your backlog certificate conveys all this information to the admissions committee. This is why so many prestigious universities require students to submit a backlog certificate. 

So, what is a backlog certificate? 

This certificate states details of the applicant’s backlogs and is issued by the applicant’s university. It is the same college that has prepared your academic transcripts that must also issue a backlog certificate. The certificate would include details such as: 

• Name of subjects
• Number of backlogs
• Semester information
• Number of attempts
• Exams conducted dates
• Exams cleared on dates

Do note that no university can accept a student who has an active backlog.

List of Australian Universities Accepting Backlogs

Here are the following Australian universities accepting backlogs, along with the number of backlogs they accept.

Name of University	No. of backlogs
Queensland University	0-5 backlogs
Edith Cowan University	10–15 backlogs
Monash University	0-5 backlogs
University of Melbourne	0-5 backlogs
Murdoch University	15+ backlogs
University of Sydney	0-5 backlogs
Curtin University	5-10 backlogs
Central Queensland	15+ backlogs
La Trobe University	10–15 backlogs
University of Southern Queensland	15+ backlogs
University of Wollongong	15+ backlogs
Flinders University	5-10 backlogs
Federation University	15+ backlogs
University of Technology Sydney	10–15 backlogs
Charles Sturt University	15+ backlogs
University of Newcastle	15+ backlogs
James Cook University	15+ backlogs
University of South Australia	15+ backlogs

Suggested Read: Do backlogs and gap years affect your college application?

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Student Loans for Australia

There are many universities in Australia to choose from to pursue your master’s, even with backlogs. Since many universities in Australia accept a backlog, you still have to compare options. 

That’s where SelectRight comes in. 

SelectRight transforms your university selection process. It lets you access a tailored shortlist of universities based on your academic profile and preferences. Here is how SelectRight works:

1. Create your SelectRight profile by filling in your personal and academic details like academic background, career goals, etc.
2. Our algorithm then analyzes through 8 million data points and a database of 40,000+ programs to match you with universities and programs that are perfect for you. 
3. Then, you can compare, match, and shortlist the programs and universities based on factors like location, tuition, curriculum, and employment opportunities.
4. You can also seek advice from professional counselors who will guide you and help you make informed decisions. 
5. Network with alumni, faculty, and peers to build relationships right before you start packing your bags for Australia.

Want to start planning for your Spring ‘25 academic year? Wait no more, and join SeelctRight. It’s free.

Backlogs and visa

Now that you know that Australian universities are accepting backlogs, let’s see whether backlogs affect the chances of your visa getting approved.

Although your backlog may not directly impact visa approval, it may indirectly influence it. How?

Having a backlog could affect your chances of getting accepted into a particular university. And your visa will be granted only after receiving university admission. Apart from this letter of acceptance, you would of course, also have to show proof of financial capability. 

Suggested Read: Step-by-step guide to visa and entry requirements.

As per the student visa requirements for Australia, you must showcase your financial capability to support your studies and live in the country.

If you are taking an education loan to support your study in Australia, your loan approval letter can be used as proof of funds. 

Education Loans For Studying In Australia 

Many public and private banks and NBFCs provide you with an education loan to help you study abroad. However, they all have different loan terms and conditions, such as interest rates, repayment periods, moratorium periods, and disbursement periods. 

So, comparing all of their loan terms and conditions can create immense confusion and cause choice overload, and you might end up choosing a loan that’s not the best for you. 

That’s where FundRight helps. 

With FundRight, you are just one step away from getting the best education loan. 

Here’s how FundRight works:

1. Create your profile on FundRight by providing details about your academic background. 
2. Once you create a loan demand, FundRight will connect you with over 15 leading banks and NBFCs in India and abroad. 
3. You can compare the loan offers from multiple lenders and identify the best deal that best fits your requirements. 
4. You can also consult with a financial expert at FundRight who can guide you every step of the way.
5. Once you select the right lender, upload your documents on FundRight and get your loan within 10 days.

With Spring ‘25 admissions just around the corner, don’t let confusion hold you back. Take the first step towards your dream education in Australia. Get Started with FundRight today.

Also Read: Education Loan for Studying in Australia: Interest Rates, Courses, Requirements & Banks

Tips to clear backlogs

Clearing a backlog can lead students into panic mode. With these tips, you can clear your backlog with ease.

• Remain calm: It’s natural to want to beat yourself up for not clearing an exam. However, you’re only going to exhaust yourself this way mentally. Stay focused on the present situation, tell yourself that you can do this, take a few deep breaths, and take control of your mind.
• Create a study schedule: By this, we mean a realistic one. Sometimes, you might get ahead of yourself and bite off more than you can chew. Ensure you set realistic goals so that you can achieve them. We recommend taking short breaks between study sessions so you don’t burn yourself out. Schedule your sessions so that you don’t study longer than 2 hours at a stretch.
• Stay organized: Your surroundings often reflect your state of mind and vice versa. If you create a more organized environment for yourself, you genuinely feel like studying as well. Keep every study material in one place so you don’t waste time looking for them when you should be studying.
• Reach out to your teacher: Your teacher could give you some pointers and tips so you can ace your test. There’s no shame in reaching out for help when you really need it!
• Find a quiet study space: Look for a distraction-free study environment. It’s easy to get caught up with other things when you’re studying a subject you’re not interested in. But we know this could really get in the way of you clearing your backlog.

• Figure out how you learn best: Some learn best visually, while some find it helpful to ‘listen’ to their notes. You could create diagrams or notecards, read directly from a book, or listen via audio files; whatever works for you!
• Remain motivated: You might get overwhelmed when you study so much. And with the pressure of clearing a backlog, you might find it challenging to stay motivated. Do whatever you can to keep up the good spirit. You could get a tutor, study as a group, and exercise to improve your mood.

Other countries that accept backlogs

Now that you know of some Australian universities accepting backlogs, and have your answers to questions like “Is a backlog certificate necessary for masters in Australia?”, let’s look at a few more countries that accept backlogs.

Before we dive in, relax, and know that despite your backlogs, you can still get accepted into universities belonging to other countries apart from Australia as well.

1. Canada

In Canada, you can find universities accepting at least 5 backlogs along with an average of at least 70% in your previous study examinations.

If you’re applying for PG degree programs, universities may accept 7-8 backlogs and an average of at least 65% in your bachelor’s degree. If you have more than 12 backlogs, you could apply for PG diploma programs instead.

2. New Zealand

New Zealand’s universities usually accept a maximum of 5 backlogs. Although, some universities may accept students with more than 10-15 backlogs as well. To compensate for your backlogs, you could score well in your IELTS and show proof of extracurricular activities you’ve participated in.

3. The US

The universities in the US tend to be more strict. They usually prefer students who don’t have any backlogs. However, they do make exceptions sometimes and may accept it if you have a maximum of 5 backlogs. But this alone won’t do. You must also have a really good GRE score that ranges between 315-325 to compensate.

4. The UK

You’ll be happy to know that UK universities are absolutely fine accepting students with backlogs. There is a list of UK universities that even accept students with even 15 backlogs. But, an overall band of 6 in your IELTS exam is essential. 

5. Ireland

Ireland’s universities tend to be strict about these things. They usually accept students with a maximum of 4-5 backlogs, and some may even just accept 2-3 backlogs.

You don’t have to worry about your visa getting rejected on these grounds. As long as your university has accepted you, you can go ahead and continue with your university application.

Also Read: All about Australian government scholarships for Indian students

Frequently Asked Questions