If you fail a uni subject it can feel like the end of the world. Especially when you’ve worked so hard to submit the assessments and sit the exams. But don’t worry, you can still graduate with your degree even if you fail a few subjects along the way.
To graduate from an Australian Uni, you don’t need to pass every single subject, but you do need to pass certain ones. You must pass all of your core subjects (also called compulsory, prerequisite or required units) and complete enough credit points across core and elective subjects to meet your degree requirements.
This guide explains everything you need to know about what failing a subject at uni really means, and what you can do to fix it so you can still graduate.
Core vs Elective Subjects
Here’s the quick Answer: No, You Don’t Have to Pass Every Subject at uni. But like in everything in life, it’s not that straightforward…
Core subjects must be passed
These are compulsory for your course, and are also often prerequisites that unlock later subjects. So you can fail them (once or even twice), but you will need to pass them to move on to second and third year (etc) of your degree.
You cannot graduate from a degree if you haven’t passed all of the core subjects.
Elective fails are allowed
As long as you pass enough other subjects to meet the total number of credit points for your degree (usually 240 for a standard 3-year course). But make sure you check the subject codes. Many degrees only count electives with a certain code e.g., in a Bachelor of Earth Science your electives might need to start with EA, EV, MA, PH, or CH, but those that start with BA, LA, and SS will not count.
What Happens When You Fail a Uni Subject in Australia
If you fail a core subject, you’ll need to repeat it (and pay again). If you fail an elective, it may not affect graduation, but every fail impacts your GPA and costs you time and money.
Most universities give you a chance to re-sit or repeat failed subjects, but repeated fails can lead to academic warnings, probation, or exclusion. Plus, you don’t just get to retake exams or resubmit assessments. You have to wait an entire year before the subject is offered again, and then you have to retake it 100%. Attend everything again, complete all the assessments, pay again etc. It’s a pain – but not impossible! And usually because it’s your second time around you will find it much easier. So remember:
- You don’t need a perfect record.
- Most degrees require you to pass a certain number of credit points, not every subject.
- Failing can affect your GPA, future enrolment, and cost (but it’s not the end of the world)
On your transcript:
- You get a grade of F (Fail), or sometimes “Withdrawn” or “Withdrawn Fail.”
- It always appears on your transcript.
- You get 0 credit points toward your degree for that subject.
How a Fail Affects Your GPA
A fail pulls your GPA down, even just one subject can have a big effect. But your overall passes subjects will also help lift your GPA up. How much it affects your GPA will depend on whether your uni uses the 4- or 7- point scale (read more about that here).
So, you don’t fail your degree because of one bad subject, but multiple fails can add up to a low GPA , which can also lower graduate job prospects. Some employers even have a GPA cut-off for their interview process.
For example, if you did a Bachelor of Nursing, many public hospitals have a GPA cut-off of 5.0 (on a 7-point scale) that would immediately cut you out of the hiring process if you had a lower GPA. But always remember there are other jobs, for example aged-care homes, private clinics etc. Once you have a job, the next employer will never look at your transcript or GPA again, they only care about your job history and references.
How Failing a Subject Affects Centrelink Payments
Centrelink payments like Youth Allowance, Austudy, and ABSTUDY depend on you maintaining a full-time study load (This is usually a minimum of 3 subjects in a semester). That usually means passing at least 75% of your enroled subjects each semester.
If you fail more than one subject or drop below the required study load:
- Your payments may be reduced, paused, or cancelled
- You may be asked to provide a study plan or show cause to keep receiving support
- Failing repeatedly could make you ineligible for future payments
Tip: If you’re struggling, contact Centrelink and your university’s support services early. You might be able to keep your payments if you show that you’re actively working to get back on track (like enroling in a prep program or repeating subjects).
Retaking Failed Subjects
If you fail a subject, you’ll need to enrol in the subject again the next time it’s offered (usually in the same semester next year) and do the whole thing from scratch (there is one exception – more on that later). That means:
- Re-attending all the lectures, tutorials, and labs
- Redoing all the assessments
- Paying the full subject cost again (either upfront or via HECS/FEE-HELP)
If the subject is a core subject, you must pass it to graduate (there’s no getting around it – sorry). And in many degrees, core subjects are also prerequisites for more advanced units. So failing one can block your enrolment in second- or third-year subjects the following semester (or year). That’s why it’s so important to get back on track quickly.
If the subject is an elective, it depends. You might not need to repeat it at all. Instead, you can usually:
- Choose a different elective to make up the credit points
- Pick an easier or more interesting subject that suits your strengths
- Spread your subjects across extra semesters or complete intensives if you’re falling behind
The good news? Repeating a subject often feels easier the second time around, you already know what to expect, and your marks usually improve.
So remember:
- Core subjects: Yes. You must pass these to graduate.
- Electives: Not always, you can usually choose a different elective if needed.
- Some degrees have essential prerequisites, you can’t move on until you pass.
There are also some great free tools you can use to make university easier – check them out here.
Supplementary Exams: One Last Chance to Pass
If you fail a subject by just a few marks, your university might offer you a supplementary exam. It’s basically a second chance to pass without retaking the whole subject.
How it works:
- You’ll usually be offered a supp exam if your final grade is just below the passing mark (e.g. you got 46 or 47 out of 100)
- Not all students are eligible. You often need to have passed other parts of the course (like tutorials or assessments)
- The supplementary exam is usually held during the official exam period or shortly after at the same time as deferred exams (these can be up to 3 months later)
If you pass the supplementary exam, your final grade might be updated to a PS (Pass Supplementary) — it’s still a pass, and it counts toward your degree and credit points, though it usually shows differently on your transcript depending on the uni.
If you fail the supplementary exam, then you’ll need to repeat the entire subject in a future semester. Just like a normal failed subject.
Tip: If you’re borderline failing, it’s worth emailing your subject coordinator to ask if you’re eligible for a supp as they won’t always offer it automatically. It’s always worth a try.
How Many Times You Can Fail Before You’re Kicked Out
Most Australian universities will let you repeat a subject once without any problems. In fact, enroling for a second attempt is usually as simple as adding it to your enrolment again the following semester or year…but after that it gets harder. I’ve even seen some students not allowed to continue in their degree, but were given the option of trying a different degree.
So if you fail the same subject twice, things get more serious. Most universities won’t automatically let you enrol a third time. You may be asked to:
- Write a formal request explaining what went wrong and what’s changed
- Attend an interview or academic progression meeting
- Show a plan for how you’ll improve
If the university approves your request, you’ll get one more chance.
If they don’t approve it, you may be:
- Offered a different subject (if it’s an elective)
- Encouraged to transfer into a different degree
- Excluded from the course entirely (especially if it’s a core subject with no alternatives)
Also, keep in mind:
- If you fail 50% or more of your subjects in a single semester, you’ll usually be placed on academic warning or at-risk status
- You may be required to meet with an academic advisor to create a study support or success plan
- Continued poor performance (multiple fails across multiple semesters) can result in suspension or exclusion from your degree
Failing once won’t derail your degree, but if it starts to become a pattern, the university will step in to help or redirect you.
You Can Still Graduate If You’ve Failed a Subject
You can still complete your degree even if you’ve failed a subject, as long as:
- You pass the total number of credit points required
- You pass all your core (compulsory) subjects
- You stay above the minimum GPA for your course
A couple of failed electives won’t hold you back. The key is meeting your course’s credit and core subject requirements.
What You Should Do If You Fail a Subject
- Don’t panic
It’s common. Lots of students fail at least one subject during their degree. - Check what type of subject it is.
Core subject? You’ll need to repeat it
Elective? You might be able to swap it for another one. - Talk to your course advisor. They’ll explain your options, including
Retaking the subject
Replacing it with a different elective
Applying for special consideration if personal issues affected your results - Think about the impact on your study load
Will it extend your degree?
Will it affect your Centrelink payments or full-time study status? - Make a plan.
Decide when you’ll retake or replace the subject, and what support you might need to avoid another fail.
Will a Fail Affect Job Applications or Further Study
Some employers and postgrad courses will look at your GPA. But most won’t care about a single fail, especially if your overall record is strong. You can also use your WAM (weighted average mark) or improvement over time to show your growth if questioned about it in an interview. The only problem can be if you are applying for a graduate position that has a GPA cut-off – always check those out before applying.
