Special Examination Conditions for Non-English Speaking Background Students (NESB)
Faculties may, at their discretion, allow special examination conditions to be available to undergraduate students from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) and non-standard English speaking backgrounds who are experiencing language difficulties in their first two semesters of tertiary study in the English Language.
Application Deadlines
Applications must be submitted to the Faculty no later than the end of week 11 in the relevant semester (to view semester dates visit the Principal Dates site).
Additional Information and Support
- Exam Time For NESB Students (University Policy)
- Language and Learning Online Student Resource Centre
- Language and Learning (Arts)
The Application form for special examination conditions for NESB students [RTF file] is to be used only for studies undertaken in the semester in which you are currently enrolled. Special examination conditions apply to formal examinations only (ie. timetabled by Examinations branch).
Who is Eligible to Apply?
NESB on-campus students enrolled on the Berwick, Caulfield, Clayton, Gippsland and Peninsula campus who are experiencing language difficulties in their first two semesters of study at Monash University.
NESB students are students who:
- were born where English is not the first language; and
- have not been resident in Australia for longer than 10 years; and
- speak a language other than English at home; and
- were educated in full English medium for no more than five years; or
- are Australian Indigenous students whose English proficiency share similar characteristics.
What special conditions can I apply for?
- The provision a dictionary (English only) and 30 minutes of additional time for the examination; or
- the provision of a dictionary (English); or
- the provision of 30 minutes of extra time for the examination.
Note: This policy and guidelines are not applicable to students who have been approved for Alternative Arrangements for Assessment (AAA) as their needs are evaluated individually and separately.
Additional Criteria
- You must be undertaking your first semester of undergraduate study at Monash taught in the English language; or you are undertaking your second semester and did not achieve a credit grade for a unit in the same (or an equivalent) discipline of study in your first semester; and
- you have recognised a language difficulty and have sought assistance with that difficulty by the end of week seven of the semester, for example by consulting staff of Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit; and
- you have submitted a formal application for special examination conditions in that unit by the end of week eleven of the semester; and
- you have been assessed by a qualified professional, for example a staff member of Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit, who has verified that you are experiencing language difficulties and have taken measures to address those difficulties
- the Coordinator of that unit (specified) has approved you for special examination conditions) in line with the overall faculty policy.
How to Apply
Download and complete Application form for special examination conditions for NESB students [RTF file] and return it to the Faculty Office on your home campus no later than the end of week eleven of the relevant semester.
What Happens Next?
- On the basis that you have met the first two criteria, the Faculty Office will send your application form to Arts Academic Language and Learning Unit for assessment and recommendation.
- Your application will then be sent to the Unit Coordinator for assessment and approval.
- The Faculty Office will then send you notification of the outcome.
- If you were approved for special examination conditions you must show the approval notification to the supervisor at the examination venue and that notification will be forwarded with the examination script to the Unit Coordinator.