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Medical certificates for school and university

If you or your child is unwell and cannot attend school or university, a medical certificate provides the documentation needed to explain the absence. Many schools require a certificate for absences of two or more days, and universities typically require medical documentation for special consideration applications, missed exams, and assignment extensions.

With NewDoc, you can get a medical certificate for school online without visiting a clinic. This is particularly convenient for students who are feeling too unwell to travel, or for parents managing a sick child at home. Book a telehealth consultation and receive the certificate by email the same day.

What schools and universities require

Most educational institutions require that medical certificates are issued by a registered medical practitioner. NewDoc certificates are signed by AHPRA-registered GPs with FRACGP fellowship and include the doctor's registration number, meeting the requirements of all Australian schools and universities.

For university students applying for special consideration, the certificate will state the dates you were unfit for study. Some universities have their own medical certificate forms. If your university requires a specific form to be completed, let your GP know during the consultation and they can assist where possible.

Quick turnaround for students

Many special consideration applications have tight deadlines, sometimes requiring documentation within 24 to 48 hours of a missed exam. NewDoc offers same-day appointments seven days a week, so you can get your certificate quickly even on weekends. The certificate is emailed to you immediately after the consultation.

If you are eligible for Medicare bulk billing, the consultation and certificate are completely free. For international students or those not eligible for bulk billing, a standard consultation fee applies with no additional charge for the certificate itself.

Certificates for younger students

For primary and secondary school students, a parent or guardian should be present during the telehealth consultation. The GP will assess the child's condition and issue a certificate if appropriate. The certificate can cover school absences, missed tests, and inability to participate in physical activities or excursions.

Doctors cannot issue a medical certificate with a date in the past, it is always dated the day of the consultation. However, the GP can document the symptoms your child has been experiencing and when they first appeared, and based on that clinical assessment the certificate can state the period for which your child has been unfit to attend, including days before the consultation. Book as soon as you are able and explain when the symptoms started.

Your rights regarding school medical certificates

Schools and universities may require a medical certificate to explain an absence, but they generally cannot demand to know the specific diagnosis. Under Australian health privacy legislation, a medical certificate only needs to confirm that the student was assessed by a registered medical practitioner and was unfit to attend on the relevant dates. The certificate does not need to detail the nature of the illness or condition.

If a university requests additional documentation for a special consideration application, they may ask for a supporting statement from the treating doctor. This is separate from the certificate itself and can also be discussed during your telehealth consultation. If you are unsure what your institution requires, check their special consideration policy before your appointment so your GP can provide the appropriate documentation.

What information is included on a school medical certificate

A school medical certificate from a NewDoc GP typically includes the student's full name and date of birth, the date and time of the consultation, the dates the student was unfit to attend school or university, the GP's name, signature, and AHPRA registration number, and the practice details. For university students, the certificate may also note whether the student was unable to complete assessments or attend examinations.

The certificate will not include a diagnosis unless you specifically request it and the GP considers it appropriate. If you need a medical certificate for an ongoing condition that affects your studies, your GP may recommend a follow-up telehealth appointment to discuss a longer-term management plan.