Are schools recognising online certificates?

Indeed. Many schools and universities accept medical certificates issued after telehealth consultations with AHPRA-registered doctors, provided the document meets their administrative requirements.

Can a parent apply for the certificate on the student's behalf?

Satisfactorily. A parent may arrange a consultation for a child. However, a student (also a patient) is expected to attend the video call so that the doctor can perform a medical assessment.

Is the certificate valid for exam resits?

To grant a "deferred exam" or resit, universities frequently require a medical certificate. The doctor's note should be for the exact date of the missed exam. Still, the institution retains the authority to determine whether a resit is permitted under its regulations.

Should I miss school for mental health reasons?

Where appropriate, a doctor may provide documentation relating to a student's ability to attend school or study, based on a clinical assessment and professional judgement.

Student & School Absence Certificates

Introduction

It is undoubtedly a nervous experience when you miss school or university due to illness. In addition to the fear of falling behind in school, there is usually the challenge of providing documentation to verify the absence. Whether a high school student has missed a sports carnival or a university student has missed a final exam, educational institutions in Australia commonly require a student absence certificate to approve leave.

An online medical certificate is commonly used as supporting documentation for health-related absences, subject to the requirements of individual schools and universities.

Here, we cover how school medical certificates work, when you might need one, and how a doctor registered with AHPRA assesses eligibility via telehealth.

Start with our online medical certificates guide for a fuller overview of digital health documents.

What Is a Student Medical Certificate?

A student medical certificate is a letter from a medical practitioner stating that a student has been assessed and may be unfit to attend school or study for a specified period following the consultation.

Such a document is referred to as "documentary evidence" by the school authorities. It may assist an educational institution in reviewing an absence and determining whether it can be recorded as approved or medically supported.

Why It Matters

The school (K-12) level: Confirms the absence in the truancy record and provides an exemption from compulsory participation in events (e.g., sports days).
Universities: It is commonly requested as part of a "Special Consideration" application when an assessment or deadline is missed.

Besides, not all our certificates are identical. See the article on the different types of medical certificates that may be needed in various situations. Our content is developed in accordance with relevant healthcare and documentation standards commonly requested by educational institutions.

When Do Students Need a School Absence Certificate?

Not every minor cold requires a doctor's written statement. Still, there are particular cases when a school absence note must be issued.

Typical Cases

Avoiding Exams or Assessments: Many universities require supporting documentation, such as a medical certificate, when reviewing missed exams or assessments.
Contagious Disease: If a student has an infectious disease (e.g., chickenpox or conjunctivitis), a medical certificate may be required outlining the period during which attendance may not have been appropriate and, where relevant, whether a return to school has been discussed.
Absences for an Extended Period: Typically, longer absences may prompt schools or universities to request supporting documentation.
PE Exemption: When a student is injured (e.g., a sprained ankle) and continues attending class, a certificate may be required to document their excusal from sports participation.

Are you eligible? Check the basic criteria for medical certificates that everyone must follow. If you are returning after a prolonged illness, you may need to obtain a Fitness-to-Study certificate instead.

How to Obtain a Student Certificate Online

Telehealth consultations enable students (or their parents) to receive medical advice from a doctor without leaving their homes, thereby minimising the risk of spreading infection to classmates or other patients.

What It Is Like

Choose: Select a time for the consultation on the Prime Medic website.
Talk: During a video call, the doctor will review the student's medical history and inquire about their symptoms.
Doctor: The doctor assesses the student's condition during the consultation and determines whether to issue a student medical certificate for missed exams or assessments.
Email: If a certificate is issued, it will be sent via a secure channel after the consultation.

On the Subject of Parental Consent

Under 16: Typically, parents must schedule the appointment and attend the session with their child.
Between 16 and 18: In some circumstances, a consultation may occur without a parent present, depending on the student's age, maturity, and clinical considerations. In most cases, a parent's presence helps clarify the situation.

Want to see a doctor now? You are welcome to book at your convenience. Review our telehealth consultation guide to preview your online doctor's visit.

How Schools Verify Online Certificates

Students may wonder: "Will the school really doubt that I am faking this?"

Schools and universities are no strangers to online certificates. However, they keep a close eye on potential fraudulent behaviour.

Check: The school staff will use the unique QR code or reference number on the Prime Medic certificate to verify its authenticity by connecting directly to our system.
Confidence: Our practitioners are registered with AHPRA. This is why the certificate is generally accepted similarly to certificates issued after in-person consultations, subject to institutional policies.

Teachers and school administrators may use our resources to determine who is authorised to sign an online medical certificate or to review our privacy regulations.

What Is the Relationship between Parental Consent and Student Privacy?

It is essential to balance a student's right to privacy with a parent's obligation of care.

Privacy Principles

As per the Australian privacy regulations (among them the Privacy Act 1988), medical data belongs to the category of sensitive information.

Minors: Normally, we communicate with the parent/guardian who made the appointment.
Data Security: The medical certificate is not sent directly to the school, nor is it sent by the doctor or the service provider. It goes to a patient (or parent), and it is the patient (or parents) who actually delivers it to the school.

We take data security very seriously. We invite you to review our privacy policy and quality compliance framework to learn how we protect student data.