Sick leave certificate for students

An online absence certificate for school or university is a formal document issued by an AHPRA-registered doctor or practitioner in Australia via telehealth. It confirms that you were unwell and unable to attend classes, exams, or complete assignments. Schools and universities in Australia often require a medical certificate for sick days, special consideration, exam exemptions, or deadline extensions.

Hola prioritises a simple, fast and safe process for obtaining sick leave certificates for universities/TAFE or schools. Here’s how:

• It is text-based consultation, which takes a few minutes (not hours). 
• The absent certificate is signed by registered Australian Doctors or nurse practitioners, so it’s legit, valid & easily accepted.
• You can access a qualified practitioner quickly, including outside standard clinic hours.

In most cases, yes. Medical certificates from AHPRA-registered practitioners are widely accepted by Australian schools and universities, as they meet the same standards as certificates issued in a clinic. Acceptance is ultimately at the discretion of the relevant institution — it’s worth checking your school or university’s specific policy.

Most institutions accept online certificates issued by an AHPRA-registered GP or NP. Policies vary by faculty, but the basics are consistent: 

• Clinician details: name, AHPRA registration, and practice.
• Student’s name and details 
• Date of assessment. 
• Period of incapacity (e.g., “unfit for study on 19–20 Jan”). 
• General description only: we protect your privacy—no graphic detail. 
• Clinical appropriateness: the clinician must believe the illness affected your ability to study/attend/complete an assessment.‍ 

Quick note – Certificates are not guaranteed. We issue a university/TAFE medical certificate covering the relevant dates, if appropriate. 

Universities or schools typically verify sick certificates by checking the credentials of the issuing healthcare provider, which is why certificates from AHPRA-registered doctors or nurse practitioners are widely accepted. Each Hola sick leave certificate includes the provider’s AHPRA number. If there are any concerns, universities may contact the Hola support team to request additional verification. We will always respect your confidentiality and will never disclose your actual illness to your university without your consent.

No, you do not need to see a doctor in person. Our fully online process connects you with an Australian health practitioner or after-hours doctor from the comfort of your home, ensuring you can get medical advice and a certificate whenever you need it. If approved, you will receive your absent certificate in your email in minutes which you can easily share with your teacher or upload in the portal.

No, we do not backdate the certificates. It is considered unethical and clinically inappropriate. A student’s sick leave certificate must represent their condition on the day of consultation or review.

Yes, Hola Health is an Australian Digital Health Agency (ADHA) registered provider and follows Australian Privacy Principles. We store patient data and medical records in encrypted servers within Australia. Our strict privacy protection guidelines ensure patients’ data is safe, secure and only accessible when the patient requests it.

No. Unfortunately, this is not part of the service offered through Hola Health. Our Health practitioners are unable to complete these forms.

Yes, but depends on your school. If your primary school requests you to submit proof of illness for your child, you will require a medical or absent certificate for school.

Yes, when reviewed and issued by Australian Health Practitioner Agency accredited health practitioners. It confirms your illness and is needed by many institutions in Australia, doesn’t matter whether it is obtained online or in clinics. You can read the Australian Medical Association’s guidelines here.