This is a plain English summary of the University’s refund policy and procedures as they affect English Language Program (ELP) students. It is based on the Student Fees and Charges - Governing Policy and Student Fees, Charges and Refunds - Procedures.
The refund policy and procedures refer only to payments made to the University for a program or course and services provided by the University. It does not refer to payments made to third parties.
When you accept your offer, you enter into a written agreement with USC (the University). If you do not start or complete your program as outlined in your written agreement, the University’s refund policy and procedures will be used to determine if you are eligible for a refund.
1. You will not be eligible to receive any refund of program fees on or after the agreed start date, unless:
a) The University is unable to deliver your program or course in full (refer to point 2), or
b) You are unable to start on the agreed start date, or you withdraw from the program, because the Australian Government refused to grant you a Student visa (refer to point 3a)
2. If the University is unable to deliver your program or course in full, you will be offered a refund of the unused portion of any prepaid tuition fees. The refund will be paid within 14 days of the day on which the program or course ceased being provided. Alternatively, you may be offered enrolment in another ELP program or course at the University at no extra cost to you. You must inform the University in writing of whether you have chosen to accept a refund of prepaid tuition fees or accept a place in the other program or course.
3. You will be entitled to a refund of program fees in the following situations:
a) If your Student visa application is refused and you provide the University with written evidence of this, you will be entitled to a refund of prepaid tuition fees, less a cancellation charge of $500 or 5% of any prepaid tuition fees, whichever is the lesser.
b) If you give the University written notice of your decision to withdraw from the program at least 28 days before the agreed start date, you will be entitled to a refund of prepaid tuition fees, less a cancellation charge of 25% of any prepaid tuition fees.
c) If you give the University written notice of your decision to withdraw from the program within 27 days before the agreed start date, you will be entitled to a refund of prepaid tuition fees, less a cancellation charge of 50% of any prepaid tuition fees.
4. If you wish to request a refund of fees and charges paid to the University, you must complete and submit the 'Application for refund - International student' form available at student forms.
5. Fees and charges which will not be refunded include:
a) the ELP application fee,
b) the Airport Transfer Fee, if paid to the University, unless we have received notice of cancellation in writing at least 14 days before your stated arrival,
c) the cost of books, equipment, and other materials purchased or produced by the University for you to undertake the program,
d) expenses incurred by the University for services provided or arranged for you that cannot be recovered by the University,
e) any used portion of your OSHC policy as set out in point 6 where the University has organised your OSHC.
6. If you are seeking a refund of any monies paid for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), you will need to contact the agency or service provider with whom you took out that cover, unless the University organised OSHC on your behalf.
Requesting a refund where OSHC was purchased through the University:
a) Prior to your arrival in Australia, the refund of any unused portion of your OSHC will be refunded to you by the University.
b) If you are in Australia, you will need to contact the OSHC provider directly to request a refund.
7. Payment will be made within 28 days of the University receiving your complete application for refund and where the refund has been approved.
8. You will receive a statement from the University explaining how the refund amount was calculated.
9. This summary and associated policies and procedures, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, do not remove your rights to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws.