Responsible Officer: Deputy Vice-Chancellor

Designated Officer: Director Student Affairs

Council Approval: C04/50, 5 October 2004

Last Amended: N/A

Related Policies:

• Academic Rules
• Financial Delegations Policy

Related Legislation:

• Education Service for Overseas Students Act 2000 (Cth)
• Education (Overseas Students) Act 1996 (Qld)
• Higher Education Support Act 2003
• University of the Sunshine Coast Act 1998

Overview

The University has the right to establish and collect fees from students.

Fees are established in accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the University of Sunshine Coast Act 1998, whereby Council delegates the following authorities:

• Fee-paying programs - Vice-Chancellor
• Administrative and miscellaneous fines and charges - Deputy Vice-Chancellor
• General Services Fee - Council

The Student Fees and Charges Policy is the University's statement of fees applying to programs, courses and associated administrative matters. The Procedures accompanying this policy include processes for administering these fees.

Policy

1. The University has established that fees will be payable by a student as set out in a Schedule of Fees which will be reviewed annually and be published online and in relevant publications.

2. The administration of fees payable as specified in the Schedule of Fees is the responsibility of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor who will, by notice, determine pursuant to this policy:
2.1. the method of advice of fees payable
2.2. the date for payment of fees
2.3. the circumstances in which a fee may be waived, deferred or refunded
2.4. a student's eligibility for a refund or waiver of the whole or portion of the fees paid and
2.5. administrative and miscellaneous fines and charges

3. A student enrolled to undertake courses at the University is liable for a General Services Fee (GSF) for each enrolment period as set out in the Schedule of Fees.

4. The University may impose a late payment fee where a student has not paid tuition fees, up-front student contribution (where applicable) or GSF by the advised due date for payment.

5. The University may impose a late enrolment fee for enrolment or re-enrolment in courses that is not made by the advised due date for enrolment. The enrolment will not be made effective until the fee has been paid.

6. The University may impose a program cancellation fee for international fee-paying students.

7. The University will cancel the enrolment of a Commonwealth supported student who has not complied with their Department of Education, Science and Training (DEST) obligations by the census date.

8. A fee-paying student who has not paid their tuition fees by the advised due date may have their enrolment at the University cancelled.

9. A student who has outstanding fees owing to the University and the amount is greater than the threshold determined by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for this purpose, will not be permitted further enrolment, will have their academic results withheld and will not be eligible to graduate until the debt is paid in full.

10. The University will refund relevant fees to a student who has given written advice of cancellation of a course(s) by the advised due date for cancellation.
10.1 A student excluded under a University rule is not entitled to a refund.
10.2 A student may appeal to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor in writing against a refusal to refund student fees.

11. Definitions

Census date is as the date determined by the University for a course of study in a given enrolment period.

Commonwealth supported student means a student who is an Australian citizen, or a New Zealand citizen or a holder of an Australian Permanent Resident visa who has been offered a Commonwealth supported place and who has sufficient student learning entitlement.

Course means a
(a) subject that a person may undertake with the University as part of a program
(b) subject made available by the University
(c) part of a bridging program for overseas trained professionals

Council means the Council of University of the Sunshine Coast.

DEST means the Department of Education, Science and Training.

Enrolment period means a semester/ session/ term where appropriate.

Fees includes all fees, fines and charges payable as specified in the Schedule of Fees.

GSF means General Services Fee - a fee that includes membership of the Student Guild, an access levy and an administrative charge.

Program means the complete award with which a student graduates.

Student means a person who has been admitted to a program or is enrolled in a course.

University means University of the Sunshine Coast.

Written advice means an application form or a request by letter, email or fax submitted to an advised administrative area.