All TAFE South Australia International refunds will be made in accordance with the refund table and conditions contained in this policy.
An international student or an intending international student must make any request for a refund in writing to:
Finance Officer
TAFE South Australia – International
Level 2, 120 Currie Street
ADELAIDE SA 5000
Making a Request for a Refund
Refund applications for full or partial refunds must:
a) Be made in writing using the Request for Refund of International Student Tuition Fees form
b) Be accompanied by Request for Withdrawal/Deferral form (if applicable); and
c) Set out the reasons for the request; and
d) Be forwarded to:
International Finance Officer
TAFE South Australia – International
The information provided by the Student on the Request for Refund of International Student Tuition Fees form must include:
a) The date of the claim;
b) The student’s full name;
c) The course in which the student was enrolled;
d) The basis for making the claim;
e) The amount claimed;
f) The address to which the refund is to be forwarded or;
g) The student’s payment details;
h) The student’s signature; and
i) All documents relevant in consideration of the claim
Refund applications will not be processed where the signature on the Request for Refund of International Student Tuition Fees form does not match the student’s signature as shown on other documents provided by the student for admission to TAFE SA. Unless student has communicated this intention.
The date of the notification for Request for Refund is the date which the completed form is received by the International Unit (as written in the top right of the form) or date/time of email. If the Request for Refund is filed without the necessary supporting documentation (ie Withdrawal Form etc) then the date of filing will be when the final supporting documentation is received.
Refund request forms can be submitted via email. The email communication will be considered the students confirmation of submission (and signature). If email is received outside of business hours the receipt will be deemed as 9.00am on the next business day (Monday to Friday, except Public Holidays, 9am – 5pm).
If the Request for Refund is filed without the necessary supporting documentation (ie Withdrawal Form etc) then the date of filing will be when the final supporting documentation is received.
All debts to TAFE SA must have been settled and paid before any refund can be calculated with any outstanding amounts to be deducted from the refund.
Where a student is dissatisfied with a decision to provide or not to provide a refund he or she may appeal that decision in accordance the TAFE SA’s Complaints process.
To comply with the ESOS Act and TPS requirements, and where ‘Provider Default’ occurs for the below reasons (subject to change according to the Act and any amendments):
a. The course does not start on the agreed started date; or
b.TAFE SA stop running the course after it starts and before it is completed;
c.The course is not provided fully to the student because TAFE SA has a condition imposed by the regulator
AND
d. If the student has requested a full refund of fees rather than placement in an alternate course, the refund of fees will be paid in full to the student within 2 weeks.
To comply with the ESOS Act and TPS amendment bill, and where ‘Student Default’ occurs for the below reasons (subject to change according to the Act and any amendments:]
a. Student withdrawal or does not arrive
b. Visa refusal
c. Other valid circumstances consistent with the refund policy table
TAFE SA will refund the amount within 4 weeks after receipt of the completed and signed Request for Refund of International Student Tuition Fees form together with the appropriate supporting documents.
If essential, a priority payment fee will be paid by the International Unit in order to comply with TPS requirements. This will be avoided as often as possible.
| Reason for Refund of Course Fees Paid | Refund Payable by TAFE South Australia |
| Visa unsuccessful (proof required) – non commencement | 100% refund less A$200 administration fee. If student has commenced studies and visa is not granted, student will be charged for the hours student actually attended, in accordance with the program charge rate |
| Visa unsuccessful (proof required) but student has commenced studies. | Remaining of unspent tuition fee less $200 administration Fee. This will be calculated and charged as an hourly rate for used portion. |
| Student’s visa application is delayed by circumstances beyond the student’s control and is not ready in time for the student to begin the program for which they applied; and the student presents independent documentation or evidence of the delay (this circumstance does not cover a visa delay caused by the student’s own action or inaction). | 100% refund less A$200 Administration Fee |
| If the student does not meet the Minimum Entry Requirements, or the conditions set out in the Letter of Offer | 100% refund less A$300 Administration Fee |
| Student provides false or misleading information | No refund payable |
| Withdrawal prior to commencement: 10 weeks or more (70 or more calendar days) before the Agreed Starting Day of the course | 100% refund less A$300 Administration Fee |
| Withdrawal prior to commencement: Between 4-10 weeks (29-69 calendar days) before the Agreed Starting Day of the course | 75% refund less A$300 Administration Fee |
| Withdrawal prior to commencement: Less than 4 weeks (1-28 calendar days) before the Agreed Starting Day of the course | 50% refund less A$300 Administration Fee |
| If the student withdraws on or after the Agreed Starting Day of the course | No refund applies, but 100% can be transferred to next semester. |
| If the student withdraws on or after the Agreed Starting Day of the course due to compassionate reasons | 75% of fees, less A$300 Administration Fee (medical certificates will be required), based on the authorisation of the Principle Executive Officer (PEO) or nominated delegate |
| If the student commences a course but receives Program Group approval to commence a new course (ie transfer to another TAFE SA course) | No refund payable but tuition fees will be transferred to the new course |
| Late Arrival | No refund for missed classes |
| Breach of student visa conditions, visa cancellation, or failure to comply with conditions of enrolment and TAFE SA student related policies; | No refund |
| Change of status to Permanent Resident after commencement of studies | No refund |
| Student applies for refund, defers study, then reapplies for refund for following semester | New refund request will be processed using the timelines of the original refund application and not the new refund application. |
| Student applies for deferral, then does not enrol, and requests a refund. | Refund processed using the timelines of the original deferral request. |
| Successful Credit or RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) Assessment reducing study load but not duration | Refund calculated on the actual course credit assessment hours, in accordance with the program charge rate + A$300 Administration Fee |
| If a student 'fast tracks' and completes their course in a shorter time than what is specified in the Letter of Offer | No refund. Please be aware DIAC will be notified of your early completion of studies |
| PROVIDER DEFAULT | |
| In the unlikely event that TAFE SA is unable to deliver the agreed course in full, or to commence the course on the scheduled/agreed course start date. In these circumstances the student may also be offered enrolment in an alternative program at no extra cost to the student. Students have the right whether to accept the place in the alternative program of the full refund of the tuition fee paid. | 100% refund |
A notice of withdrawal due to: illness or disability, death of a close family member or political or civil events that warrants a withdrawal may be accepted as grounds for partial refund of fees. Supporting documentary evidence must be provided, for consideration.
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