Overview
Wentworth Institute of Higher Education (“WIN Higher Education”) fully complies with the requirements of the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA). This policy details the circumstances and processes for refunds and/or reversal of FEE-HELP debts for domestic students.
Refund Policy and Procedure
1. If a student withdraws any time on or before the Census Date he/she will receive a full refund of prepaid fees. A student can apply to the Student Services Officer and a decision will be made within 5 working days.
2. If a student withdraws after the Census Date there will be no refund of fees or reversal of a FEE-HELP debt except under Special Circumstances which have been determined in accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 as circumstances which:
3. A student can apply to the Student Services Officer for a refund of fees or re-crediting of FEE-HELP balance if he or she withdraws from studies after the census date and/or has not been able to complete the requirements of a subject or subjects because of Special Circumstances outlined in Clause 2. Appropriate supporting documentation will need to be provided.
4. The Census Date for each course offered at WIN Higher Education is published on its website and made public in all relevant publications and documentation. The Census Date will be at least 20% of the way through the study period for any enrolled unit of study.
5. If an application is successful, the decision letter will include the reasons for the decision to refund paid tuition fees and/or re-credit a FEE-HELP balance; the FEE-HELP balance that will be recredited and the FEE-HELP debt that will be reduced (if applicable); the upfront payment amount that will be refunded if such a payment was made; and who to contact for further questions.
6. If an application is unsuccessful, the decision letter will include the reasons for the decision not to refund paid tuition fees and/or re-credit a FEE-HELP balance; how to submit a valid request for a review of this decision; and who to contact for further questions.
7. Refunds of fees will be paid within 20 working days of the decision letter.
8. Where a request to re-credit a student's FEE-HELP balance is granted, a student's FEE-HELP debt is removed in respect of the applicable units studied.
9. WIN Higher Education will refund to the Commonwealth the amount of FEE-HELP paid to it on behalf of the student, if the student's request is successful. WIN Higher Education will notify the Department of Education and Training through the HELP Variations File.
Appeals Procedure
If a student's application for refund is unsuccessful, the student can appeal the decision. Refer to WIN Higher Education’s Procedures for Student Review for Re-Credit of FEE-HELP.
General
This refund policy does not remove students' rights to take further action under Australian Consumer Protection Laws.
Refund Policy – Domestic Students Version: 2.2
1. Overview
Wentworth Institute of Higher Education (“WIN Higher Education”) fully complies with the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and its legislative framework including the Tuition Protection Service (TPS).
Under Sections 47D and 47E of the ESOS Act , the written agreement with the student outlines the various circumstances under which a refund can be made and the amount due.
Circumstances when a refund will NOT be made are as follows:
1-1. There is no refund of the enrolment fee.
1-2. There is no refund of any deposit paid; that is, an amount paid which is less than one full
semester’s tuition fee; for example $4,500 deposit (except in the case of visa refusal – see
below).
1-3. There is no refund if the student defaults under any of the following circumstances:
2. Refunds
Refund applications will incur a $200 administration fee, except in the case of visa refusal prior to the course commencement date.
1-1. If a student’s visa is refused prior to the commencement date, WIN Higher Education will refund course fees paid minus the lesser of:
a. 5% of the amount of course fees received by WIN Higher Education in respect of the student before the default = day;
b. $500.
1-2. If a student’s visa is refused after course commencement, WIN Higher Education will refund the unused tuition fee.
1-3. In the event of a student withdrawing from a course or study period and the student has paid at least one full semester’s tuition fee, an application for a refund must be made in writing to WIN Higher Education.
1-4. Refunds will be paid:
1-5. Refunds must be paid either to the student or the person specified in the agreement between WIN Higher Education and the student.
1-6. In the event of WIN Higher Education defaulting*, WIN Higher Education will advise the student in writing of their default and how they intend to fulfil their obligations under the ESOS Act. Within 14 days of the day of default, the:
In circumstances where a default has occurred and WIN Higher Education cannot satisfy their obligations, the TPS Director will be advised. The TPS Director will then invite relevant providers to participate in a placement round.
* If a provider ceases to offer a course or courses before the student has finished the course, this is ‘provider default’ under the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000. The default date is the date WIN Higher Education stopped providing the course. Provider defaults can include the course not starting on the agreed starting day; the course ceasing before it is completed, or the course not being provided in full to the student, and the student having not withdrawn before the default day.
3. General
This fees refund policy does not remove students’ rights to take further action under Australian Consumer Protection laws.
Refund Policy – International Students Version: 2.1