Fees and Refunds Policy

Transcription

1 Including FEE-HELP enabled courses Purpose This policy provides students and staff information on the fees we charge for services and the refund arrangements we have in place as a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and an approved VET Student Loans provider. The intention of this policy is to ensure you are treated fairly and with integrity when applying for refunds for accredited and non-accredited training. All refund information is made available to prospective students on our website This policy also assists you to clearly understand the RTO obligations, rights and options around the payment of fees for training products and services. This policy applies to the following: Fee Information Payment Options Concessions Incidental Costs Cancellation and Suspension Refunds FEE-HELP enabled Courses This policy also applies to the following recognised training outcomes offered by us: FEE-HELP enabled courses FEE-HELP includes VET Student Loans (VSL) which is an Australian Government loan scheme that assists eligible students to pay their tuition fees for higher-level VET courses, at the Diploma level and above, undertaken at approved VET Student Loans providers (previously VET FEE-HELP) Non FEE-HELP enabled courses including Qualifications below Diploma level, Units of Competency, Skill Sets and accredited short courses. Important note: This policy includes information on FEE-HELP, which only refers to eligible students studying Diploma and above (refer to the FEE-HELP section on page 8 of this policy). RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 1

2 This policy is considered to form part of your enrolment information and is published on our website. If you access specific funding, either State or Commonwealth, the payment and refund conditions outlined within that specific funding contract will apply. Where there are changes to agreed services, including in relation to a change in ownership, any new third party arrangements or changes to existing third party arrangements, we will advise you as soon as practicable, including any impact this may have on your refund rights. Fee Information Fee information for our training products and services is published on our website or provided to you prior to enrolment and / or in service negotiation information. The opportunities and benefits of Commonwealth assistance will be made equally available to all eligible students upon enrolment. Visit for further information on FEE- HELP. FEE-HELP (Diploma) In the case of FEE-HELP enabled courses, please refer to the FEE-HELP section on page 8 of this policy. Payment Options We advise you to think carefully about how you are going to manage course costs and organise this before you enrol. Depending on the course you enrol in and your personal circumstances, you will face one of several tuition fee options. These are detailed in a Payment Information Sheet which you will receive prior to enrolment. We will issue Statements of Payments Received on a monthly basis. You can also request to view your financial records to confirm any outstanding amount(s) or when payments have been made. Some of the payment options which may be available include: Lump Sum Payment This is the option of paying fees in full at course commencement or pay the amount due by the census day for each study period (where applicable). Payment may be made by credit card, direct debit or electronic funds transfer (EFT). Direct Debit Payment Plan We offer the flexibility of paying your fees by instalments on an agreed Direct Debit Payment Plan. Regular payments will commence from the first week of your course (i.e. first week of class) and continue for the duration specified in the relevant Payment Options Information Sheet. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 2

3 All instalments are to be made weekly or fortnightly via credit card or direct debit from your nominated bank account. Failure to make regular payments may result in your enrolment being suspended or cancelled. Third Party Payments Payment can be made from a third party (loan provider, employer or other organisation). Contact us for more information. VET Student Loans (VSL) Commonwealth assistance (VET Student Loans) may be available to eligible students in any of our products at Diploma level or above that are FEE-HELP approved. Please refer to the FEE-HELP section on page 8 of this policy for further information regarding Fees and Refunds for VSL Enabled Courses. Visit for further information on FEE-HELP and VET Student Loans. Concessions Concessions will be available only where applicable under relevant State or Commonwealth funding and eligibility criteria. For more information please ask our Coordinator Administration & Funding. Incidental Costs Administrative and other incidental costs may be payable. Some of these may be payable to third parties. Please refer to your pre-enrolment information and the Payment Details Form Incidental Costs on our website for further information. Census Days Your course may include Census Days. Each Census Day is the date on which you will incur a a tuition fee liability. Census Days for all VET units of study will be published prior to commencement of each VET unit of study. Refer the FEE-HELP section on page 8 for further details. Cancellation by the School Please refer to the pre-enrolment information relevant to your chosen training product for details regarding cancellation conditions. Note: Cancellation of your enrolment may impact your access to government training entitlements and subsidy arrangements. In the event we cancel a planned training product or service before it commences we will refund you 100% of any fees you have paid us in advance in relation to that service. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 3

4 In the event we terminate a training product or service before it is completed we will refund you 100% of any fees paid in advance, less fees for services already provided up to and including the date of termination. In the event we become unable to provide any services to you, please refer to the Statement of Tuition Assurance (VSL) located on our website for further information. Cancellation and Suspension of Enrolment If due to unforeseen circumstances you are unable to continue your training, you may wish to apply for suspension to a future scheduled training product (if available) or cancel your enrolment, as outlined in our Cancellation and Suspension Procedure. If you wish to cancel or suspend, you must do so in writing using the Cancellation and Suspension Form (available on our website). Note that suspension is not automatically granted and may have a financial impact. A Suspension Fee to process your suspension will apply. A maximum of 2 suspensions only is permitted and the Suspension Fee will apply for each suspension. Please note that when suspending to a future course, any increase in fees for that course will apply. In the case of cancellation, eligibility for refund will depend on the funding arrangements you have chosen for your training product. All students are required to maintain satisfactory course progress which is checked regularly by the School. Where you fail to meet those requirements, you may be at risk of having your enrolment cancelled. Refunds Refund conditions for your chosen training product are set out in the information provided to you prior to enrolment. The Refund Tables in this Policy are provided as a guideline. To identify what refund, if any, may apply refer to the relevant refund table: Refund Tables for Non FEE-HELP Enabled Courses Refund Table for FEE-HELP / VSL Enabled Coursess. Refunds must be requested in writing at the time of Cancellation or Suspension. Refund claims will be processed within 20 working days from receipt of the necessary completed documentation. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 4

5 Refund Tables for Non FEE-HELP Enabled Courses Certificate III and Certificate IV Courses Western Australia Funding / Payment Guide to Calculation of Refund CANCELLATION on or before Census Day Whether accessing Jobs & Skills WA funding or not If paying via Lump Sum payment (paid in full): 100% refund Any student contribution paid up to time of cancellation will be refunded 100% refund Any student contribution paid up to the time of cancellation will be refunded CANCELLATION after Census Day Whether accessing Jobs & Skills WA funding or not If paying via Lump Sum payment (paid in full): Any student contribution paid up to the time of cancellation will be retained Any student contribution paid for census days passed will be retained Plus balance of student contribution for unit(s) for which the Census Day has passed at time of cancellation must be paid SUSPENSION on or before Census Day Whether accessing Jobs & Skills WA funding or not If paying via Lump Sum payment (paid in full): Any student contribution paid up to the time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement Any student contribution paid up to the time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Payment Plan will be terminated Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement A payment plan to be reinstated RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 5

6 Funding / Payment Guide to Calculation of Refund SUSPENSION after Census Day Whether accessing Jobs & Skills WA funding or not If paying via Lump Sum payment (paid in full): Any student contribution paid up to the time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement Any student contribution paid up to the time of suspension is retained Plus balance of student contribution fees for units commenced but not completed at time of suspension must be paid Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement A new payment plan will be required at recommencement Certificate III and Certificate IV Courses South Australia Funding / Payment Guide to Calculation of Refund CANCELLATION before Course Commencement Full Fee for Service (no State funding) If accessing WorkReady SA funding If paying Lump Sum payment (paid in full): 100% of tuition fee refunded Less cancellation fee Student Contribution non-refundable for WorkReady SA funded students 100% refund Any student contribution paid up to the time of cancellation will be refunded Not applicable: Direct Debit Payment Plans not available for WorkReady SA funded students RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 6

7 Funding / Payment Guide to Calculation of Refund CANCELLATION after Course Commencement Full Fee for Service (no State funding) If accessing WorkReady SA funding If paying Lump Sum payment (paid in full): of tuition fee for each unit commenced at the time of cancellation 50% of tuition fee for each unit not commenced at the time of cancellation Student Contribution non-refundable for WorkReady SA funded students Any student contribution paid for units commenced at the time of cancellation will be retained Plus balance of student contribution for units commenced but not completed at time of cancellation must be paid Not applicable: Direct Debit Payment Plans not available for WorkReady SA funded students SUSPENSION after Course Commencement Full Fee for Service (no State funding) If accessing WorkReady SA funding If paying Lump Sum payment (paid in full): of tuition fees paid at the time of suspension Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement If paying Lump Sum payment (paid in full): of student contribution Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement Any student contribution paid up to the time of suspension is retained Plus balance of student contribution fees for units commenced but not completed at the time of suspension must be paid Recommencement Fee for units commenced but incomplete due at recommencement A new payment plan will be required at recommencement Not applicable: Direct Debit Payment Plans not available for WorkReady SA funded students RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 7

8 FEE-HELP The following section is applicable for the Diploma of Nursing as the School s only VET Student Loans (VSL) enabled course. The information in this section applies to all students enrolled in the Diploma of Nursing, whether they are eligible for and/or accessing VET Student Loans or not, and regardless of whether accessing State funding. For current information on fees for FEE-HELP enabled courses see the current Schedule of Fees for your course and/or cohort, as published on our website. Refer to studyassist.gov.au/sites/studyassist/ for further information about VET Student Loans. Your application for VET Student Loans (VSL), can only be accepted after 2 working days have passed since the date of your enrolment. Census Days This section is applicable to all students who are enrolled in a VET Student Loans (VSL) enabled course. Census Days for all VET units of study will be published prior to commencement of each VET unit of study. If accessing VSL, the Census Day is the date in which you will incur a debt under the VET Student Loans scheme. If not accessing VSL, the Census Day is the date on which you become liable for the full student contribution applicable to that Census Day. Fee Notices and Invoices For Students who are eligible for VSL (regardless of whether accessing VSL or not): A VET Student Loans Fee Notice will be provided at a minimum of 14 days prior to each Census Day outlining: - the amount of FEE-HELP debt you will incur after that Census Day or - the student contribution payable for the relevant Census Day. If there is no student contribution required, you are not required to make payment against this fee notice: it is to remind you that after the next Census Day you will incur a debt under the FEE-HELP scheme. For students accessing VSL, you will be issued a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) within 28 days after each Census Day which confirms the FEE-HELP debt incurred for that Census Day. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 8

9 For Students who are not eligible for VSL: A Fee Notice will be provided at a minimum of 14 days prior to each Census Day outlining the student contribution payable for the relevant Census Day. Calculating Refunds Refunds are calculated from date of cancellation or suspension of enrolment. The Refund Table for FEE-HELP / VSL Enabled Courses provides a general guideline for calculating refunds. Where the Refund Table for FEE-HELP / VSL Enabled Courses refers to Student Contribution paid up to time of cancellation / Student Contribution paid up to time of suspension, the reference is to the current Study Period for which the specific Census Day applies. Any prior Study Period(s) for which Census Days have passed are excluded from refund calculations and any Student Contribution balances outstanding for prior Study Period(s) must be paid. Any refund owing, or outstanding Student Contribution payable will depend on your personal circumstances. Students on Payment Plans If you are paying your Student Contribution via a Direct Debit Payment Plan, your payments are not reflective of the amount owing for a particular Study Period (i.e. they may be spread over a longer timeframe than the Study Period). This means that even if you cancel or suspend your enrolment on or before a Census Day for a given Study Period, you may still have a Student Contribution balance outstanding for prior Study Period(s). If a Student Contribution balance for prior Study Period(s) is outstanding at the time of cancellation or suspension of your enrolment, that balance must be paid either via lump sum payment or continuing Direct Debit Payments until the balance has been paid. Direct Debit Payment Plans will only be terminated once all outstanding Student Contributions have been paid. Cancellation of Enrolment In the event you wish to cancel your enrolment you must follow our Cancellation and Suspension Procedure by the published Census Day to avoid incurring the Student Contribution cost or FEE- HELP / VSL debt. If you cancel your enrolment on or before the Census Day and you have not incurred any debt or you have not paid any fees or been refunded 100% of your Student Contribution, we will not issue a Statement of Attainment for any units completed. If you require a Statement of Attainment to be issued, the tuition fee for that unit of study will need to be paid. If you cancel your enrolment after the Census Day we will not issue a Statement of Attainment for any units completed, until all outstanding Student Contribution monies have been paid. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 9

10 Re-crediting of FEE-HELP balance Special Circumstances If you cancel your enrolment after the Census Day for a VET unit of study you may apply for special consideration in line with the Student Review Procedure for Re-crediting a FEE-HELP Balance. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 10

11 Refund Table for FEE-HELP / VSL Enabled Courses Study Period Guide to Calculation of Refund CANCELLATION on or before Census Day For Study Periods not 100% refund Any student contribution paid up to time of cancellation will be refunded. For Study Periods If accessing VSL: No VSL debt will be incurred. If not accessing VSL: 100% refund Any student contribution paid up to time of cancellation will be refunded. CANCELLATION after Census Day For Study Periods not Any student contribution balance that exists must be paid either via lump sum payment or continuing Direct Debit Payments until the balance has been paid. For Study Periods If accessing VSL: Debt will be incurred as per Fee Notice. If not accessing VSL: Any student contribution balance that exists must be paid either via lump sum payment or continuing Direct Debit Payments until the balance has been paid. SUSPENSION on or before Census Day For Study Periods not Student contribution for current Study Period paid up to time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete at the time of suspension will be due at recommencement. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 11

12 Study Period For Study Periods Guide to Calculation of Refund If accessing VSL: No VSL debt incurred Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete will be due at recommencement. If not accessing VSL: - student contribution for current Study Period paid up to time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete at the time of suspension will be due at recommencement. SUSPENSION after Census Day For Study Periods not - student contribution for current Study Period paid up to time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Any Student Contribution balance that exists must be paid either via lump sum payment or continuing Direct Debit Payments until the balance has been paid Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete at the time of suspension will be due at recommencement. For Study Periods If accessing VSL: VSL debt will be incurred as per Fee Notice Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete at the time of suspension will be due at recommencement. If not accessing VSL: student contribution for current Study Period paid up to time of suspension is retained and applied against recommencement Any student contribution balance that exists must be paid either via lump sum payment or continuing Direct Debit Payments until the balance has been paid Recommencement Fee for Study Period/s commenced but incomplete at the time of suspension will be due at recommencement. RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 12

13 All Open Colleges School of Health policies, procedures, forms and fee schedules referred to in this Policy are available from our website This Policy should be read in conjunction with the following: Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2015 Complaints and Appeals Policy Legal Compliance and VET Regulator Policy Student Review Procedure for Re-Crediting FEE-HELP Balance Cancellation and Suspension Procedure Date of Origin August 2011 Last Review Date April 2018 Next Review Date December 2018 Version 4.0 Authority Chief Executive Officer Responsibility All Staff RTO POL Fees and Refunds - April 2018 v4.0 Page 13