General information
UOW tuition fee refund applications are administered in compliance with the legislative guidelines of the Higher Education Support Act and the UOW Fees Policy.
What is the census date?
Each session of study has a census date. The census date is the due date for the payment of fees if a student has decided to pay upfront and the due date for a student to confirm the tuition payment option for the session. The census date for each session is available on the UOW key dates page, as well as on your UOW fee statement in SOLS.
Refunds when you withdraw BEFORE census date
When a student formally withdraws on or before the census date, no fees are charged for the subject(s). Withdrawal from the subject must be done online via SOLS (enrolment and variation).
Students who requested a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan do not incur a debt if the subject is withdrawn before the census date.
Should you wish to receive a refund of your upfront payment simply complete an Application for Refund of Fees - Domestic students.
Refunds when you withdraw AFTER census date
If you formally withdraw after the census date, you will still be liable for the subject(s). Withdrawal after census date can still be done online via SOLS until the Last Day to Withdraw without Academic Penalty, which can be found on the UOW key dates page or your enrolment and variations link in your SOLS. After this date you will have to apply to have your subject removed formally with faculty approval. See more information at manage your enrolment.
Students who have requested a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan will still incur a debt with the ATO. If you had to withdraw from a subject(s) due to special circumstances beyond your control, after census date, you can lodge an Application for Refund of Fees – Domestic students. Special circumstances and acceptable supporting documents are listed in the section below.
What if I fail a subject?
If you fail a subject(s), you will still be financially liable for the subject(s).
Students who requested a HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP loan will incur a debt.
If you failed because of special circumstances which occurred after census date and were beyond your control, you can lodge an Application for Refund of Fees - Domestic students Tuition fees. Special circumstances and acceptable supporting documents are listed in the section below.
What if I do not attend any classes?
Regardless of whether you attend classes, if you do not ‘formally withdraw via SOLS’ before census date, you will still be financially liable for subject(s).
What are special circumstances?
- Were beyond your control: A situation that a reasonable person would consider is not due to your action or inaction, or which you were not responsible for. Please note that a lack of understanding or knowledge of university fees or census date deadlines is not considered to be beyond your control, AND
- Did not occur, or their full impact was not known until after census date: The circumstances occur before the census date, but worsen after that day, or before the census date, but the full effect or magnitude does not become apparent until after the census date, AND
- Because of the circumstances you were unable to complete your study requirements: You were unable to undertake the necessary private study required, attend sufficient lectures or tutorials, or meet other attendance requirements in order to meet your compulsory course requirements.
Special circumstances DO NOT include a lack of knowledge or understanding of census dates or the university’s enrolment and withdrawal processes. See below for information about appropriate independent supporting documents you will need to provide.
What supporting documentation is required?
Each application is assessed primarily on the independent supporting documentation you provide to the university. Please note that a personal statement describing your special circumstances is not sufficient evidence to have your application approved. Supporting documentation needs to:
- Be on official letterhead (if appropriate), signed and dated
- Include medical provider number (if appropriate) and contact details of the person providing the document
- Include all relevant dates and indicate the severity of your circumstances
- Advise the date your circumstances first began
- State whether your circumstances changed after census date and if so, the date they changed and to what degree
- Comment on how your special circumstances affected your ability to meet study commitments
- Advise when it became apparent that you could not continue your study.
Depending on your special circumstances it may be appropriate to seek documentation from:
- Your doctor
- Employer
- Psychologist or counsellor
- An independent member of the community (such as a Justice of the Peace or Minister of Religion)
- Your faculty.
Refer to the Compassionate or Compelling Circumstance Guidelines for further information on what is considered a special circumstance and suitable documentation.
Contact us
- For further assistance or information contact AskUOW.