Southbank Institute of Technology International Student Refund and Transfer Policy

VISA

Where an application for a visa is rejected, Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) will refund tuition fees less an Administration Charge of AUD$150 after receiving a copy of the letter from the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) regarding visa rejection. If the student visa is rejected after program commencement, SBIT will charge pro-rata tuition fees for the period of study in addition to the Administration Charge of AUD$150.
The terms of this Policy, with regard to withdrawal from study, also applies where:
1. A student is granted Permanent Resident status during their ELICOS Program.
2. An application for a visa extension is rejected or DIAC cancels the student's existing visa.

If a student withdraws from their ELICOS Program for any reason, excluding visa rejection:
1. More than 28 days before the Program begins: SBIT will refund tuition fees less an Administration Charge of 20% of tuition fees payable for the ELICOS Program.
2. Less than 28 days before the Program begins: SBIT will refund tuition fees less an amount equivalent to 12 weeks of ELICOS tuition. If student is enrolled for less than 12 weeks, no refund will be paid.
3. After the program begins: SBIT will not refund tuition fees.
If a student successfully meets the English language entry requirements and all other conditions for entry to a SBIT Formal Program during their ELICOS Program, the student may apply to credit the balance of paid ELICOS tuition fees to their Formal Program fees. Where written notice is received by SBIT at least two weeks prior, SBIT will adjust the ELICOS tuition fee calculation payable according to the actual number of weeks (full and part) of ELICOS study undertaken i.e. SBIT may transfer the balance of actual ELICOS program fees less AUD$ 150 for the Administration Charge. Such credit will not apply to fees for ELICOS for less than one week, for part weeks, and is not transferable to another student, and is otherwise not refundable.

If a student withdraws from their Formal Program for any reason, excluding visa rejection:
1. More than 28 days before the Program begins: SBIT will refund the tuition fees paid, less an Administration Charge of 10% of tuition fees payable.
2. Less than 28 days before the Program begins: SBIT will refund the tuition fees paid, less an Administration Charge of 20% of tuition fees payable.
3. After the Program begins: SBIT will not refund tuition fees.

If a student ‘fast tracks’ and completes their Program in a period less than that which is specified in the Offer of Place, the student will not be entitled to any refund of tuition fees.
Tuition fees may be reduced or a refund issued if the student is granted sufficient Transfer Credits or Exemptions. This reduction will be credited (or refunded) to the last semester tuition fee.
Approved refunds will be processed within 4 weeks of the decision of the Manager - International Business on this matter based on faculty's approved documentation.
Students may, under exceptional circumstances, defer their studies providing notification is received 2 weeks prior to the commencement of the semester. An Administration Charge of $150 applies, and fees may be held for up to one year only.

All requests for refunds or Transfer Credits are subject to the approval of the Manager - International Business, SBIT (or delegate).
All requests for refund of any monies must be made in writing to the Manager - International Business, SBIT.
Approved refunds will be transferred to the student or other education provider (as requested by the student). If the student is under the age of 18 year old payment will be made to the parent/legal guardian of the student.
Students may appeal refund decisions by writing to the Director, SBIT within 14 days of receiving notification. Any refund due to a default of SBIT, as the registered provider, is covered by the provisions of the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 Cth (ESOS Act) (as amended).