Remission of Fees explained…
Remission of Fees is the official term for refunding your University fees. You may have heard this term a few times, in your time as a student… but what does it actually mean, and how/why should you apply for it? This is a matter our team of Advocates helps with frequently, so I thought I’d take a moment to explain it for you!
When Can You Apply?
Perhaps life has thrown you a curveball during the trimester… maybe you’ve had a family emergency, you’ve ended up in the hospital or you’ve been affected by recent flooding and you don’t think you’ll be able to complete your units. You go to withdraw and realise it’s past Census Date (so you will still need to pay for the unit) and possibly the date to withdraw without academic penalty (a fail grade) as well.
This is where Remission of Fees comes in! If your application is approved your fees will be refunded or your HECS Debt for the unit will be removed. You will also receive a withdrawal grade, instead of a fail grade, on your transcript.
So, there are a few other things you need to know about this…
Deadline to Apply
The good news about this is, you have 12 months from the date you withdrew from the unit to apply. Or, if you didn’t withdraw and you just didn’t submit your assessments or attend the exam, you have 12 months from the end of that particular Trimester. However, like most things in life, we recommend you sort this sooner rather than later!
How to apply
You will need to submit your application here. Our team, Advocacy & Welfare can help you with your application if you need. Make sure you contact us early so we can assist you with submitting the best possible application!
There are two parts to a Remission of Fees application;
- a personal statement and,
- documentation.
Personal statement
Your personal statement should explain your special circumstances. There are three requirements that your circumstances must meet. It is important to provide a detailed statement addressing each of the criteria. The criteria are:
Circumstances Beyond Your Control
- Your circumstances must be:
– beyond your control,
– not due to your action or inaction (either direct or indirect), and
– circumstances that you are not responsible for - The situation must be unusual, uncommon, or abnormal
- Examples include medical conditions, death within your family, and natural disasters
Impact On or After the Census Date
- Your circumstances must have occurred:
– Before the census date, but worsened on or after that date; OR
– Before the census date, but the full effect did not become apparent until on or after that date;
– OR On or after the census date
Completion of Course or Unit Requirements
- Your circumstances must result in you being unable to:
– Undertake the necessary private study required
– Attend enough lectures or tutorials, or meet other compulsory attendance requirements
– Complete required assessable work
– Sit the required examination
– Complete the compulsory course or unit requirements
Documentation
Your Remission of Fees application requires documentation. The documentation should directly relate to your personal statement. The documentation needed will depend on your individual circumstances.
Independent documentation, like a doctor’s certificate, is preferred and helps verify your circumstances. However, if you are unable to provide any independent documentation you can supply a statutory declaration.
It’s really important to attach as much relevant supporting documentation as possible. Advocacy & Welfare can discuss which documentation would be best with you.
Other Important Information
- Submitting your application does not guarantee that you will be successful.
- If your application is rejected, you can appeal. You will have 28 calendar days. Advocacy & Welfare can help you with your appeal as well!
We know we discuss big topics from time to time, if you’re ever struggling in your time as a UNE Student, where ever you are, you’re never alone.
If you need support, please reach out to our team and we will do our best to assist you or point you in the right direction!
