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OVERVIEW

Table of Contents

Status

Classification*

Department

Review

*See Information classification policy


PUBLIC-FACING

Student Information

Domestic

Strategix will refund any fees paid according to the Strategix’s Fee Refund Information Sheet. Any monies to be refunded are paid direct into the student’s bank account via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) within seven (7) days. Please contact Strategix for further information.

International Student Specific Refund Information

Generally no refund is due after course commencement, should there be extenuating circumstances and consideration of a refund (full or proportionate) may be applicable. The Enrolment fee is non-refundable. If your refund application is denied you will be notified in writing.

International student funds will be held in credit for up to 12 months for you to return to study. Please contact Strategix if you require further information. Refer to the Tuition Protection Service section of this Handbook for information about if Strategix is ceases to trade.

Consumer Rights

Strategix’s policies and procedures are in line with your consumer rights as a learner. More information on your rights as a consumer can be found here on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission website.

Fee Refund Information Sheet

This information applies to individual students and any organisation (employer etc.) or guarantor responsible for a student’s fees and charges. The availability of complaints and appeals processes does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws. Strategix, must comply with relevant legislation provisions.

Refund Requests

To qualify for a refund, you must first identify the funding or payment agreement/type made with Strategix. This will inform you of any specific eligibility criteria or other requirements that apply. Refer to the Refund Eligibility Criteria section for further information on this. Examples of situations where refund requests will be actioned include:

  • Domestic student withdraws seven (7) days prior to the course commencing

  • International student withdraws (28) days prior to the course commencing (cancellation fee applies)

  • Western Australian and VET Student Loan student withdraws from the course on or before the Census Date of each semester are due a refund of the fees relating to that semester of study.

Fees and charges may not be refunded if a student withdraws after the course has commenced, except for in extenuating circumstances and contractual situations.

Extenuating Circumstances

You may apply for consideration of a refund (full or proportionate) in situations of extenuating circumstances, such as:

  • If you suffer an illness or injury preventing you from completing the course

  • Circumstances beyond your control*

  • Catastrophic events within your home country

  • Compelling or compassionate grounds, such as visa refusal**.

*Circumstances beyond your control does not include common changes to personal circumstances, such as moving house, changes in relationships or living arrangements, changes in the level of commitment to completing the study, or short term sickness or minor injury, etc. Please note: Being unwell for one (1) week does not justify being unable to complete the course. You must make every effort to complete the course including requesting an extension, before consideration will be given regarding a refund. Any application for a refund based on medical grounds must include a doctor’s certificate that indicates it is reasonable to assume that the illness/injury prevented completion of the course, and that the illness/injury was not a pre-existing condition.

**Where a visa application is refused before commencement of the course, Strategix will refund fees in full except for:

  • 5% of the amount of course fees received; or

  • $500; whichever is lesser and

  • The enrolment fee.

If a student’s current visa is expiring and a new visa was not granted and the course has commenced, Strategix will refund the unused portion of the prepaid tuition fees less the enrolment fee.

Evidence must be provided to Strategix for any extenuating circumstances.

Non-Refundable Situations

A student is not eligible for a refund where a student has defaulted. This includes:

  • Where a student fails to start the course on the agreed start date or attend class and fails to inform Strategix in writing*

  • Misbehaviour by the student which leads to removal from course

  • A breach of student visa conditions by the student (international).

  • Charges incurred whilst the CoE has been re-issued in the event of cancellation

*Except for WA and VSL (Census Date applies)

Apply for a Refund

Students can apply for a refund through either the Withdrawal Form (as part of the withdrawal process) or the Refund Request Form, both can be found on Strategix’s website. Supporting documentation should be provided when applying for a refund. Failure to supply sufficient supporting documentation will delay the refund process.

Approval

When an application is approved, you will be notified of the approval and informed that the Accounts Department will be processing the refund shortly.

If approved, your refund will be processed within four (4) weeks from the point of Strategix receiving the completed application, not from the point of being notified of the refund approval. Generally, any monies to be refunded will to be paid direct into the nominated bank account via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), all refunds are made in Australian Dollars.

The total refund amount may be affected by bank charges/fees made by bank draft or electronic transfer. Where possible, refunds into international bank accounts may be deposited by a local account through Cohort Go, this is to reduce transfer fees and any international exchange fees.

Refusal

When an application is refused, you will be provided with a written notice stating the reason for the refusal within seven (7) days of your application. When a refund has been refused, you can choose to appeal the decision as per Complaints and Appeals Information within thirty (30) days of receiving written notification.

Provider Default or Cancellation

Strategix reserves the rights to cancel or postpone any course prior to the scheduled commencement dates, should it be necessary. In such circumstances, if the course is postponed by more than 4 weeks, and if the student is unable to enrol into a similar course at Strategix, all fees will be refunded. If, in the unlikely event that Strategix is unable to provide the program or unable to deliver a course/program in full, or an offer of a place is withdrawn, a student will be offered:

  • A refund: Full (if not commenced) or pro rata (if commenced) refund of tuition fees paid

  • Re-credit of the entire Tuition Fee paid to date where Strategix College assisted courses have passed the Census Date

  • A place in an upcoming course

  • Referral to another course of study

  • Referral to another provider.

Refund Eligibility Criteria (Based on Payment)

Refund Requests Prior to Commencement

Students who withdraw prior to course commencement will be provided refunds under the following criteria:

Course / Funding Source

Refund Criteria

Strategix College (VFH/VSL)

Withdrawals on or before the Census Date of each semester are due a refund of the fees relating to that semester of study.

Queensland VET Investment Programs

  • Withdrawals seven (7) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

  • Withdrawals within seven (7) days forfeit the co-contribution fees.

Smart and Skilled

Withdrawals prior to the training commencing will be able to withdraw without penalty and receive a full refund of fees paid.

Workplace Traineeships (QLD)

  • Withdrawals prior to course commencing will receive a refund of fees paid

  • If withdrawn after course commencement and participated in some training, student is due a refund for units not yet commenced.

Fee For service and Non-accredited

Withdrawals seven (7) days prior to the course commencing are due a refund.

International College

  • Withdrawals twenty-eight (28) days prior to the course commencing are due a refund

  • Withdrawals twenty-eight (28) days inside of the course commencing will incur a cancellation fee of 25% of the tuition fees

  • Enrolment fee is non-refundable.

All Students

For subjects where credit transfers are identified prior to commencement.

Refund Requests After Course Commencement

Generally speaking, with the exception of extenuating circumstances, Tuition Fees are not refunded if a student withdraws after the course has commenced:

Course / Funding Source

Refund Criteria

Strategix College (VFH/VSL)

  • Extenuating circumstances once student has passed the census date

  • Additional credit transfers are identified (Higher Level Skills only)

  • Administrative and enrolment fees are non-refundable.

Queensland VET Investment Programs

  • No refund is due after training has commenced

  • Strategix will provide negotiated refunds after commencement of a course in accordance with the special circumstances as outlined in this information sheet.

Smart and Skilled

Withdrawals after course commencement will receive a pro-rata refund, which will be calculated based on the progress of the individual student.

Workplace Traineeships (QLD)

A pro-rata refund will be calculated based and applicable only on the progress of the individual student.

Fee For service and Non-accredited

A pro-rata refund will be calculated based on the progress of the individual student.

International College

  • Refunds are only due under extenuating circumstances

  • Administrative and enrolment fees are non-refundable.

Refund Information included in Fact Sheets

QLD - VET Investment Programs, VETiS Plus and QLD JT

Strategix will refund in full any course fees, where a request to withdraw is received seven (7) days prior to course commencement. No refund is due when a withdrawal is within seven (7) days prior to commencement or after training has commenced, except for extenuating circumstances. Refer to the Fee Refund Information Sheet for full details.

WA - All Programs

Students may be eligible for a refund of fees where:

  • The student withdraws prior to the withdrawal/census date

  • The student does not commence a subject or a unit of study

  • Withdraws on compassionate and extenuating circumstances

Refer to the Fee Refund Information Sheet for full details.

SA - All Programs

Strategix will refund in full any course fees, where notification of cancellation is received seven (7) days prior to course commencement. No refund is due after training has commenced. Strategix will provide negotiated refunds after commencement of a course in accordance with the following special circumstances:

  • Inappropriate and/or offensive behavior is exhibited by Strategix staff (this may include discrimination, culturally insensitive comments or actions)

  • Previously agreed (in writing) and mutually understood outcomes are not met

  • The training program is cancelled or discontinued by Strategix


POLICY

Policy

This policy applies to Individual students and any organisation (employer etc.) or a guarantor responsible for a student’s fees and charges.

This policy and procedure, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws. Strategix, must comply with relevant legislation provisions.

The following sections outline the conditions surrounding refunds in relation to:

  1. Provider Default or Cancelation

  2. Student Withdrawals

  3. Extenuating Circumstances

A. Provider Default or Cancellation

Strategix reserves the rights to cancel or postpone any course prior to the scheduled commencement dates, should it be necessary. In such circumstances, if the course is postponed by more than 4 weeks, and if the student is unable to enrol into a similar course at Strategix, all fees will be refunded. If the course is cancelled and if a student is unable to enol into a similar course at Strategix.

If, in the unlikely event, Strategix is unable to provide the program or unable to deliver a course/program in full, or an offer of a place is withdrawn, a student will be offered:

  • A refund:

  • Full (if not commenced) or pro rata (if commenced) refund of tuition fees paid

  • Re-credit of the entire Tuition Fee paid to date where Strategix College assisted courses have passed the Census Date

  • A place in an upcoming course

  • Referral to another course of study

  • Referral to another provider.

B. Student Withdrawals

Refund requests prior to commencement – Students who withdraw prior to course commencement will be provided refunds under the following criteria:

Course / Funding source

Refund Criteria

Strategix College (VFH/VSL)

Withdraws from on or before the Census Date of each semester are due a refund of the fees relating to that semester of study

Queensland VET Investment Programs

Withdrawals (7) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

Withdraws within seven (7) days they forfeit the co-contribution fees.

Workplace Traineeships

(QLD User Choice and NSW Smart and Skilled)

Withdrawn prior to course commencing, will receive a refund of fees paid

If withdrawn after course commencement and participated in some training student is due a refund for units not yet commenced.

Fee for service and Non-accredited

Withdrawals (7) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

International College

Withdrawals (28) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

Withdraws inside (28) days of the course commencing will incur a cancellation fee of 25% of the tuition fees

Administrative and Enrolment fees are non-refundable

Re-issue of CoE’s fees charged are non-refundable

If your refund application is denied you will be notified in writing and your funds will be held in credit for up to 12 months for you to return to study. Tuition Fees are not transferable to another person or institution but may be transferred to another course within Strategix. If the course has a higher fee, students must pay the difference.

Skilled Careers (SA)

Withdrawals (7) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

Withdraws within seven (7) days they forfeit the co-contribution fees.

Priority Industry Training (WA)

Withdrawals must be prior to the census date (20% of Unit of Study duration)

A student is not given a place due to maximum number of places being reached

Refund requests after course commencement – Except for in extenuating circumstances, tuition fees may not be refunded if a student withdraws after the course has commenced:

Course / Funding source

Refund Criteria

Strategix College (VFH/VSL)

Extenuating Circumstances once student has passed the census date – VSL Re-credit Procedure

Additional credit transfers are identified (Higher Level Skills only)

Administrative and Enrolment fees are non-refundable.

Queensland VET Investment Programs

No refund is due after training has commenced.

Strategix will provide negotiated refunds after commencement of a course in accordance with the special circumstances as outlined in the information sheet.

Workplace Traineeships

(QLD User Choice and NSW Smart and Skilled)

A pro-rata refund will be calculated based on the progress of the individual student.

Fee for service and Non-accredited

A pro-rata refund will be calculated based on the progress of the individual student.

International College

Refunds may only be due under extenuating Circumstances

Administrative and Enrolment fees are non-refundable

Re-issue of CoE’s fees charged are non -refundable

If your refund application is denied you will be notified in writing and your funds will be held in credit for up to 12 months for you to return to study. Tuition Fees are not transferable to another person or institution but may be transferred to another course within Strategix.

Pro-rata refunds of tuition fees will only be made after the commencement date of the course in special or Extenuating circumstances (see section C.)

Skilled Careers (SA)

Withdrawals (7) days prior to the course commencing, are due a refund

Withdraws within seven (7) days they forfeit the co-contribution fees.

Priority Industry Training (WA)

Extenuating Circumstances once student has passed the census date

Strategix will provide negotiated refunds after commencement of a course in accordance with the special circumstances as outlined in the information sheet.

C. Extenuating Circumstances

A student may apply for consideration of a refund (full or proportionate) in situations of extenuating circumstances, such as:

  • If the student suffers an illness or injury preventing the student from completing the course

  • Circumstances beyond a student’s control

    • Encountered catastrophic events within home country

  • On compelling or compassionate grounds

  • Visa refusal*.

*International Students (Visa refusal):

Where a visa application is refused before commencement of the course, Strategix will refund fees in full except for:

  • 5% of the amount of course fees received; or

  • $500; whichever is lesser and

  • The enrolment fee.

If a student’s current visa is expiring and a new visa was not granted and the course has commenced, Strategix will refund the unused portion of the prepaid tuition fees less the enrolment fee.

Evidence must be provided to Strategix any extenuating circumstances.

Non-refundable Situations

A student is not eligible for a refund in the event of a student default. Situations of student default include:

  • Where a student fails to start the course on the agreed start date or attend class and fails to inform the Strategix in writing*

  • Misbehaviour by the student which leads to removal from course

  • Exceptional circumstances beyond a student’s control does not include common changes to personal circumstances, such as moving house, change to a relationship or living arrangements, or changing the level of commitment to completing the study, or short term sickness or minor injury etc**

  • A breach of student visa conditions by the student (international).

  • Charges incurred whilst the CoE has been re-issued in the event of cancellation

*Except for WA and VSL (Census Date applies)

**Please note: Being unwell for one (1) week and does not justify being unable to complete the course. The student must make every effort to complete the course including requesting an extension, before consideration will be given regarding a refund. Any application for refund based on medical grounds must include a doctor’s certificate that indicates it is reasonable to assume that the illness/injury prevented completion of the course, and that the illness/injury was not a pre-existing condition.

Processing Time

Refunds will be processed within four (4) weeks from the date of receiving the completed application. Supporting documentation should be provided when applying for a refund to be assessed. Failure to supply sufficient supporting documentation will delay the refund process.

Refund Method

Generally, any monies to be refunded will to be paid direct into the nominated bank account via EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer), all refunds are made in Australian Dollars.

The total refund amount may be affected by Bank charges/fees made by bank draft or electronic transfer. Where possible refunds into international bank accounts may be deposited by a local account through Cohort Go, this is to reduce transfer fees and any international exchange fees.

PROCEDURE

Procedure:

Steps

Person Responsible

Apply for Refund

Student or Client

Application Decision

Administrative Assistant, Director of Studies, Department Manager

Refund of Monies (if approved)

Accounts Department

Apply for Refund

Students can apply for a refund through either the Withdrawal Form (as part of the withdrawal process) or the Refund Request Form, both can be found on Strategix’ website.

Application Decision

Refunds are to be processed and assessed in line with the policy in this document and a decision made to either approve or refuse the refund.

Approval

When an application is approved, the student is to be notified of the approval and informed that it the Accounts Department will be processing the refund shortly. The individual who approved the decision must notify the accounts department of the approval. The refund is processed as per step 3 “Refund of Monies”.

Refusal

When an application is refused, the student is be provided with a written notice stating the reason the refusal of a refund request within seven (7) days of their application. When a refund has been refused, a student may choose to appeal the decision as per Student Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure within thirty (30) days of receiving written notification.

Refund of Monies (if approved)

Once advised, the Accounts Department is responsible to action the refund in line with Strategix’ Invoice, Payment and Finance Procedure.

Accounts will process the refund within four (4) weeks from the point of Strategix receiving the completed application from the student (not from the point of being notified of the refund approval).

Related Documents:

Domestic Student Handbook

International Student Handbook

Withdrawal Form

Refund Request Form

Student Complaints and Appeals Policy and Procedure

Invoice, Payment and Finance Procedure

Payment Contract

DebitSuccess Management Agreement

Standards Reference:

Standard

SNR

CRICOS

ESOS

S&S

S4A

PQS

U/C

PIT

5.3

3.1, 3.2

VFCP 6.8

Glossary:

Term/Statement

Explanation

Cohort Go

Used by Strategix for refunds to international students in order to reduce international transfer fees when actioning refunds

DebitSuccess

Strategix’ chosen direct debit service provider.

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS)

The TPS is an initiative of the Australian Government to help international students and eligible domestic students access a VET Student Loan (VSL), FEE-HELP or HECS-HELP (HELP) loan, whose education providers are unable to fully deliver their course of study.

Queensland VET Investment Programs

Government funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications in QLD. This includes: Certificate 3 Guarantee, Higher Level Skills, Skilling Queenslanders for Work, VET in Schools. These Government programs provide funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications.

Smart and Skilled

Government funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications in New South Wales.

Workplace Traineeships (QLD)

Government funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications.

Fee For service and Non-accredited

Referring to students who are paying for the course out of their own funds

Skilled Careers

Government funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications in South Australia.

Strategix College (VFH/VSL)

Referring to students enrolled in diploma courses who may or may not also be accessing the VET Student Loans scheme.

Priority Industry Training

Government funding which is available for eligible students to access for specific qualifications in Western Australia.


STANDARDS AND REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS

Authority

  • List here

See Funding

Regulatory Documents

  • List here

List the Contract, audit evidence requirements, standards etc. and the applicable section or clause from each document

Approved By

Name here

Details / Decisions:


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