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Fee Refunds

Updated: 3 days ago

Withdrawing from a Unit and requesting a Refund or Remission of Debt 


Have you had to withdraw from a unit due to unexpected circumstances? You may be eligible for a Pre-Census Refund or a Post-Census Remission of Debt (PCRD). SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) can guide you through the process and help you understand your options. 


What is a Pre-Census Refund? 


If you withdraw from a unit before the census date, you may be eligible for a refund of fees or HECS-HELP cancellation. 


  • When? Before the census date of the relevant teaching period 

  • What do I need to do? Withdraw via My Swinburne before the census date. No application is usually required beyond this. 

  • Will I still be charged? No, you will not incur academic or financial penalty. 


If you have paid upfront, the amount will be refunded. If you are using HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, the debt will not be reported to the ATO. 


What is a Post-Census Remission of Debt (PCRD)? 


If you withdraw after the census date due to special circumstances, you may be able to apply for a remission of HELP debt and/or refund of tuition fees. 


Am I eligible for a PCRD? 


To be eligible, you must show that: 


  • Your circumstances were beyond your control, and 

  • They occurred or worsened after the census date, and 

  • They made it impractical for you to complete the unit. 


Examples include medical issues, mental health crises, family emergencies, or unexpected work changes. 


Note: Failing a unit alone is not grounds for a PCRD unless it is linked to special circumstances. 


What is the deadline to apply? 


You must submit your PCRD application within 12 months of: 


  • The date you withdrew from the unit, or 

  • The end of the study period (if you did not formally withdraw) 


If you are outside this timeframe, you will need to provide a valid reason for the delay in applying. 


How do I apply for a PCRD? 


  1. Complete the online PCRD form via the Swinburne website. 

  2. Provide a personal statement explaining your circumstances and how they impacted your studies. 

  3. Attach supporting documents, such as: 

    1. Medical or psychological certificates 

    2. Statements from professionals or support workers 

    3. Any other relevant evidence 


All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation. 


Can I get a refund instead? 


If you paid your fees upfront (not using HELP), and your PCRD application is approved, you may be eligible for a refund instead of a debt remission. 

If you withdrew before census, your refund is processed automatically. If you withdrew after census, it would depend on the outcome of your PCRD. 


How SSA Advocates can help 


SSA Advocates can: 


  • Help you understand whether you are eligible for PCRD. 

  • Assist with preparing your personal statement. 

  • Review your supporting documents. 

  • Provide feedback before you submit your application. 

  • Offer guidance on the timelines and appeal options if your request is denied. 

 

If you think special circumstances impacted your ability to study, contact SSA Advocacy Service (SAS) to book a free, confidential appointment. We will help you build a strong application for your refund or PCRD request. 






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