Fees and Remission of Debt
- SSA Advocacy
- May 6, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 6
Post-Census Remission of Debt
Sometimes unexpected things happen that make it difficult or even impossible to continue studying. If you’ve had to withdraw from a unit because of special circumstances outside your control, you may be eligible for Post Census Remission of Debt (PCRD).
Your options depend largely on when you withdrew from the unit. The census date is important because it determines whether you remain financially liable for the unit or may need to apply for a remission of debt.
The Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) can help you understand what options are available and guide you through the process.
PCRD is only available to domestic students. If you are an international student, this process does not apply. Instead, you will need to speak with an International Student Adviser (ISA) about whether you may be eligible for a tuition fee refund. Y You can find more information on Swinburne’s international student refund page.
Withdrawing before census
If you withdraw before the census date, you will not incur an academic or financial penalty.
To do this, you must withdraw through My Swinburne before the census date. In most cases, no additional application is required.
If you paid your fees upfront, the amount will be refunded. If you used HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP, the debt will not be reported to the ATO.
Withdrawing after census
If you withdraw after the census date, you will remain financially liable for the unit. However, if you experienced serious or unexpected circumstances, you may be able to apply for a PCRD.
PCRD is a formal process that allows eligible students to have their HELP debt removed and/or tuition fees refunded if special circumstances prevented them from completing a unit.
This process recognises that sometimes special circumstances beyond your control can significantly disrupt your studies.
Am I eligible for a PCRD?
To be eligible, you must demonstrate that:
Your circumstances were beyond your control
They occurred or worsened after the census date
They made it impractical for you to complete the unit
Examples may include significant medical conditions, mental health crises, serious family emergencies, or unexpected changes in employment that substantially affected your ability to continue studying.
It’s important to note that failing a unit on its own is not grounds for a PCRD unless it is clearly linked to special circumstances that meet the criteria above.
What is the deadline?
PCRD applications must usually be submitted within 12 months of:
The date you withdrew from the unit, or
The final day of relevant teaching period, if you did not formally withdraw
If you are outside this timeframe, you will not be eligible for PCRD.
How do I apply?
You must complete the PCRD application form through the Swinburne website and include:
A personal statement outlining your special circumstances
Supporting documents, such as medical or psychological certificates, statements from professionals, or other relevant evidence
All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.
A PCRD application is assessed against strict eligibility criteria. Approval is not automatic, and applications are assessed against strict government and university requirements.
Need support?
Applying for a PCRD can feel detailed and, at times, overwhelming particularly if you’re gathering medical evidence or revisiting difficult circumstances.
The Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) provides free, confidential and independent support. We can help you understand the procedure, prepare your application, organise your evidence, and consider any timeline or appeal options.
If you believe special circumstances affected your ability to complete a unit, contact the Swinburne Advocacy Service (SAS) as early as possible so we can support you through the process by clicking the link below.