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Fees Policy

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Section 1 - Purpose

(1) The University of Wollongong (the University) is required by legislation to set tuition fees for the courses it offers.

(2) The purpose of this Policy is to:

  1. outline the framework for setting, administration, invoicing, collection and refunding of tuition fees and charges at the University; and
  2. provide the framework for the University’s compliance with government requirements.
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Section 2 - Application and Scope

(3) This Policy applies to all commencing, continuing fee paying and previously enrolled students, unless otherwise stated.

(4) This Policy applies to all fees and charges with the following exceptions:

  1. UOW Faculty fees and charges;
  2. UOW Dubai fees and charges, except for Commonwealth Supported Students (CSS);
  3. UOW College fees and charges;
  4. UOW partner institutions’ fees and charges for Offshore programs, excluding fees for Exchange and Study Abroad Students as outlined in section 9; and
  5. any fees or charges relating to enrolment in a short course.

(5) Where a student is indebted to the University due to non-payment of fees and charges, penalties for Non-Payment and Cancellation of Enrolment apply as outlined in this Policy.

(6) Tuition fees for Domestic students are governed by the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and Higher Education Support (Administration) Guidelines 2022.

(7) Tuition fees for International students are governed by the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018 under the Education Services to Overseas Students (ESOS) Act 2000.

(8) Refunds of tuition fees for international students are covered by the International Fee Paying Student Refund Procedure.

(9) The University will honour the refund terms stipulated in the student’s Acceptance Agreement that have been agreed to by students prior to the implementation of this Policy.

(10) Any payments received by the University towards a student fee account will be applied first to the oldest outstanding debt by due date.

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Section 3 - Principles

(11) The University sets student fees in accordance with the Higher Education Support Act(HESA 2003)(Cth).

(12) When determining fees, the University will also apply the following principles:

  1. cost of course delivery;
  2. strategic and commercial factors;
  3. fairness and equity to all students; and
  4. transparency.
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Section 4 - Fee Types

(13) The following fee types are covered by this Policy:

  1. Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) fees;
  2. Domestic full fee tuition fees;
  3. International full fee tuition fees;
  4. Domestic Higher Degree Research (HDR) Students;
  5. Sponsored Students;
  6. Inbound Study Abroad and exchange;
  7. Outbound study abroad and exchange;
  8. Visiting Research Program;
  9. Non Award;
  10. Student Services Amenities Fees (SSAF).
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Section 5 - Fee Setting

(14) Fees are approved in accordance with the Delegations of Authority Policy.

(15) Tuition Fees are reviewed annually.

(16) The Student Services and Amenities (SSAF) is set annually and approved by Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) and the Vice-President Operations.

(17) Key stakeholders will be consulted when setting tuition fees.

(18) Tuition fees will be set and required to be paid in Australian Dollars ($AUD). Tuition fees for courses delivered offshore may be set and required to be paid in other currencies.

(19) All fees are outlined on the University's Fees and Assistance webpage.

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Section 6 - Tuition Fees for Domestic Students

Domestic Commonwealth Supported Students (CSS)

(20) Eligibility for Commonwealth Support and the availability of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP)  in a course of study is applied by the University as determined by HESA (Cth).

(21) Students who receive an approved CSP will be notified directly by the University or by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) when they receive their offer to study and will be required to complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) during the enrolment process.

(22) The following cohorts of students are not eligible for CSP:

  1. international students;
  2. students enrolled in Non award study.

(23) In addition to clause 20 above, under HESA (Cth), students are not eligible for CSP and/or any HELP assistance if a student:

  1. does not meet the eligibility criteria by Census Date. For example, Citizenship and residency eligibility, a valid payment option, provision of a Unique Student Number Identifier (USI) and/or provision of a valid and verified Tax File Number (TFN);
  2. is cancelled from their course due to non-payment of their Student Contribution amount by the Census Date;
  3. is granted the addition of a subject(s) after Census Date due to an approved Amendment to Academic Record as outlined in the Coursework Rules.

(24) Tuition fees for Commonwealth Supported Students (CSS) are set in accordance with the Australian Government's published Student Contribution Bands rates.

(25) Student Contribution Bands are reviewed annually by the DoE and are subject to change. Band rates are outlined on the University's Fees & Assistance webpage and/or on the Study Assist website.

(26) The Student Contribution amount that a CSS is required to pay for each Study Period is determined by the student's subject enrolment (not course enrolment) at Census Date for that study period.

(27) Students who transfer from one course to another, including change in mode of delivery and campus/study location, may lose their CSP and be subject to changes to their Student Contribution Amount as outlined in HESA (Cth).

(28) Students may choose not to be Commonwealth supported in their subject of study. A student who chooses not to be Commonwealth Supported must provide confirmation of this preference, by way of written notification, to the Student Administration Unit on or before the Census Date.

(29) Where a student elects not to be considered as a CSS, they will be a Domestic Full Fee-Paying Student.

Domestic Full Fee-Paying Students

(30) Students who are admitted to a program of study leading to an award of the University may be admitted on a domestic full fee paying basis under the following conditions:

  1. they satisfy eligibility requirements as outlined in HESA (Cth); and
  2. they can demonstrate their citizenship and residency status; and
  3. they satisfy one of the following:
    1. are studying in a course with the University which is not being offered as Commonwealth Supported; or
    2. are studying in a course with the University for which all Commonwealth Supported Places have been filled; or
    3. have not applied for or been granted access to a HELP Loan; or
    4. have requested not to be in a CSP, as per the provisions outlined in this Policy.

(31) The tuition fees are charged per credit point according to the approved tuition fees for the student's program of study, and the student's enrolment in the study period at Census date.

(32) Tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to change. For commencing students the tuition fee rate will be dependent on the approved tuition fees at the time their valid Offer of Admisssion was issued.

(33) Changes to tuition fees may occur through:

  1. deferments of offers; or
  2. transfer from one course to another, including change in mode of delivery and campus/study location.

Domestic Higher Degree Research Students

(34) Domestic HDR students who are Australian Citizens, Permanent Humanitarian Visa Holders, New Zealand Citizens or Permanent Residents are allocated a place under the Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP). These students will be exempt from paying tuition fees for the duration of their degree provided their enrolment is within time limits for course completion.

(35) Domestic Higher Degree Research (HDR) students who exceed their course time limits will be liable to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are applicable to Doctoral students with EFTSL greater than four (4) years and Masters by Research students with an EFTSL greater than two (2) years. Tuition Fee rates for Overtime Domestic HDR students are available on the University's Graduate Research School website.

(36) Domestic HDR students should check their enrolment status regarding their time limits for course completion.

(37) If students have exceeded their time limits, they may apply for a Domestic Postgraduate Tuition Award (DPTA), as outlined in the HDR Research Training Program Funding and Scholarship Procedure.

Outbound Exchange and Study Abroad Students

(38) Domestic students approved to undertake a semester exchange program with an International Exchange Partner are charged 24 Credit Points per session worth of tuition fees for their enrolled course of study at the University. These tuition fees are charged and payable to the University in line with the normal conditions outlined in this Policy.

(39) Students participating in other non-exchange programs through the Strategic Partnerships and Mobility Unit will be liable for any tuition fees to the overseas program as outlined by their overseas host university or the relevant UOW subject fees, if directly enrolled in a UOW subject, for the purpose of overseas study.

(40) Students studying at an overseas institution are bound by its policies, rules and regulations and are liable for any additional costs incurred during their stay. The University reserves the right to apply the normal penalties for non-payment as outlined in this policy where a student has an outstanding debt with an International Exchange Partner of the University.

(41) Students participating in an approved outbound International Exchange Program are not liable for the SSAF during the semester that they are overseas and enrolled at UOW for the International Exchange Program.

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Section 7 - Tuition Fees for International Students

(42) Tuition fees are charged per Credit Point according to the approved tuition fees for the program of study and the student's enrolment in the Study Period as at Census Date.

(43) A commencing student's first Study Period tuition fee rate will be dependent on the approved tuition fees at the time their Offer of Admission was issued.

(44) Tuition fees are reviewed annually and are subject to increases during a student's Period of Study. The University may publish fee increases in all or any of the Course Finder (Study at UOW) pages on the University's website and/or via the student's Fee Statement in SOLS.

(45) Changes to tuition fees may also occur because of:

  1. updates to tuition fee rates each calendar year; or
  2. deferments of offers; or
  3. transfers from one course to another, including change in mode of delivery and campus/study location; or
  4. changes to residency or citizenship status.

(46) International students commencing a new course of study must pay a Tuition Deposit before enrolling in a new course. The amount payable for the Tuition Deposit is outlined on the student’s Acceptance Agreement.

(47) Where an International student has been approved to receive an International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA), the University will sponsor these students for the period covered by the Award. An approved IPTA does not cover the payment of the Student Services Amenities Fee (SSAF), students are responsible for this payment.

(48) The conditions for refund of tuition fees for International Students are set out in the International Student Tuition Fee Refund Procedure.

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Section 8 - Tuition Fees for Sponsored Students

(49) To be considered a sponsored student for the purposes of the University’s tuition fee management, a student must be:

  1. international; or
  2. domestic full-fee paying, paying fees in-full up-front; and
    1. have their sponsorship arrangement formally approved by the University via a financial guarantee or other sponsorship contract.

(50) A sponsored student must be supported by a Financial Guarantee or other sponsorship contract, which is issued by their sponsor and agreed to by the University.

(51) The Financial Guarantee must state the period of cover of the sponsorship for the individual student, as well as the tuition fees and charges for which the Sponsor will take responsibility.

(52) Sponsored students must ensure their Financial Guarantee, sponsorship contract, or UOW Award, such as an International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA), is current by the relevant Study Period Census date.

(53) Students who do not provide the required sponsorship documents and/or details will not be considered a sponsored student for that Study Period and are liable for their fees.

(54) Sponsored students (excluding those in receipt of an Australia Award) must seek approval from their Sponsor, prior to changes to their pattern of study or degree program.

(55) If a sponsored student varies their course, enrolment or periods of study they will require a new Financial Guarantee or contract.

(56) Students in receipt of an Australia Award are required to contact the Fees and Scholarships Team with any changes to pattern of study or changes to degree program in the first instance.

(57) Tuition fees for sponsored students are charged in accordance with the relevant tuition fee schedules for Domestic and International Students.

(58) For international students, the University will invoice Sponsors directly for sponsored student tuition fees, SSAF, and any other charges which must be paid by the agreed due dates in accordance with formal sponsorship agreements.

(59) Failure by the sponsor to make payment by the required date may result in penalties for non-payment and cancellation of enrolment as outlined in this Policy.

(60) If an international student is granted a visa other than a student visa, or a student ceases to be an International Student by reason of a change of visa status, the University will either:

  1. invoice the Sponsor for the fees applicable to holders of the new visa or status; or
  2. cease to invoice the Sponsor for tuition and other fees, as prescribed either in the University’s agreement with the Sponsor, or as provided for under Australian or New South Wales law.
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Section 9 - Other Tuition Fees and charges

Fees for Inbound Study Abroad and Exchange Program Students

(61) Inbound Study Abroad Program students are charged tuition fee rates outlined on the University's Office of Student Mobility Costs and Financial Aid webpage.

(62) Tuition amounts, study deposit and due dates are outlined in the student's Offer of Admission.

(63) Where a student has withdrawn after Census date, UOW reserves the right to invoice agents and study abroad partners for the relevant liability amount.

(64) Inbound Exchange students do not pay tuition fees, however may be liable for other fees including the SSAF and Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC); these will be indicated in the student's Offer of Admission.

Visiting Research Program Students

(65) Approved Visiting Research Students are charged tuition fees as outlined on the schedule published on the University's webpage, unless the supervising faculty has approved an International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA).

Non-Award Subjects

(66) A Domestic Student may be admitted to study subjects on a Non-Award basis in accordance with the conditions outlined in HESA (Cth) legislation. Rates for Non-Award tuition fees are published on the University's Fees & Assistance - Non-Award Study page.

(67) An International Student may be admitted to study subjects on a Non-Award basis in accordance with the conditions of their visa. Rates for International Non-Award tuition fees are based on the credit point value of the subject(s), which can vary depending on which Faculty the subject(s) belong to.

(68) If a student remains enrolled in subject(s) after Census Date, they are financially liable for the subject(s).

Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF)

(69) In accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 and the Student Services and Amenities Act 2011, all students are required to pay the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF), unless their course or enrolled subject(s) have been approved for exemption as outlined on the University's Student Amenities Fee schedule on the University's Fees & Assistance webpage.

(70) Payment arrangements for SSAF must be finalised by the payment due date.

(71) Students who are required to pay SSAF and remain enrolled in a subject(s) after Census Date of the Study Period will be financially liable for SSAF for that Study Period.

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Section 10 - Payments

Upfront Payments

(72) Payment arrangements must be finalised by the Census Date of each Study Period in which the student is enrolled.

(73) Tuition fees must be paid in full to the University by the Census Date, except if a student is eligible and has been approved for a Tuition Fee Instalment Plan.

(74) For eligible domestic students, the University has the right to defer tuition fees to a HELP Loan post Census Date if a Domestic student has provided a valid and verified USI, a valid and verified TFN and permission for the University to use the TFN, even if the student has indicated that they will pay fees upfront.

HELP Loans

(75) In accordance with HESA (Cth), CSP students and postgraduate domestic students may be eligible to apply for a HELP Loan to defer all or part of their tuition fees and/or SSAF. Details on eligibility requirements are available on the Department of Education (DoE) Study Assist website and/or the University's Fees & Assistance website.

(76) Permanent Residents and New Zealand Citizens (excluding eligible Special Category Visa holders) are not eligible for HELP Loans and are required to pay fees upfront by the session Census date. 

(77) Eligible students choosing to defer all or part of their tuition fees and/or SSAF to a HELP Loan must, by Census date:

  1. complete the relevant Request for HELP forms through SOLS (HECS-HELP, FEE-HELP and SA-HELP); and
  2. provide a valid and verified USI; and
  3. provide a valid and verified TFN and permission for the University to use the TFN.

(78) HELP Loan options and information must be finalised by Census date for each session and cannot be amended after this date. Failure to do so by Census date will result in cancellation of enrolment, as outlined in this Policy.

Tuition Fee Instalment Plans

(79) International and Domestic Full Fee-Paying Students who are experiencing financial difficulties may be eligible to access a Tuition Fee Instalment Plan. Information on eligibility for an Instalment Plan is outlined on the University's Fees & Assistance webpage.

(80) Commonwealth Supported Students are not eligible for a Tuition Fee Instalment Plan and must pay any tuition fees upfront and in full by the due date or apply for a HELP Loan, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

(81) The Tuition Fee Instalment Plan applies to tuition fees only and incurs a non-refundable administration fee even if the student no longer requires an instalment plan and/or pays all tuition fees by Census date.

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Section 11 - Penalties for Non-Payment

(82) If a student has an overdue debt with the University, or has failed to pay the required tuition fees and/or SSAF by the due date, the University may apply a range of penalties, including:

  1. cancellation of enrolment as outlined in this Policy;
  2. restricting the release of official credentials and/or documentation;
  3. restricting the release of subject results;
  4. exclusion from degree conferral/graduation;
  5. application of late payment fees; and/or
  6. employment of a debt collection agency to recover outstanding debt.
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Section 12 - Cancellation of Enrolment All Students

(83) Students may be cancelled if they:

  1. fail to make the required tuition fee payment by the due date; or
  2. fail to provide information or documentation to demonstrate their eligibility for a particular billing type or fee scheme by the due date.

(84) Students who are cancelled and wish to be reinstated must do so within the timeframes specified, and are liable to pay a late payment and non-refundable reinstatement fee.

(85) The reinstatement fee can only be refunded if it is determined that an administrative error was made by the University.

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Section 13 - Cancellation of Enrolment for Domestic students

(86) A Commonwealth Supported student will have their enrolment cancelled if, by Census date, they:

  1. fail to satisfy citizenship and residency eligibility; and/or
  2. fail to complete an electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) and/or provide a valid payment option to the University by Census Date; and/or
  3. fail to make any required upfront payment; and/or
  4. have selected to defer all or part of their tuition fees via a HECS Help Loan and fail to:
    1. meet mandatory TFN requirements, including provision of a valid and verified TFN and permission for the University to use the TFN; or
    2. provide a Certificate of Application or an Application Summary for TFN, along with a receipt from their interview in obtaining a TFN; or
  5.  meet mandatory USI requirements, including the provision of a valid and verified USI.

(87) A Domestic Full Fee-Paying student will have their enrolment cancelled if, by Census date, they:

  1. fail to satisfy citizenship and residency eligibility; or
  2. fail to make the required upfront tuition fee payment by Census Date; or
  3. have selected to defer all or part of their tuition fees via a FEE-HELP Loan and fail to:
    1. meet mandatory TFN requirements, including provision of a valid and verified TFN and permission for the University to use the TFN; or
    2. provide a Certificate of Application or an Application Summary for a TFN, along with a receipt from their interview in obtaining a TFN; or
  4. fail to meet mandatory USI requirements, including the provision of a valid and verified USI.

(88) All Domestic students who have their enrolment cancelled will:

  1. be removed from all currently enrolled subjects in all active sessions; and
  2. have their course status changed to cancelled; and
  3. be prevented from enrolling in the current or any subsequent sessions; and
  4. lose access to UOW services and facilities (for example, Moodle and Library services); and
  5. lose insurance cover under UOW's liability insurance.

(89) Any Domestic student who has had their enrolment cancelled has 10 working days to be reinstated under the following conditions:

  1. all outstanding tuition fees are paid in full upfront for all subjects the student was enrolled in at Census date in the current session; and
  2. a non-refundable reinstatement fee and late payment fee is paid; and
  3. reinstatement will be into a full-fee paying place or non-award enrolment for the relevant session, even if the student was previously Commonwealth supported.

(90) Students who do not have their enrolment reinstated within 10 working days will not be permitted to reinstate into the course of study from which they were cancelled. Students who fail to be reinstated and who wish to continue their studies with UOW may reapply for admission in a future available session and be reassessed for entry.

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Section 14 - Cancellation of Enrolment for International Students

(91) An International Student will have their enrolment cancelled if they, or their sponsor, fail to make the required tuition fee payment by the Census Date for each Study Period.

(92) International students who have their enrolment cancelled due to non-payment of fees will:

  1. be removed from all currently enrolled subjects in all active sessions; and
  2. have their course status changed to cancelled; and
  3. be prevented from enrolling in the current or any subsequent sessions; and
  4. lose access to UOW services and facilities (for example, Moodle and Library services); and
  5. lose insurance cover under UOW's liability insurance.

(93) International Students who have had their enrolment cancelled will have 20 working days to have their enrolment reinstated under the following conditions:

  1. all outstanding tuition fees are paid in full upfront for all subjects the student was enrolled in at Census date in the current session; and
  2. a non-refundable reinstatement fee and late payment fee is paid.

(94) Students who fail to have their enrolment reinstated within the timeframe specified in clause 93 will not be permitted to be reinstated into the course of study from which they were cancelled. These students will have the change in their enrolment status reported to the Department of Home Affairs (DHA), pursuant to the University’s legislative compliance obligations.

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Section 15 - Forfeiture of Fees and Charges

(95) Unallocated Credit refers to any funds, including Tuition Fee Deposits, received by the University that are not immediately applied to a specific subject or fee.

(96) Students shall have any Unallocated Credit held in their account for 36 months from the Course Commencement date as stated in their Acceptance Agreement, or from when they were last enrolled, whichever date is the later (“Holding Period”).

(97) The University will attempt to contact the student regarding any Unallocated Credit held in the student's account during the Holding Period, and the student can elect to have the credit allocated to future subject(s) enrolments. The University will redirect the funds accordingly, upon receiving the appropriate instructions from the student, provided the student has notified their intention to the University prior to the end of the Holding Period.

(98) If no instructions have been received from the student by the end of the Holding Period, any Unallocated Credit remaining in a student's account will be deemed to have been abandoned by the student, and the student expressly waives any rights to the Unallocated Credit, which will be retained by the University as the new legal and beneficial owner of those funds.

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Section 16 - Refund of Tuition Fees for Domestic Students

(99) For other instances where a student remains enrolled in subject(s) after Census date, the University may refund any tuition fees paid to the University or remove any HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP debt incurred for the subject(s) if the University is satisfied that the student has demonstrated special circumstances in accordance with HESA and Part 3 of the Higher Education Support (Administration) Guidelines 2022.

(100) An application for a refund of tuition fees:

  1. must be received by the University within 12 months of the date on which the subject(s) were officially withdrawn; or if the subject is not withdrawn, within 12 months of the end of the study period for the subject(s); or
  2. the University waives the application period based on the student being able to demonstrate, with supporting documentation, that they were incapable of making their application before the end of that period.

(101) If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of a refund decision, they may appeal the refund decision within 28 calendar days of receiving the original outcome. Information on submitting an appeal is provided with the original refund decision.

(102) If a student remains dissatisfied with the University’s decision after review, they may raise an appeal with the Administrative Review Tribunal. Information about external review is provided with the appeal outcome by the University.

(103) If the University defaults under TEQSA Section 63C, students are entitled to receive:

  1. a refund of their upfront payments for tuition fees, or a re-credit of their HELP loan for impacted subjects they were undertaking when the University defaulted; or
  2. a suitable replacement subject or course (as applicable).
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Section 17 - Disclaimers

(104) This Policy and the right to make complaints and seek appeals of decisions and actions under various processes do not affect the rights of the student to take action under the Australian Consumer Law if the Australian Consumer Law applies.

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Section 18 - Privacy and Confidentiality

(105) The University is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of student information. All staff have a general duty of confidentiality under the University Code of Conduct – Staff and are obliged to handle all personal information in accordance with the University's Privacy Policy and relevant legislation.

(106) Records relating to fees applications will be retained and disposed of in accordance with the State Records Act 1998 (NSW) No. 17, relevant General Authorities issued by the NSW State Archives and Records Authority and the Records Management Policy.

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Section 19 - Roles and Responsibilities

(107) It is the responsibility of the Student Administration Unit to administer student fees according to this Policy.

(108) It is the responsibility of the student to:

  1. ensure they adhere to obligations outlined in this Policy with regards to their specific situation; and
  2. where relevant, provide appropriate documentation and information where required to enable a reasonable and fair assessment of their situation and/or request.
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Section 20 -  Definitions

Word/Term Definition (with examples if required)
Acceptance Agreement A signed document by the student confirming their intention to enrol, agreeing to the terms of the Offer of Admission, and acknowledging the university’s rules and policies.
Amendment to Academic Record Under certain circumstances, a student may be approved to amend their Academic Record by adding a subject(s) after the last date in which to add subject(s) with Academic approval. 
Australia Awards Awards administered by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trading (DFAT). The award provides opportunities for students from developing countries to undertake full-time study at an Australian tertiary education provider.
Census Date The Census date is the official deadline to finalise enrolment and fees for a Study Period. 
Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN) A statement of information outlining a student's enrolment, HELP debt incurred and/or the Student Contribution amounts a student has paid.
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) A place in a course of study for which the tuition fees are subsidised by the Australian Government, so that students only pay Student Contribution amounts for their subject.
Commonwealth Supported Student (CSS) An eligible Domestic Student whose tuition fees in a course of study are subsidised by the Australian government.
Commonwealth Legislation (Cth) Commonwealth legislation is law enacted by the Parliament of Australia, such as the Higher Education Support Act 2003.
Conferral The act of officially granting a course.
Credit Point The value attached to a subject.
Deferment The result of a request by an applicant that has met the conditions for entry in a course of study to postpone the commencement of study to a later session.
Delegated Authority A person given authority to perform a function or task under the Delegations of Authority Policy.
Department of Education (DoE) The Australian Government Department of Education (DoE)is responsible for national policies and programs that help Australians access quality education.
Department of Home Affairs (DHA) The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is the Australian Government Interior Ministry with responsibilities for national security, law enforcement, emergency management, border control, immigration, refugees, citizenship and multicultural affairs. 
Domestic Student A student who is an Australian or New Zealand Citizen, an Australian permanent resident or holder of an Australian humanitarian visa.
Domestic Postgraduate Tuition Award (DPTA) Domestic Postgraduate Tuition Award (DPTA): A UOW funded scholarship that pays tuition fees for Domestic students undertaking a Higher Degree Research Course and who have exceeded the time limit for course completion due to Special Circumstances.
Electronic Commonwealth Assistance Form (eCAF) A form that must be completed by eligible Commonwealth Supported students wishing to access a HELP Loan for the payment of their tuition fees and SSAF.
Equivalent Full-Time Study Load (EFTSL) A measure used to determine a student's study load, for example, at UOW, one (1) EFTSL is 48 credit points, which is equal to eight (8) subjects for an academic year (each subject = 6 credit points)
Exclusion A Decision whereby a student's registration is terminated for a defined period. The student must apply directly to UOW for re-admission at the conclusion of the period of exclusion, should re-admission be sought.
Financial Guarantee An official declaration from a student's sponsor, on official letterhead, stating that a student is sponsored for study at the University of Wollongong. The financial guarantee letter will include student details, program being sponsored for and details of sponsorship.
Full Fee Paying Student A Domestic or International student studying in a non-Commonwealth Supported Place.
Full Time Study Load Domestic Students must be enrolled in at least 75% of the standard load for a session, for example, 18 credit points out of 24 credit points for a study session. International students must be enrolled in at least 24 credit points per study session and 18 credit points per trimester.
Flywire Flywire is a secure international payment gateway.
Higher Degree Research (HDR) Student A Higher Degree Research Student is a student studying a Master of Research, Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy, Professional Doctorates, Doctoral Degrees by Published Works and Higher Doctoral Degrees.
Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) Loans The Australian Government provides financial assistance to students through the Higher Education Loan program (HELP), which removes upfront cost barriers to tertiary education by providing income contingent loans. Loans available are HECS HELP, FEE-HELP, SA-HELP and OS-HELP loans.
Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) The Higher Education Support Act 2003 (HESA) is the main piece of Commonwealth legislation governing Higher Education in Australia.
Independent Commission Against Crime (ICAC) The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) protects the public interest, prevents breaches of public trust and guides the conduct of NSW Public Officials.
Indexation The automatic adjustment of a student's HELP debt arising from a HELP loan. The indexation rate is capped at the Consumer Price Index (CPI) or the Wage Price Index (WPI), whichever is the lowest.
International Exchange Partner An international institution that has an agreement with UOW to send or receive students on Study Abroad programs.
International Student A student who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or the holder of a permanent resident status and is required to hold a visa to study in Australia and is liable for international student fees.
International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA) International Postgraduate Tuition Award (IPTA): A UOW funded scholarship that pays tuition fees for International Students undertaking a Higher Degree Research course.
Non-Award A course or Subject that is not recognised under the Australian Quality Framework (AQF) but approved by the delegated authority as a non-award course or subject offered at the University of Wollongong.
Offer of Admission A formal document issued by the University outlining the program details, conditions of entry, fees, and other requirements for a prospective student to be admitted.
Reinstatement Fee A non-refundable fee charged to a student to reinstate their enrolment in subject(s) following cancellation of enrolment.
Remission A process of removing a student's incurred HELP Loan debt under Special Circumstances from the Australian Government.
Research Training Program (RTP) The Research Training Program (RTP) provides a flexible funding arrangement to support the training of Domestic students undertaking a Higher Degree Research degree. Students awarded an RTP place are not required to pay tuition fees for their research degree.
Restricted Enrolment Where a student is indebted to the University, they will be unable to access official UOW credentials and/or documentation, including receiving final subject results.
SA-HELP A loan scheme that assists Domestic students to pay all or part of their Student Services and Amenities fee. To be eligible, the student must be an Australian Citizen or hold a Permanent Humanitarian Visa, including a New Zealand Special Category Visa holder who meets long-term residency requirements.
Study Period A period of not more than six months within a course in which a student is enrolled unless the student has been granted a deferral or a leave of absence.
Sponsor A third party who pays the fees and charges on behalf of a student and has a formal sponsorship agreement or arrangement with the University. In some cases, this can be UOW itself.
Sponsored Student A student for whom tuition fees and charges are paid by a Sponsor, or a student with an approved Australia Awards scholarship.
Student Contribution The amount of tuition fees a Commonwealth Supported Student is required to pay to UOW.
Student Contribution Bands The Government groups different areas of study into ‘Bands’ depending on the study area of the Subject i.e. Law (Band 3), Engineering (Band 2) or Education (Band 1). The amounts of student contribution will depend on the band enrolled and is usually the maximum allowed by the Government for that band.
Student Online Services (SOLS) The official enrolment system of the University of Wollongong. A web-based system enables a student to self-manage their enrolment. The system also allows the student to update their personal details, manage fees, complete various forms such as Instalment Plan request, check assignments, results and receive important messages from the University.
Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) The Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) was introduced by the Australian Government to allow Universities to charge a fee for Student Services and Amenities of a non-academic nature. The charge is based on the maximum rate set by the Australian Government for each academic year and is based on a student's enrolment, i.e. mode, campus and study load within a calendar year.
Subject A self-contained unit of study identified by a unique code.
Tax File Number (TFN) A Tax File Number (TFN) is a personal reference number issued by the Australian Taxation Office and allows eligible Domestic Students studying at UOW to defer their tuition fees to a HELP Loan.
Tuition Fee Deposit Portion of tuition fees, as outlined in a Valid Offer Letter, paid by an International Student after accepting their offer and paid prior to enrolment.
Tuition Fee Instalment Plan A flexible payment plan for tuition fees only and for major sessions such as Autumn, Spring and Trimesters. Eligible students who are having difficulty paying tuition fees to the University may apply for an Instalment plan.
Unallocated Credit Positive balance in a student fee account with UOW.
Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) processes applications for admission to most Undergraduate courses at participating institutions (mainly located in NSW and the ACT).
Unique Student Identifier (USI) A unique student identifier is issued by the Austrlaian Government as an individual education number for life. It creates an online record of Australian training achievements. A USI is required for all higher education students, unless an approved exemption applied, and is required for Commonwealth assistance.
UOW or University University of Wollongong (UOW).
US Financial aid US Department of Education federal student loans under the William D. Ford Direct Loan Program.