Refund Policy
Non-VET Student Loan Refund Policy
Purpose and Scope
1.1 This policy applies to students enrolled in non-VET Student Loans (VSL) enabled courses at ACFB. It outlines refund and withdrawal conditions for:
- On-campus students
- On-campus FLEXI students
- Distance Learning / Online students
Cancellations and Withdrawals
2.1 All requests for withdrawal or course cancellation must be received in writing to
[email protected]. The withdrawal process begins from the date the request is received.
Cooling-Off Period
3.1 Students have a cooling-off period from the date they sign the enrolment forms (agreement) to 11:59pm on the date before course commencement.
3.2 During this period, students may withdraw and receive a full refund, minus a $300 administration fee.
3.3 After the cooling-off period expires, students are liable for the full course fee, regardless of withdrawal.
3.4 Where a student enrolling in the Advanced Diploma of Myotherapy is required to undertake an upskilling course, the deposit paid to secure required resources is non-refundable and is not subject to the cooling-off period.
Exception:
-
If a student enrolled in the Diploma of Remedial Massage withdraws after the cooling-off period and before the commencement of Section 2, they will be liable for 60% of the total course fee.
-
If the student withdraws after the commencement of Section 2, they will be liable for the remaining balance.
Note: A student is considered to have commenced a course when:
- On-Campus: The date of the first scheduled class.
-
Distance Learning / Online: The date and time login details are issued and/or access to Section 2 is provided (Diploma of Remedial Massage).
Withdrawal & Refunds After Course Commencement
4.1 ACFB acknowledges that course fees may be paid in advance of the delivery of training and assessment. Course fees represent the total cost of enrolment in a structured training program, including administrative, academic, and resource-related components provided at or prior to commencement and progressively throughout the course. As such, fees are not apportioned solely based on the amount of training and assessment delivered over time.
4.2 Students who withdraw after the cooling-off period remain liable for the full course fee, even if course materials have not been accessed or sessions attended.
4.3 Students on a payment plan or ZipMoney must continue payments as per their agreement.
4.4 Failure to honour instalment plan obligations will result in ACFB commencing debt recovery.
4.5 Failure to honour ZipMoney obligations may result in restricted access, debt collection, or legal action initiated by ZipMoney.
Extenuating Circumstances
5.1 ACFB recognises that unforeseen circumstances may impact a student’s ability to continue study. These may include:
- Serious illness or injury not pre-existing at enrolment
- Serious medical conditions arising after the cooling-off period
- Death or serious illness of an immediate family member
5.2 Verifiable evidence (e.g. medical certificates) must be provided. Where genuine and extenuating hardship is verified and results in permanent inability to complete the course, an out-of-policy arrangement may be approved at the sole discretion of the RTO CEO or Delegated Authority.
5.3 Pre-existing conditions disclosed or undisclosed at enrolment are not grounds for refunds after the cooling-off period.
5.4 All cases are assessed individually on their merits. Supporting documentation is mandatory.
5.5 Non-legitimate reasons include:
- Change of mind about the qualification
- Preference for another training provider
- Change in career path
- Employment changes
- Personal financial difficulties
- Pregnancy
- Reduced study time availability
- Relocation or housing changes
- Lack of course progression
- Failure to meet entry or competency requirements
5.6 ACFB is committed to supporting students but encourages careful review of these terms prior to enrolment.
Financial Hardship Policy
6.1 Financial hardship refers to an inability to meet financial obligations. Unwillingness does not constitute hardship. Eligibility is at ACFB’s discretion.
6.2 To be considered:
- The hardship must arise after the cooling-off period and be beyond the student’s control.
- Pre-existing financial hardship may allow alternative arrangements at ACFB’s discretion.
Requesting a Payment Plan Adjustment
6.1 Requests must be submitted in writing with evidence of genuine hardship and will be assessed in line with policy.
Required Evidence
- Payslips
- Bank statements
- Proof of expenses
- Medical certificates
- Proof of unemployment
Important Notes
- No pro-rata refunds without adequate documentation
- Evidence must be verifiable
- ACFB will not contact third parties unless validation is required
- All documentation is stored securely in compliance with Privacy Legislation
Course Suspensions & Transfers
7.4 Deferrals are permitted as outlined in the Student Handbook. Payment plans continue and refunds are not provided.
7.5 Students exiting to a lower-level qualification are not entitled to refunds beyond the lower-level course fee.
Provider Default
8.4 If a class is postponed or cancelled, students may transfer to an alternate intake or receive a full refund.
Payment Plan Obligations
9.4 Students remain liable for all instalments unless a refund is approved.
9.5 Missed payments may result in enrolment cancellation with no refund.
Refund Processing
10.1 Refund requests must be submitted in writing to
[email protected].
10.2 Approved refunds will be processed within 28 days.
Debt Recovery
11.1 Outstanding debts may be referred to solicitors or debt collection agencies. Students are liable for all recovery costs.
Appeals Process
12.1 Appeals may be lodged in accordance with the Complaints and Appeals Policy available at
acfb.edu.au.
VET Student Loans Refund Policy
(Refer to the Student Handbook for full details)
This section applies to students eligible for VET Student Loans assistance in VET Student Loans enabled courses. Census dates are published on
acfb.edu.au.
Withdrawals on or before the census date:
- 100% of tuition fees for that unit will be refunded
- No VET Student Loans debt will be incurred
Withdrawals after the census date:
- No refund is applicable
- A VET Student Loans debt will be incurred