Student Loan Assistance (Re-crediting Fees and Review of Decisions) Policy

1. Purpose

To ensure CIT compliance with the requirements for re-crediting of Australian Government student loan assistance fees and reviewing decisions relating to these entitlements.

2. Scope

All students enrolled in Australian Government student loan assistance eligible courses.

3. Principles

3.1 If a student withdraws from an Australian Government student loan assistance unit of study on or before the census date the student will not incur a debt for that unit of study.

3.2 If a student withdraws after the census date the student will incur the debt unless CIT agrees to re-credit a student’s Australian Government student loan assistance balance due to special circumstances.

3.3 The student must apply in writing within 12 months of the withdrawal date to have their balance re-credited.

3.4 The student's application will be considered by the CIT Australian Government Student Loan Assistance Officer within 15 business days of being received.

3.5 A student has the right to apply for a review of a decision to not re-credit her/his Australian Government student loan assistance balance within 28 days from receiving notice of the decision, or such longer period as the Institute allows. The application must be in writing stating the reasons for a review.

3.6 If still unsatisfied a student may make an application to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a reconsideration of the Review Officer's decision.

3.7 A student may apply to the Secretary of the relevant Australian Government department for the student’s FEE-HELP balance to be recredited in the following circumstances:

1. where CIT, as the provider, or a person acting on CIT's behalf, engaged in unacceptable conduct in relation to the student’s application for the VET student loan; or
2. b. where CIT has failed to comply with the Act or an instrument under the Act and the failure has adversely affected the student.

3.8 The application must be made within 5 years after the census date for the course, or the part of the course, or with that period as extended by the Secretary. No charges will apply for reconsideration or review of decisions, other than review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal.

3.9 The Secretary may re-credit a student’s FEE-HELP balance in relation to special circumstances if a course provider:

1. is unable to act or is being wound up or has been dissolved; or
2. has failed to act and the Secretary is satisfied that the failure is unreasonable.

3.10 Where a student has withdrawn from an Australian Government student loan assistance eligible unit of study, they are able to re-enrol by following the standard enrolment processes for CIT.

3.11 If a student recommences study in an Australian Government student loan assistance eligible unit of study and wishes to access the VET Student Loan scheme to cover the cost of the tuition fees, they will need to complete a Progression form to inform the Commonwealth Government of the intention to recommence study.

3.12 If any part of this policy or the associated procedures does not align with Commonwealth Government requirements, then the Commonwealth Government requirements take precedence over the relevant sections of this policy and/or the associated procedures.

4. Documentation

Higher Education Support Act 2003

HESA Higher Education Provider Guidelines

Information for VET Student Loans Approved Providers

5. Definitions

Australian Government Student Loan Assistance - Includes the Fee Paying Higher Education Loan Program (FEE-HELP) scheme, VET Student Loans scheme and/or any similar Commonwealth Government student loan schemes.

6. Policy Contact Officer

For more information about this policy contact Director, CIT Corporate Services.

Contact CIT Student Services on (02) 6207 3188 or email infoline@cit.edu.au.

7. Procedures

This policy is implemented through the associated procedures. Authority to make changes to the procedures rests with the policy owner.