Census dates

For each unit of study, your higher education provider must set a census date, which must be at least 20% of the way through the period in which the unit is to be undertaken.
 

As a Commonwealth supported student, the census date is when:  

• you use your Student Learning Entitlement for your unit of study (see: How do I use my Student Learning Entitlement?);
• you become liable to pay your student contribution amount for the unit; and
• you incur a HECS-HELP debt for the unit if you have taken out a HECS-HELP loan.

These things will occur even if you withdraw after the census date and do not complete the unit.
 

Also, to ensure your eligibility for Commonwealth support, on or before the census date, you must:

• submit your completed Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form; and
• make any up-front payment of your student contribution amount that you are required to make; and
• if you intend to take out a HECS-HELP loan, provide your tax file number to your provider.

It is not possible to submit forms or tax file numbers or make up-front payments after the census date.

Your provider may set an earlier date for the submission of the form and up-front payments – check with your provider.  You must ensure that you meet this deadline as your provider may charge you a late fee or cancel your enrolment if you do not.

Your provider will inform you of the census dates and any earlier date it may set.  It is your responsibility to be aware of these dates.