How do I apply
Time limits for applying
What if I am unhappy with the decision?
How do I apply to get my SLE re-credited and debt removed?
If you withdraw from your unit of study after the census date, have not completed the unit, and the special circumstances outlined below apply to you, you may apply to your higher education provider to have your Student Learning Entitlement (SLE) for that unit re-credited, and any HECS-HELP debt for that unit removed. You can also apply to have any up-front payments for that unit refunded. There are also time limits for applying (see below).
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How do I apply
Advise the central student administration office of your provider in writing that you wish to withdraw from your unit of study or course of study. For information on how to withdraw, see How do I withdraw from my unit?.
You then need to apply to your provider to have your SLE for that unit re-credited if you believe that the reason you discontinued your studies justifies it. You should contact your provider to find out how to apply. Do not apply to the Department of Education, Science and Training or the Tax Office.
To re-credit your SLE, your provider must be satisfied that special circumstances applied to you that:
- were beyond your control;
- did not make their full impact on you until on or after the census date; and
- were such that they made it impracticable for you to complete your unit requirements.
Your provider will assess your application in accordance with the requirements of HESA and its associated guidelines. You will need to provide independent supporting documentation to support your claim that special circumstances occurred. If your provider re credits your SLE, any HECS HELP debt you incurred for that unit will be removed and your provider will refund any up-front payments you made towards the unit.
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Time limits for applying
Your application for the re-crediting of your SLE and/or removal of any HECS-HELP debt must reach your provider within 12 months after your withdrawal day. The 'withdrawal day' is the day your provider specifies in its notice to you as the day the withdrawal takes effect. If you have not withdrawn, your 'withdrawal day' is the last day of the period in which you were to undertake the unit. Your provider may extend the time limits if it is satisfied that it was not possible for you to apply within the 12 months.
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What if I am unhappy with the decision?
If you unhappy with your provider’s decision, you should apply in writing to your provider for a review of that decision. If you are still unhappy with the reconsidered decision, you can apply to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT) for a review. The AAT will advise you of its procedures. For more information, visit the AAT website
.
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