If you decide that an individual unit or the course you have enrolled in isn’t for you, you must complete your higher education provider's withdrawal process by the census date.
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How do I withdraw from study?
Each provider has their own process for withdrawing from a subject or course. Your provider’s process will outline the forms to complete and how to submit your withdrawal request form.
Further assistance
If you can’t find your provider’s withdrawal procedure, contact your provider’s enrolment and admissions office.
It is important to understand the difference between withdrawing from a unit of study (but still being enrolled in the course) or withdrawing from the course. Discuss the difference with your provider.
You may also wish to talk to your provider about options to take a break from study while staying enrolled in the course. This is commonly known as a leave of absence.
What if I don’t follow my provider’s process?
If you don’t withdraw correctly from your units of study or course you will continue to be charged fees.
Make sure you keep a copy of your withdrawal documents and confirmation emails as proof.
If you are studying more than one course, or at more than one provider, you must withdraw from each course and provider separately.
What if I don’t withdraw by the census date?
If you withdraw from your study after the census date, you are still required to pay the relevant fees.
This means you will still have a HELP debt to repay, or you will lose any upfront payment made if you are paying fees directly to your provider.
Your provider might also have academic and financial penalties.
Additional information
If you were unable to withdraw from your course by the census date because of special circumstances, you can apply to have your fees remitted. Find out more about special circumstances.
For example
Ash commenced a Bachelor of Laws but after a few weeks they decided not to continue with their degree and instead accepted a full-time work offer.
Ash didn’t withdraw from their course by the census date, and as a result was charged tuition fees for the units of study which they deferred to a HECS-HELP loan.
Ash had enrolled in 4 Semester 1 subjects, each with a $2,040 student contribution amount.
As they didn’t withdraw by the census date, Ash now has a $8,160 HECS-HELP debt.