Requesting a refund as an international student
Ensure you review the International Fee Refund Policy carefully.
Refunds will only be processed for international students who:
- are in the last study period or have completed their principal course; or
- have withdrawn completely from their course; or
- are seeking a refund based on special circumstances
If you are an international student who has a credit in your student account, but you are not completing your studies at Macquarie University in the current study period, you may not be eligible for a refund.
The credit will remain in your student account and will be allocated towards future tuition fees.
This includes credits from:
- overpayment of fees in any study period
- withdrawal from one or more units after a payment has already been made
Important dates
You may need information about your commencement date and census date.
| Your circumstance | Action required |
|---|---|
| You have not commenced your study at Macquarie University | Complete the International Withdrawal and Release Request form [PDF 229KB] and return the form with the required relevant documents to your International Admissions Officer. |
| You are a current Macquarie University student and will not continue your studies | First submit your withdrawal and release request via the Service Connect Portal. When your course withdrawal has been finalised, please send a completed International Request for Fee Refund form [PDF 178KB] via email to sc.internationaloperations@mq.edu.au |
| You are a former Macquarie University student and still have credit in your student account OR You are a current student applying for a refund based on special circumstances | Send a completed International Request for Fee Refund form [PDF 178KB] via email to sc.internationaloperations@mq.edu.au |
Overseas Health Cover (OSHC)
Students who organised their Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC) through Macquarie University and have not arrived in Australia can organise the OSHC refund together with any eligible tuition fees by submitting International Withdrawal and Release Request form [PDF 229KB] to their International Admissions Officer.
Once a student has arrived onshore in Australia, they should contact the OSHC provider directly for a refund.
Refund of fees eligibility
Refund requests are assessed according to the International Fee Refund Policy.
Refund eligibility will be confirmed by the Admissions and Scholarships Operations team after formal assessment upon receiving complete documentation.
Payment of refunds will usually be made within four weeks of receiving a correct and complete fee refund form and required documentation.
If payment was made using a card, the refund will be issued back to the card. If the university is unable to refund to the card for any reason, the refund will then be processed to the nominated bank account.
Payment will be made by telegraphic transfer or electronic funds transfer (EFT) and will be made in Australian Dollars (AUD) or its foreign exchange equivalent.
Any delays caused by incomplete forms, incorrect information or by delays from financial institutions may extend this process.
Refund payments made in a nominated currency other than AUD, are subject to fluctuating exchange rates. Buy and sell exchange rates (may vary from indicative mid-market rate) are set by the bank daily and are not controlled by the University.
Unit withdrawal may affect your academic transcript and fees depending on the date of withdrawal.
Make sure you are aware of the census and last withdrawal dates for each study period.
Reducing Study Load – International Student Visa
If you are a student visa holder, you are required to be enrolled full-time in each compulsory study period to complete your course within the time frame reflected on your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
If you experience academic difficulties or situations which are considered to be compassionate or compelling, you may be eligible to reduce your study load (RSL). However, you MUST NOT withdraw from a unit or enrol part-time until your RSL application is considered and approved, as you may be in breach of your student visa conditions.
If you are granted Australian permanent residency, you need to inform Macquarie University of this change. All fee adjustments and calculations will be made from the date you notify Macquarie University (not the date that permanent residency is granted).
If you are a commencing student and you obtain permanent residency before the Census Date:
- You must submit a Residency Status Form along with supporting documents before the census date to notify the University of your change in residency status.
- Once confirmed, you will be charged the domestic student fee rate.
- You can apply and may be eligible for a full refund of the difference between the Commencement Fee paid and the domestic student fee.
If you obtain permanent residency after the Census Date, or notify the University after the Census Date:
- You will remain classified as an international student for the reminder of that study period.
- No fee adjustments or refunds will apply for that study period.
Visit the Change of residency page for more information on how to notify the University of your change of residency status.
If you are not satisfied with the decision made on your refund request, you may submit a written appeal to the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) by e-mailing a formal appeal letter and relevant documents to sc.internationaloperations@mq.edu.au within 28 days of the date of the refund decision.
To be considered, the appeal must address the University policy or procedure that was not correctly followed, or provide additional documentary evidence that was not available at the time of the original request. You will be informed of the result of the appeal within 14 days of the appeal being received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic).