For the purposes of this refund policy Group Colleges Australia (GCA) comprises Central College, Metro English College, St James College and UIC.

(a) Cancellation prior to commencement of any course

Students who have not started any course with GCA and wish to cancel their enrolment must apply for a refund in writing. Applications for refunds must be addressed to: General Manager, Group Colleges Australia
Locked Bag 7 Redfern NSW 2016 Australia Cancellation fees apply even if a course is not commenced. Cancellation fees are:

• 10% of tuition fee for notice of more than 70 days - equivalent to a 90% refund
• 30% of tuition fee for notice of between 28 and 70 days - equivalent to a 70% refund
• 100% of tuition fee for notice of less than 28 days - no refund

The enrolment and CoE fee will be not be refunded.

The refund will be made within four weeks of receipt of written notification.

If you enrol through an agent, any refund that might be payable will be paid through that agent. Where a student is unable to commence the course on time, the student (or agent) must contact the College to arrange another commencement date.

Exception

If a student visa is rejected by DIAC (Department Immigration and Citizenship) all paid tuition fees and overseas student health cover fees will be refunded in full upon proof of visa rejection. The enrolment fee and any other associated government fees and charges are not refundable if a visa is rejected.

(b) Cancellation after commencement of any course

No fees will be refunded after the commencement of any one of the courses in which the student has enrolled at Group Colleges Australia, even if the student has prepaid the entire course. This policy applies regardless of the reason for the cancellation and includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• NO REFUND of fees will be granted in the event of cancellation, withdrawal or a decision to change providers or study plans, after the commencement of any one course or subsequent course in which the student has enrolled at GCA;
• NO REFUND will be given to any student who breaches their visa conditions or fails to meet course requirements;
• NO REFUND will be given to any student who is suspended and or expelled for breaching GCA rules and or the College's Code of Conduct;

Tuition fees are not transferable to another student or another institution.;

Exception

In the unlikely event that GCA is unable to deliver your course in full:

• you will be offered a refund of all the tuition money you have paid to date;
• The refund will be paid to you within 2 weeks of the day on which the course ceased being provided.;
• Alternatively, you may be offered enrolment in a suitable alternative course by GCA at no extra cost to you;
• You have the right to choose whether you would prefer a full refund of tuition fees, or to accept a place in another course;

If you choose placement in another course, we will ask you to sign a document to indicate you accept the placement;

If GCA is unable to provide a refund or place you in an alternative course our Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) [ACPET TAS] will place you in a suitable alternative course at no extra tuition fee cost to you;

• Finally if ACPET TAS cannot place you in a suitable alternative course, the ESOS Assurance Fund Manager will attempt to place you in a suitable alternative course; or
• If this is not possible, you will be eligible for a refund as calculated by the Fund Manager.

In accordance with the requirements of National Code 43, GCA acknowledges the right of a student to involve independent third parties for the resolution of disputes, including action under Australia's consumer protection laws. The registered provider's dispute resolution processes do not circumscribe the student's right to pursue other legal remedies.