Fees

ACU National tuition fees are comparable with those of other Australian universities. Please refer to the Schedule of Tuition Fees (59Kb PDF).

University policy allows for yearly increases of fees but tuition fees are fixed for the length of the course at the rate paid upon commencement by an individual student, provided that the course is completed in minimum time. In addition to tuition cost the tuition fees cover:

• reception at the airport nearest to the campus (for degree courses only).
• assistance with finding accommodation (for degree courses only).
• orientation program.
• access to all student services and facilities that are available to local students.
• study skills assistance.
• membership of student representative council/student union.

Students should also check the individual course descriptions for any additional items that may need to be purchased. These will usually only apply to small items such as special uniforms required for nursing courses. For further information regarding fees and additional course expenses students should contact the International Education Office or the appropriate course authority in the University.

United States Student Loans
ACU National is accredited for US Stafford and Plus loans. For more information US citizens should refer to the US Department of Education's information guides for students.

The University's preferred Guarantee Agency is American Student Assistance (ASA).

Refund Policy

The University has adopted the Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AV-CC) guidelines for fees refunds to commencing international students. In degree courses these are summarised as follows:

Total refunds
If an offer of a place is withdrawn by the University all tuition fees are fully refundable. If the offer was made on the basis of incorrect or incomplete information being supplied by the applicant/student the University reserves the right to retain 10% of the semester fee.

OR

A student who fails to meet award progression rules and is therefore not permitted to refund of those fees paid in advance of the notification of exclusion.

Partial refunds
If a student, after accepting an offer of a place, informs the University of an intention to withdraw, the University will provide a refund but will retain a percentage of the semester fee to cover administrative costs. This fee is determined by the amount of notice given, as follows:

• four weeks or more notice before the commencement of the course could invoke an administrative fee of 10%.
• less than four weeks notice before course commencement could invoke an administrative fee of 25%.
• notice within the first four weeks of commencement of the course could invoke an administrative fee of 50%.

NOTE: Total or partial refunds may also be given in exceptional circumstances, which prevent a student taking a place after accepting an offer, as follows:

• inability to obtain a student visa.
• illness or disability.
• death of the student or a close family member.
• political, civil and natural events, which prevent full payment of fees.

Documentary evidence must be provided.

Information on refund policies for other courses are listed on the relevant application form.

No refunds
A student who withdraws from a course, for whatever reason, after the fourth teaching week of the course will not be eligible for a refund. Students who are granted permanent resident status during the course are required to pay the fees for the remainder of the semester in which they are currently enrolled.

Refund process
Any student who wishes to obtain refunds on the above or any other grounds should make application in writing to the International Student Officer for a decision by the Director of International Education. If the student is not satisfied with a decision of the Director, appeals should be made in writing to the Director, University Services.

Refunds will be made in Australian dollars and the University reserves the right to make refunds payable in the country of origin. Agency fees, if applicable, will not be refunded. In the case of an approved transfer to another educational institution any balance of fees will be sent to that institution upon request.

Living Costs

The cost of living varies from city to city. Students require a minimum of approximately $A12,000 per year for living expenses. This covers accommodation, food and transport, but does not allow for luxuries.

Clothing
This can be costly in Australia, except for occasional bargains. If coming from a warm climate to a cooler climate (such as to Canberra, Ballarat or Melbourne) students should either bring warm clothes or budget additional funds to purchase them after arrival in Australia.

Entertainment
Most students tend to organise entertainment among themselves, or take part in on-campus activities. Other entertainment activities can be costly.

Other
Students should note that legal, medical and dental services in Australia are quite expensive. Overnight stays in hospital in Australia can cost in the vicinity of $A200 a night.

Overseas Students Health Cover (OSHC)
The Australian government requires all international students and their dependants to obtain health insurance for the duration of their visas. One year's cover must be paid with the first semester's tuition fee. This covers 85% of the government-scheduled fees for private doctors, pathology and x-rays. Students must make up the shortfall. Please note: OSHC will not cover any pre-existing conditions (ie those which existed within the 18 months before the student began study) or pregnancy.

Employment
International students who wish to seek employment in Australia must first apply for a work visa. Applications for work visas cannot be submitted until after students have arrived in Australia and commenced their classes.

Although many international and local students are successful in obtaining casual and parttime employment to help subsidise their living costs while studying, students should not rely on obtaining such work when calculating a budget.

Support staff at each campus can provide information on how to seek casual employment in Australia, but it cannot be guaranteed.

In Australia, international students who do succeed in obtaining employment may work for up to 20 hours per week during semester time and full-time during vacations (for example over the three month break of December to February).