Student enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled in limited circumstances by AIBT or by the student. When deferral, suspension or cancellation of enrolment is initiated by AIBT, the student has the right to appeal the decision.
Overseas students need to note that any deferral, suspension or cancellation may affect their study visa in Australia.
AIBT initiated suspension
AIBT may suspend a student’s enrolment in the following circumstances:
- Student behavioural misconduct
- As part of the intervention strategy for unsatisfactory progress as defined in the Monitoring Course Progress Policy
- In compassionate and /or compelling circumstances as determined by the Principal/Chief Executive Officer
Compassionate or compelling circumstances are generally those that are beyond the control of the student, and which may affect their well-being or their progress such as a serious injury, illness, traumatic experience or the death of a close family member. It may also include when a student does not receive their visa in time, major political upheaval or a natural disaster in the student’s home country.
The length of time a student may have their enrolment suspended is at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer of AIBT. A student’s enrolment may not be suspended more than one (1) Term without the circumstances being re-assessed. The student will be notified in advance of the reasons and the timeframe of the suspension. A student may appeal a suspension decision through AIBT’s internal appeals process. Any appeal will be dealt with as a matter of urgency to minimise any disadvantage to the student. A student’s enrolment will be maintained throughout the process.
If, as part of this process, a student’s enrolment is cancelled, the student will be notified in writing of the reasons for the cancellation and given 20 working days to access AIBT’s internal complaints and appeals process.
Any change in enrolment status of overseas students will not be reported to the Department of Education until the internal appeals process has been completed unless extenuating circumstances relating to the student apply. Once the deferral, suspension or cancellation is processed AIBT will notify the Department of Education via PRISMS.
Student initiated suspension
Once the course has commenced students may only request a suspension of their participation in compelling or compassionate circumstances. Students must submit documents supporting their claim for suspension of their course e.g. medical certificates. The granting of the suspension is at the discretion of the Principal of AIBT.
The length of time of the suspension is also at the discretion of AIBT and shall be negotiated between the student and the Principal of AIBT.
Suspensions do not entitle a student to a refund.
Deferral
A student may defer the commencement of their course in the following circumstances:
- Compassionate or compelling circumstances agreed with AIBT
- A delay in obtaining a visa.
Students must request a deferral in writing to the Principal. The length of time should not exceed 2 Terms. A new eCoE will be issued once a new commencement is processed.
A deferment does not entitle a student to any refunds of fees and costs already paid.
Results of Deferral or Suspension
Students will be informed in writing of the outcome of their request for deferral or suspension.
If a student is dissatisfied with the outcome of a request they can access the complaints and appeals process of AIBT.
All documentation relating to this process will be kept on the student’s file. All discussions will be recorded in the student’s file.
Students are advised to retain their original documents for their own records and to submit certified copies with any applications for deferment or suspension.
Domestic students may be allowed to defer a course for one term only with the approval of Principal.
Cancellation
Any student who wishes to cancel their enrolment with AIBT must apply in writing to the Principal.
The student will meet with the Chief Executive Officer to explain their reasons for seeking a cancellation of current enrolment.
Cancellations may involve a refund. This shall be discussed with Chief Execurive Officer on a case-by-case basis.
Once a student’s enrolment is cancelled, deferred or temporarily suspended AIBT will notify the Department of Education via PRISMS as is required under section 19 of the ESOS Act.
Domestic students who wish to cancel their enrolment must give notice in writing. This may be via email or letter. Once AIBT is notified a refund will be issued for the component of training not commenced. AIBT is entitled to retain fees for any component of the course completed up until the point of notification by the student cancellation.
Students are advised to provide evidence or demonstrate significant personal circumstance that led to the intention of withdrawal. This process is approved at the discretion of the Principal.
