Lana Oconnell
University students have long been calling for tuition fee refunds in the event of missed teaching due to strikes, COVID-19, or other out-of-the-ordinary circumstances. While universities and governments have been reluctant to take responsibility for refunds, petitions and student complaints have led to discussions about the level of refund students can reasonably demand based on the teaching provided. Students who withdraw from their courses may be entitled to a refund of tuition and fees, depending on the timing and circumstances of their withdrawal. Additionally, students who receive financial aid may be subject to policies that require the return of federal funds upon withdrawal. The implications of dropping out of a course can be significant, impacting finances, future prospects, and mental health. Thus, students considering leaving university should carefully review their institution's policies and seek support to make an informed decision.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for refunds | Strike action, COVID-19, missed teaching, poor internet connection, lack of support in halls, inadequate food, etc. |
| Who can get a refund? | Students who withdraw, are dismissed, or are granted a leave of absence |
| Who cannot get a refund? | Students who are suspended or dismissed for violation of college or university policies |
| How to get a refund | Make a complaint against the university, exhaust the internal process, then contact the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education |
| What to consider before asking for a refund | Implications for finances, future prospects, and mental health |
| Other options | Work experience or voluntary opportunities |
| Support | Tutor, campus support and counselling staff, Mind, Samaritans, Student Minds |
| Student loans | The US federal government resumed collecting defaulted student loan payments from May 5 |
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What You'll Learn
International students withdrawing
At Deakin University, international students who withdraw from their units before the census date may be eligible for a full or partial refund. The university offers a 90% refund if students withdraw at least four weeks before the start of the teaching period. A 50% refund can be arranged if students withdraw before the census date but after the four-week window. However, no refund is offered if students withdraw after this date. Additionally, Deakin University outlines specific circumstances under which international students can apply for a full refund, such as visa refusal, course unavailability, or failure to meet progression rules.
Columbia University School of Professional Studies provides refunds for students who withdraw before or during the Change of Program period. Tuition fees for courses dropped during this period are refunded in full. After the last day of this period, the university retains a percentage of the remaining tuition for each week or part of a week that the student remains registered. Students withdrawing from the university will have a withdrawal statement added to their academic transcript, and eligible refunds will be issued automatically.
The University of Washington (UW) also offers refunds for international students withdrawing from their programs. The amount of refund depends on the timing of the withdrawal within the calendar quarter. Students who withdraw by the 7th calendar day are not required to pay any tuition fees. Between the 8th and 30th calendar days, students are entitled to a refund of half the tuition fees, along with a $20 Late Change of Registration Fee. After the 30th calendar day, students are responsible for full tuition and the late fee. Additionally, UW highlights the importance of considering the impact of withdrawal on visa status and insurance coverage, as these may have additional financial implications.
Case Western Reserve University outlines policies for handling uncashed student refund checks, which are based on the source of funds and adhere to federally mandated guidelines. The university attempts to contact the payee before returning funds to the appropriate entity. Direct deposits are considered cleared funds upon successful transfer, while checks are considered cleared when cashed by the payee.
It is important for international students to be mindful of the specific refund policies, deadlines, and procedures at their respective universities. Withdrawing from a university can have financial, academic, and visa-related implications, so seeking appropriate advice and planning carefully are crucial steps before making any decisions.
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University accommodation fees
Refund Policies
Some universities offer refunds under specific circumstances, such as cancelling an accepted offer within a certain timeframe or in the event of a visa refusal. For instance, Kaplan International Pathways mentions that students have the right to a refund if they cancel their accepted offer within 14 days or if their visa is refused. It is important for students to carefully review the terms and conditions of their university accommodation agreements to understand their rights and eligibility for refunds.
Payment Methods and Deadlines
Accommodation fees can be paid through various methods, including online payments, direct debit, and instalments. Universities usually provide clear instructions on how to make payments and the applicable deadlines. Missing payment deadlines can result in late fees and, in some cases, referral to debt collection agencies if the situation is not resolved.
Contractual Obligations
Students should be aware of the contractual obligations associated with their university accommodation. Early termination of a contract may result in additional fees, and students may be responsible for finding a replacement to take over their room to avoid ongoing liability. It is common for universities to charge fees for the entire contract period, regardless of occupancy.
Deposits and Additional Fees
University accommodation often requires students to pay a deposit, typically equivalent to a few weeks' fees, which is refunded at the end of their stay. However, other fees may apply, such as cleaning fees, early departure fees, room relocation fees, and replacement fees for lost keys or access cards. These additional fees can vary depending on the university and the specific accommodation provider.
Scholarship and Financial Support
Some universities offer scholarships and financial support specifically for accommodation. For example, the University of Melbourne mentions the Hansen Access Residential College Scholarship and the Indigenous Accommodation Grant, which assist eligible students with their residential college fees. Students should explore the financial aid options available at their institution to help offset accommodation costs.
University-Specific Policies
Refund and payment policies can vary significantly between universities. For instance, UCL (University College London) mentions that students who leave their accommodation will automatically receive a refund for any credit balance on their accommodation account within 28 days. In contrast, the University of Sheffield directs students expecting refunds for overpayments of accommodation fees to contact their Student Fees and Funding team. It is crucial for students to refer to their specific university's guidelines to understand their policies regarding accommodation fees and refunds.
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Student loans and debt
The previous administration's pause on student loan repayments ended in October 2023, and the Department of Education announced it would resume collections on defaulted federal student loans in May 2025. This has caused confusion and concern for borrowers, with many facing delinquency and default. The Department of Education has stated its commitment to helping borrowers return to repayment and managing the loan program responsibly.
Students may receive refunds for various reasons, including overpayment, reimbursement of travel expenses, or course withdrawals. Refund policies vary, and students may receive refunds via direct deposit or check. Uncashed refund checks are handled according to federally mandated guidelines, with Title IV funds returned to the Department of Education, and non-Title IV funds escheated to the state.
International students should be aware that withdrawing from a program may impact their visa status and insurance coverage. They may need to take prompt action to avoid late fees and ensure they receive any eligible refunds.
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Strike action
The issue of refunds for students affected by strike action is a complex one. On the one hand, students are paying high tuition fees and expect to receive a certain level of teaching and support in return. When strike action results in cancelled lectures, seminars, and other educational activities, it is understandable that students may feel they are not getting what they paid for and should be reimbursed. In some cases, universities have offered refunds or compensation to students impacted by strikes. For example, the University of Kent has previously offered up to £75 as a goodwill gesture to affected students, while King's College London refunded a total of over £640,000 to more than 500 students, with individual amounts ranging from £122 to £4,500.
On the other hand, universities often argue that tuition fees cover a wide range of educational facilities, services, and learning opportunities, not just teaching. They may also argue that they have taken steps to mitigate the impact of strikes, such as rearranging teaching, providing online learning, and modifying assessments. In some cases, universities have rejected calls for refunds, stating that strike action is outside of their control and that students were not materially disadvantaged as a result.
Students who feel they have been negatively impacted by strike action and wish to seek a refund or compensation have several options. They can start by following their university's complaints procedure and contacting their vice-chancellor or other senior leadership. Students can also approach external bodies, such as the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) in England and Wales, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman (SPSO) in Scotland, or the Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) in Northern Ireland. These bodies can review complaints and advise universities on whether to offer compensation and how much to pay. It is important to note that the outcome of such complaints may vary, and not all students may be successful in receiving refunds or compensation.
Overall, the issue of refunds for students affected by strike action is a contentious one, with valid arguments on both sides. While some universities have offered refunds or compensation, others have resisted, and the outcome may depend on the specific circumstances and the university's response to the strikes. Students seeking refunds should be prepared to make a clear case for why they believe they are entitled to compensation and be persistent in following the appropriate complaint procedures.
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Mental health implications
Universities have a duty of care to support students with mental health issues, and this has legal implications. The university sector has been under scrutiny from the government and regulators to ensure they are adequately supporting students' mental health. The universities minister has advised all UK university vice-chancellors that tackling student mental health issues is a "non-negotiable" top priority.
The mental health and well-being of university students are essential to the health and future of society, as these students will become future leaders. However, this group faces many challenges and stressors, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, contributing to a mental health crisis among young adults. A study of 90,000 college students across 133 US colleges and universities in the 2021-2022 academic year found that 44% reported depressive symptoms, 37% reported anxiety, and 15% reported suicidal ideation.
Universities must develop policies that encourage students to seek help without repercussions and create non-discriminatory approaches to supporting students in crisis. However, there is a fear of liability for failure to intervene, leading to universities removing "problematic" students from the school environment. These policies create an environment where students may fear discussing their mental health concerns, isolating them from support systems within the university and increasing the risk of harm.
The standard of care expected from universities includes providing pastoral support and taking steps to protect students' health, safety, and well-being. In the case of students with declared or diagnosed mental health issues, universities must ensure that all staff understand their roles and responsibilities. Universities should also provide the same arrangements for refunds for students who take a leave of absence for mental health reasons as for those with physical health issues.
The mental health crisis on college campuses is widespread and complex, affecting students from diverse backgrounds. As more students seek mental health services, counseling centers face challenges with staff turnover and accessibility. Universities have a critical role in addressing this crisis and ensuring that students receive the support they need to reach their full potential.
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Frequently asked questions
Students who drop out may be entitled to a refund of all or a portion of their tuition and fees depending on the university's refund policy. Some universities may offer a partial refund if the student drops the course within a certain timeframe, while others may not provide any refund at all. It's important to carefully review the university's policies and procedures regarding refunds before making any decisions.
International students planning to withdraw should contact their university's international student office to understand the implications on their visa status and any potential refunds. The refund policies for international students may vary depending on the university and their specific circumstances.
Students who receive financial aid and withdraw from all of their classes may be subject to the Return of Title IV Federal Funds Policy. This means that they may need to return a portion of the financial aid funds received. It is important to review the specific policies and guidelines provided by the university's financial aid office.
The impact of COVID-19 on university refunds is a complex issue. While some universities may have amended their terms and conditions to accommodate COVID-19 disruptions, it is not a universal policy. Students who believe they are entitled to a refund due to COVID-19-related issues should refer to their university's policies and procedures, and there may be a process to consider complaints related to COVID-19 disruptions.
