Student enrolment can be deferred, suspended or cancelled in limited circumstances by WSC or by the student. When deferral, suspension, or cancellation of enrolment is initiated by WSC, 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.
WSC initiated suspension
WSC 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 WSC. A student’s enrolment may not be suspended for 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 WSC’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 WSC’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 WSC 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 WSC.
The length of time of the suspension is also at the discretion of WSC and shall be negotiated between the student and the Principal of WSC.
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 WSC
- 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 WSC.
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 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 the Principal.
Cancellation
Any student who wishes to cancel their enrolment with WSC must apply in writing to the Principal.
The student will meet with the Chief Executive Officer to explain their reasons for seeking cancellation of current enrolment.
Cancellations may involve a refund. This shall be discussed with Chief Executive Officer on a case-by-case basis.
Once a student’s enrolment is cancelled, deferred, or temporarily suspended WSC 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 WSC is notified a refund will be issued for the component of training not commenced. WSC 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 circumstances that led to the intention of withdrawal. This process is approved at the discretion of the Principal.