Fees and Loans Policy

1. The purpose of our policy 

This policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University determines and administers fees, loans, and charges to students.  

It establishes the governance-level responsibilities for the determination of tuition fees, student contribution amounts, the administration of student loans and refunds, and the management of associated contracts and complaints processes.  

Please read this policy in conjunction with: 

• Student Refund Procedure 
• Fees and Loans Procedure 
• Accounts Receivable Procedure. 

This policy provides authority to maintain the:

• Fees and Loans Procedure 
• Student Refund Procedure. 

2. Who our policy applies to 

2.1 Inclusions 

This policy applies to: 

• students enrolled in Adelaide University programs and courses (award and non-award) 

This policy covers matters relating to: 

• all programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, research, enabling, and microcredential programs 
• student fees, including tuition, student contribution amounts, and, if applicable, student services and amenities fees 
• administration of student loans and refunds 
• third-party contracts as applied to student fees. 

3. Our fees and loans policy principles 

3.1 We determine fees and charges transparently and in line with legislation 

Adelaide University determines all student contribution amounts, tuition fees, and the student services and amenities fee for each academic program in which students are enrolled. 

3.2 We ensure appropriate approval and oversight of fee-setting 

The co-Vice Chancellors/Vice Chancellor and President set and approve coursework and research tuition fees for international students and undergraduate and postgraduate domestic students who are not Commonwealth Supported. 

3.3 We provide accurate and accessible information regarding fees and charges 

Adelaide University will ensure the availability of accurate and accessible information regarding all fees and charges, including amounts, invoice due dates and payment method options, and refund information. Adelaide University will provide clear, accessible information on all fees and charges, including amounts, due dates, payment options, and refunds. Course and program fees will be published on the University’s website. 

3.4 We comply with legislative and institutional requirements  

Adelaide University will ensure that fees and charges that are outside the requirements of legislation or that contravene any University-approved Incidental Student Fees and charges are not levied against students.  

3.5 We manage refunds and disputes fairly and efficiently 

Adelaide University establishes procedures for managing student complaints, disputes, and administrative errors related to refunds, student contributions, and loans. 

4. Definitions used in our policy 

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions. 

Commonwealth supported student means a student who is eligible for and enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. Commonwealth supported students pay a student contribution amount and the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). 

Incidental student fees are fees Adelaide University may impose outside of student contribution amounts for Commonwealth supported students and tuition fees for non-supported students.  

Student means a person enrolled at Adelaide University in an enabling program, an award program (coursework or research), non-award coursework, or a short course or microcredential. 

Student contribution amount means the amount charged to Commonwealth supported students as a contribution towards the cost of their education. In accordance with the Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth), Adelaide University determines and publishes student contribution amounts each year. 

Tuition fee means the fee charged for tuition in a course or program offered by Adelaide University. It includes non-award fees, international student fees, offshore student fees, cross-institutional fees for students who are not Commonwealth supported, fees for domestic research degree students who exceed funded time, and fees for domestic students in fee-paying places; it does not include the student contribution amount or incidental fees and charges. 

5. How our policy is governed 

This policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below. 

6. Legislation and other documents related to our policy 

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University. 

7. History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.