1. The purpose of this policy is to set out the tuition fee liability that applies to students upon enrolment on a module or course/programme of study.
2. The policy relates to:
The policy does not relate to:
This policy replaces the 'Tuition Fee Refund Policy' and applies to students who began their studies in 2019-20 or later.
3. All students bear personal liability for the tuition fees associated with any module or course/programme of study for which they enrol.
4. Students who are considering leaving their programme of study are encouraged to first make contact with the University for advice and guidance before making a decision to leave. Find out what support is available if you are thinking of leaving.
5. In all cases, where a student withdraws from or discontinues their studies, or is granted a period of leave of absence from their studies, the date of withdrawal/discontinuation/leave of absence is used by the University in calculating tuition fee liability.
6. For students who are sponsored, in the event of the sponsor not making payment in respect of the tuition fees, the student will be personally liable for the payment.
7. Students funded by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) will not be liable for tuition fees if they withdraw before 1 December. The full annual tuition fee will be paid by SAAS for all students in attendance at 1 December.
8. Students funded by the Student Loans Company (SLC) will be liable for payment of either 25%, 50% or 100% of the tuition fee loan, in line with SLC policy. For undergraduate students starting in September this is 25% if withdrawal takes place before the autumn mid-semester reading week, 50% if between the autumn mid-semester reading week and before the spring semester starts, and 100% thereafter.
9. The tables below set out a summary of the policy that the University will apply when calculating tuition fee liability for self-funded / sponsored students who withdraw or discontinue their studies, or who take a period of leave of absence from their studies at the University:
Students invoiced on a course/programme basis:
|
Students who withdraw discontinue or take a leave of absence from studies |
Tuition Fee Liability |
|
Within the first three weeks of the official start date of the programme or the date of enrolment, whichever is the later |
10% of the annual course/programme fee |
|
After the first three weeks and by 31 January for programmes starting in September and by 30 June for programmes starting in January |
60% of the annual course/programme fee |
|
Thereafter |
100% of the annual course/programme fee |
Students invoiced on a module basis:
|
Students who withdraw discontinue or take a leave of absence from studies |
Tuition Fee Liability |
|
Within the first three weeks of the official start date of the module or the date of enrolment, whichever is the later |
10% of the module fee |
|
Thereafter |
100% of the module fee |
10. Postgraduate research students who withdraw, discontinue or take a period of leave of absence, will have their tuition fee liability charged on a pro-rata basis, based on months of study, rounded up to the nearest full month.
11. Only in exceptional circumstances will the University consider reducing a student’s tuition fee liability or refunding a portion of tuition fees paid.
12. A student can apply to have a request for a reduction or refund considered by the University using the "Tuition Fee Liability Reduction or Refund Application Procedure", and applications will be considered on their individual merit.
13. Applications for a reduction in liability or a refund of tuition fees are not normally considered on the basis of:
14. Where a student undertakes an approved period of leave of absence and therefore a temporary suspension of their studies is put in place, the student remains liable to pay any outstanding fees which may be due at the point of suspension of studies.
15. The University offers students the opportunity to pay tuition fees in instalments via an agreed payment plan. Students who withdraw, discontinue or take a period of leave of absence are required to honour their agreed payment plan until their tuition fee balance is cleared.
16. If it is determined that a student has over-paid tuition fees to the University, or if a refund is approved, any refund amount will be first offset against any debt the student has to the University (e.g. accommodation, parking, library) before being refunded.
If you require any further information regarding tuition fee refunds, please e-mail us. To help us deal with your enquiry, please quote your student number in your e-mail.