Frequently asked questions

When will I get a Statement of Account?

New students: within approximately two weeks of enrolling.
Continuing students: Statements of Account are available via StudentOnLine at any time.

How can I view my Statement of Account in StudentOnLine?

In StudentOnLine navigate to 'My documents'. If you click on the 'Search' button the system will show you all documents issued by the Student Information System in the last 12 months. Any Statements of Account that have been generated by the University for you will be listed here. Clicking on the 'View Attachments' hyperlink will display the filename and date of the attachment. You may then click on the link under File/Note Attachment to open or save your Statement of Account.

How can I generate a new Statement of Account?

In StudentOnLine navigate to 'My Finances'. If you would like a new Statement of Acccount you can click on the hyperlink 'Email my Current Statement of Account' and a current Statement of Account will be emailed to your La Trobe student email account.

How do I pay my fees (e.g. tuition fees, Student Services and Amenities Fee)?

Methods of payment are listed on your Statement of Account. Your Statement of Account can be accessed via StudentOnLine (refer to 'How can I view my Statement of Account in StudentOnLine' and 'How can I generate a new Statement of Account').

What is a student contribution?
The part of your fees you pay.

How can I pay my student contribution?

You can:

• pay it in full, or make a part-payment of at least $500 and get a 10% discount on the amount paid.
• get a HECS-HELP loan and repay it through the tax system later.

What is HECS-HELP?

A loan to help you pay your fees, if you are eligible. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen or have a permanent humanitarian visa. You cannot get HECS-HELP for some postgraduate courses.  Under the scheme, you make repayments through tax, when you are earning a certain amount.  For further information, visit the Government's Study Assist website.

Do I need a Tax File Number?

Yes, if you want to defer your student contribution via HECS-HELP. Apply via the Australian Tax Office.

What is a census date?

The day that you are liable for fees for a subject. If you withdraw from a subject after its census date you must still pay for it. The census date for your subjects is shown on your Statement of Account.

When do I get a receipt?

We do not give receipts for fees. Payments are shown in StudentOnLine within 10 working days.

What if I overpay?

Fill in the application for refund form (from Student Administration). We deposit refunded fees in the bank account you choose.  Further information and the refund form is can be found at:  http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/fees/course/refunds

What if my employer wants to pay my fees?

Email fees@latrobe.edu.au before census date asking for the forms you need for payments to be made this way.

How much I will pay for my course or subject?

Use the fee calculator.

What is a Commonwealth supported place

The Australian Government pays part of the fees for Commonwealth supported places. You must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent visa holder to apply for one.

What is the Student Learning Entitlement (SLE)?

The amount of study you can do in a Commonwealth supported place. This was in place prior to 2012 and the Government has since abolished it.  When this was in place, you were required to keep track of this. See:

• Student Learning Entitlement

What is a Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)?

Your record of key enrolment information such as:

• Your enrolment
• Any HELP debt you have incurred
• Student contribution amounts you have paid
• Any loan fee you may have incurred.

Always check your Notice. If it is not right, contact the University within 14 days of the date on it. An illustrative explanation of your CAN can be found at: 

• CAN Explained

Can I pay my fees when I get my Commonwealth Assistance Notice (CAN)?

No. The fees on your Notice show the amount the Australian Taxation Office records as part of your HELP debt.

What is a Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)?

A number given to all Commonwealth supported students, but not international students.

How do I find out what my CHESSN is?

It will be mailed with your Commonwealth Assistance Notice after the census date of your first subject.

Do I have to fill in a new Commonwealth Assistance Form (CAF) each year?

Only if your payment options change or if you transfer courses. You can get the Form from Student Administration.

The information under this section is relevant to all international students.  Please find details in response to the respective questions below:

Can I have a fee extension?  How do I apply for a fee extension?

We do not offer fee extensions.  Therefore, you cannot apply for a fee extension. Your fees must be paid by the payment due date for each subject as stated on your Statement of Account which can be accessed via ‘My Finances’ on StudentOnLine. If your fees remain outstanding, you will receive a reminder notice when your fees are 7 days overdue and a final notice when your fees are 21 days overdue.  By 28 days overdue, your account will be automatically sanctioned and you will have limited access which includes an inability to view your results, vary your enrolment, use your La Trobe student email and StudentOnLine.  Shortly after this, your enrolment may be terminated.  If this happens, you will then have 20 days to appeal the process by sending an email with details to fees@latrobe.edu.au.  To have the sanction lifted, you must pay your outstanding fees and the Revival Fee.  In 2012, the Revival Fee is $110.  This amount may increase in subsequent years.

 

If your enrolment is terminated, you will be reported to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship for non-payment of fees.

Can I have a payment plan?

We do not offer payment plans. If you are facing difficulties making the full payment in one lump sum, you are welcome to pay your fees in smaller amounts within the timeframe prior to the appeal period.  You must finish paying all outstanding fees prior to the appeal period to avoid incurring the Revival Fee.

What if I cannot pay my fees?

If you cannot pay your fees at all, you must contact La Trobe International Student Services to discuss your options.  Depending on your special circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for relevant scholarships.

I have a question about fees.  I think my account has been incorrectly sanctioned.

For all fee enquiries, contact your local Student Administration office in the first instance.  Your local Student Administration office will be able to assist you in most cases.  For information on the location of your local Student Administration office, please visit:  http://www.latrobe.edu.au/students/enrolment/contact

If your fee enquiry requires investigation, your enquiry will be referred to Student Financial Services Office (SFSO).  This office is located at the Melbourne campus in the Student Hub.  You may contact SFSO directly in person or by emailing fees@latrobe.edu.au from your official La Trobe student email account.  Include your student number and a full description of your enquiry (or your request with relevant details).

How do I appeal a termination/sanction?

If your enrolment has been cancelled or sanctioned due to outstanding fees, and you wish to revive or reinstate your enrolment, you must:

• Make immediate payment, or
• Provide proof of payment to La Trobe International (Second Floor, Peribolos East Building).

A Revival Fee may be imposed. In 2012, the Revival Fee is $110. After providing evidence of payment, you may be referred to your Faculty for your revival of enrolment to be approved. Once you have received this approval and your enrolment is reconfirmed, you may need to request a new Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) from La Trobe International to present to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship.

If you wish to appeal the decision to cancel your enrolment, you have twenty (20) working days, from the date of the letter notifying you of the cancellation.  You do this by submitting a written application to the Manager (Student Financial Services), Academic Services, describing the reasons for your appeal. Please note, an appeal may only be considered:

• If you feel there were errors in the process, or
• If you have new information about circumstances which have contributed to your inability to pay your tuition fees by the specified date(s). These circumstances are generally those that are beyond your control which have an impact on your course progress or wellbeing.  You must provide evidence of these reasons with supporting documentation.

Please direct all general enquiries to the Student Hub on the Ground Floor, Thomas Cherry Building or by contacting (03) 9479-2005 or email fees@latrobe.edu.au

How do I pay from an overseas bank?

Payment of fees can be made by bank cheque or international bank draft in Australian dollars drawn on an Australian bank and payable to La Trobe University.

You can also transfer the fee to our bank account:

Bank: Westpac Bank
Branch: Sydney
BSB number: 032000
Account number: 133774
Account name: La Trobe University
Bank address: 341 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
SWIFT Code: WPACAU2S

You must include your La Trobe University Student Identification Number and your full name when transferring the fee.

Please be aware that the bank may deduct charges from your payment, so ensure that you make allowance for AUD30 for bank charges.