Withdrawing from your programme of study and refunds

  • 'Withdrawing from your programme of study' – you have started your course but decide to leave the course permanently.
  • 'Suspending your programme of study' – you have started the year but decide to take a break and return in the future.
  • 'Deferring your studies' – you don't start the year but elect to return to your course in the future.

If you wish to withdraw from, suspend or defer your programme of study you MUST immediately inform your faculty student office in WRITING. For more information about withdrawing from your programme of study please refer to the University's General regulations (also available from our libraries).

Remember: If you decide to withdraw from, suspend or defer your programme of study you must put your decision in writing to your Faculty Administration Office with your name and ID number on the letter. Don't forget to date your letter.

Your faculty should acknowledge receiving your withdrawal in writing. If you do not receive an acknowledgement from your faculty you should contact them and confirm they have received your withdrawal letter.

You must keep a copy of all correspondence in case of any queries.

We are here to help and you should talk to your personal tutor or academic counsellor for help and advice before making this decision.

Please be aware of the withdrawal cut-off date for refunds relating to your programme of study.

Will I still have to pay my tuition fees if I withdraw from or suspend my programme of study?

If you provided your faculty administration office with written notice of withdrawal from your programme of study before the withdrawal cut-off date and you have received written acknowledgment from your faculty, you will not be liable for the fees.

What happens if I withdraw or suspend after the withdrawal cut-off date?

If you withdraw or suspend after the cut-off date for your programme of study you will be liable for your tuition fees in full.

Will I have to pay tuition fees if I have stopped attending my programme of study without formally notifying my faculty?

Yes, if you have enrolled onto your programme of study and you do not withdraw or suspend in writing to your faculty before the official cut-off date then you will be liable for the full fee.

Will I have to pay my fees if I intend applying for funding or a tuition fee loan?

Yes, until you are able to prove that your funding has been approved, you will be liable for the payment of your fees. (A copy of the 'final' status of your 'Assessment of Entitlement to Student Finance' notification should be passed to the Debt Recovery Section).

What happens if I am attending my course at a partner college campus?

If you withdraw or suspend your studies after the cut-off date relevant to your cohort, you must ensure that you withdraw in writing to your college. If you fail to do so, you will be liable to pay for your tuition fees in full.

How do I apply for a refund?

If you believe you are eligible for a refund, you must put your request in writing to the Debt Recovery Section.

Remember:

  • Outstanding debts: if you have any outstanding debts to the University, your refund will be offset against these debts first.
  • Agreed refunds: where a refund is agreed then payment will normally be made via direct credit transfer to the bank account from which the original payment was made. If payment was made by credit card, then the refund would be made back to that credit card. It is very unlikely that cheques or cash refunds will be issued.
  • Time scale: please allow at least three weeks for a refund to be processed.