Tuition Protection Service

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is an initiative established by the Australian Government to safeguard the interests of international students, domestic VET and higher education students studying in Australia. It ensures that students enrolled in registered education and training providers receive the education they have paid for or, if necessary, are issued a refund.

The legislation outlines the procedures to follow in cases of default, whether by a registered provider or a student (or prospective student). This occurs when a provider cannot commence or complete a course for a student, or when a student fails to begin or complete their course with the provider.

The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is a placement, refund and loan re-credit service for eligible students who are affected by a provider closing or ceasing to deliver a course. TPS offers an adaptable process for managing student placements and refunds if a defaulting provider fails to fulfill its refund obligations under the ESOS Act.

The TPS can help students continue their studies in a suitable replacement course, or arrange a refund or HELP balance re-credit for the portion of their tuition fees they have not yet used. Credit may also be granted for the studies already completed.

When a provider defaults, the TPS contacts affected students and invites them to an online information session where they can learn more about selecting from suitable placement options and the assistance available from the TPS. Unused tuition fees can be refund to students by the TPS Director if a student does not secure a placement through the facility provided by the TPS Director

The new TPS framework limits the collection of pre-paid course fees to no more than one study period in advance, and also limits the deposit for commencing students to no more than 50% of their total course fee.

IMC complies with all the requirements of the Tuition Protection Service.

For further details, visit TPS Scheme.