admin@nationalskills.com.au
Phone 1300 417 006
Suite 245 4/16-18 Beenleigh-Redland Bay Rd
Loganholme QLD 4129
Australia

Refund Policy

Refund and Fee Protection Policy 

1. Purpose
This policy outlines the fee structure, payment terms, and refund conditions for all training programs delivered by National Skills. It ensures compliance with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025 and provides fair and transparent processes for all students.
 
2. Fee-for-Service Operations
National Skills operates predominantly as a fee-for-service training provider.
  • All training programs attract fees, which must be paid in accordance with the payment schedule set out within this policy unless alternative arrangements are approved in writing by management.
  • National Skills does not collect more than $1,500 in advance from any individual student prior to training commencement.
 
3. Fee Information
Comprehensive fee information is available on the National Skills website and by direct email request. This information is reviewed and updated regularly and includes:
  • The total amount of all fees (tuition, materials, administration, and other charges)
  • Payments, schedules, and any non-refundable fees
  • The RTO’s guarantee to complete training and assessment once a student has commenced
  • Fees for additional services
  • This Refund and Fee Protection Policy
 
4. Fee Structure
Each qualification, unit of competency, or accredited course has a published total course fee, which is the maximum amount chargeable.  If specific resources (e.g., computer access or reference materials) are required, these will be clearly listed on the website.
 
4.1 Deposits
A deposit is required prior to commencement. Deposits are non-refundable once the RPL assessment or course training has commenced (see Section 7 for details).
 
4.2 RPL Payment Schedule
RPL applications follow a structured payment schedule designed to reflect the stages of the RPL assessment process:
 
Stage 1 – Application and Initial Assessment Fee (due at enrolment):
  • A non-refundable RPL initial fee is payable at the time of enrolment
  • This fee covers the commencement of the administrative processing of the RPL enrolment application, set up of student files, assessor engagement and emailing out National Skills intellectual property to the student for use in the RPL. 
Stage 2 – Assessment and Outcome Fee (due before final assessment):
  • The balance of the total course fee is payable before the assessor proceeds to final assessment judgements and the issuance of results
  • No assessment outcomes will be recorded, and no certification documentation will be issued until the full course fee has been received.
  • Students will be notified when the final payment is due and payment is to be made within 7 business days.
RPL Completion Timeframe: Students have 3 months from the date of commencement to complete the RPL assessment process, including the submission of all required evidence. If the RPL process is not completed within 3 months, the application will be closed. The student may re-apply by submitting a new RPL application and paying applicable fees.
Non-Payment of Stage 2: If Stage 2 payment is not received within & days the RPL application will be suspended. The student may resume at any time within the 3-month completion timeframe by making payment in full. If the 3-month timeframe has expired, the application will be closed and a new application and fees will be required.
 
4.3 Course Enrolment Payment Schedule
For course enrolments (non-RPL), fees are payable as follows:
  • A deposit (as outlined on the course page under the Fee section on the website) is payable prior to commencement
  • The balance of the total course fee is payable in accordance with the student’s payment agreement 
  • National Skills does not collect more than $1,500 in advance from any individual student prior to training commencement.
 
5. Methods of Payment
Payments may be made by credit card or bank transfer.
 
6. Fee Protection
To safeguard student funds:
  • All fees paid in advance are held in a separate Deposits Account until training commences
  • National Skills does not collect more than $1,500 from any individual student prior to the commencement of training
These procedures ensure full compliance with the Standards for RTOs 2025.
 
7. Refund Policy
7.1 Definition of Commencement
Course Enrolments: Commencement occurs on the date and time when a student first logs into the Learning Management System (LMS) or otherwise accesses course materials or training content (applies to online, blended, and face-to-face training).
RPL Applications: Commencement occurs when National Skills starts the administration process of the RPL enrolment application, set up of student files, assessor engagement and emailing out National Skills intellectual property to the student for use in the RPL or any email or phone contact where the RTO engages the student in the RPL process. 
 
7.2 Course Enrolments – Refund Schedule
Withdrawal before course commencement:
  • 100% refund of fees paid
Withdrawal after course commencement:
  • No refund applies; however, a pro-rata course credit will be granted, allowing re-enrolment in other suitable course within 12 months of withdrawal up to a maximum of one course change 
Withdrawal due to verified illness or hardship (after commencement):
  • Refund may be granted for unused fees at management discretion; a 25% cancellation fee applies. Supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate) is required
Course cancelled by National Skills before commencement:
  • 100% refund of all fees paid. No administration or cancellation fee applies
National Skills unable to deliver one or more units:
  • Full refund of all fees paid for affected unit(s). A Statement of Attainment will be issued for all successfully completed units
 
7.3 RPL Applications – Refund Schedule
Withdrawal after RPL assessment commences:
  • No refund applies. 
Student unable to provide sufficient evidence for RPL (after assessment has commenced):
  • No refund of the RPL Application Fee (Stage 1)
Student completes RPL process but cannot pay Stage 2 balance:
  • If the 3-month RPL completion timeframe has expired, the application will be closed and a new application and fees will be required
Withdrawal due to verified illness or hardship (after assessment commences):
  • Refund may be granted at management discretion; a 25% cancellation fee applies. Supporting documentation (e.g., medical certificate) is required within the 3 month enrolment period. 
RPL assessment cancelled by National Skills:
  • 100% refund of all fees paid. No administration or cancellation fee applies
 
8. Payment Obligations and Withholding of Results
National Skills reserves the right to withhold the following until all outstanding fees have been paid in full:
  • Recording of assessment outcomes in the student management system
  • Issuance of AQF certification documentation (qualifications and statements of attainment)
  • Reporting of completions to National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER)
Students with outstanding fees will be notified in writing and given a reasonable opportunity to arrange payment before any withholding action is taken.
 
9. Withdrawal Policy
Students wishing to withdraw from a course or RPL application must notify National Skills in writing. The date of receipt of the written notification will determine the applicable refund entitlement.
The refund entitlements set out in Section 7 apply based on the timing of the withdrawal relative to commencement.
 
10. Refund Processing
  • All refund applications must be submitted in writing, accompanied by any required supporting documentation (e.g., withdrawal notice, medical certificate)
  • All refunds are subject to management approval
  • Refunds will be processed within 14 business days of receiving a complete written refund application and supporting evidence, subject to management approval
  • Refunds will be paid to the original payment method where possible
 
11. Disputes
Students who are dissatisfied with a refund decision may utilise the Complaints and Appeals Policy. If the matter is not resolved internally, the student may refer the matter to an external body, including ASQA or the National Training Complaints Hotline (13 38 73).
 
12. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required due to changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or organisational needs.