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Census date
It is important you understand what census date is and how it may impact you.
- What is census date
- Find your census date
What is census date
Each unit of study has a census date, based on the session in which it is taught. This is the date when your enrolment in your unit of study is finalised and you become academically and financially liable.
The census date is the last date you will be able to finalise or withdraw from any units of study, finalise your residency status, suspend your studies or discontinue your course without it affecting your grades or being financially liable for units of study.
Domestic students who discontinue a unit or course after the census date will receive a grade of Discontinue fail (DF) and will remain financially liable. International students will only be able to discontinue from a unit if they’ve been impacted by circumstances beyond their control. Find out more about dropping units.
You need to pay your tuition fees by the payment due date(s) outlined on your Student Financial Statement. You can also view fee payment dates on our Study dates page.
eCAF and HECS-HELP
If you’re a Commonwealth supported student, the census date is the final day for you to:
- submit your Request for Commonwealth support and HECS-HELP form
- provide your Tax File Number (TFN), if eligible
- make any upfront payments.
If you do not submit a Request for Commonwealth Support and HECS-HELP form, and provide your TFN or pay your student contribution amount in full by the census date, we will cancel your enrolment as a Commonwealth supported student.
FEE-HELP
If you’re a domestic full-fee paying student, the census date is the final day for you to:
- submit your Request for FEE-HELP assistance form, if eligible
- make any upfront payments if you’re not eligible for FEE-HELP.
USI (Unique Student Identifier)
If you are studying onshore and commenced your studies on or after 1 January 2021 you must have a USI and have provided it to the University by census date. Find out more about your USI.
International students
If you’re a research student and submit your thesis on or before the census date, you will be eligible for a full refund for that research period. If you submit after the census date, you will be financially liable.
As an international student, If you are withdrawing from the course or suspending your study, a withdrawal fee may apply, in line with the International student fee refund policy (pdf, 264KB).
Last updated: 24 November 2023
