It is rare, but it happens: an education provider closes, or stops delivering a course part-way through. For students who have paid fees and planned their lives around a course, that is a stressful moment. Knowing that a safety net exists can help.
What the Tuition Protection Service does
The Tuition Protection Service (TPS) is run by the Australian Government Department of Education. It says the TPS may help students either continue their studies through another course or a different provider, or receive a refund or loan re-credit for education and training they paid for but did not receive.
Who it helps
The TPS can assist:
international students on student visas whose providers cannot fully deliver their course
domestic VET Student Loans students in the same situation
domestic higher education students in the same situation.
How students engage with it
After a provider default, students use TPS Online, the case management system, to receive assistance. TPS Online is also used by alternative providers that the TPS identifies to help place students.
Practical steps that help
Keep copies of your enrolment confirmation, receipts and course information.
Keep your contact details up to date with your provider so you receive any notices.
Before enrolling, check that your provider and course are registered on the official government registers.
This is general information. If your provider is closing or has stopped your course, follow the official Tuition Protection Service guidance for your student type.
About the author
RullikClear, sourced explainers on Australia and the world
Rullik is the pen name of the founder of Australia Illuminate (Auslume). Rullik writes plain-language explainers on life in Australia, from immigration, study and work to money, sport and screen culture, always linking to the official sources behind each story. Every story is reviewed before publication.
More from Rullik ↗This article was prepared with AI assistance.
