Fees, Payments and Refunds Policy

RTO ID 45605

1. Purpose

This policy outlines how Served to Cert manages student fees, payments, refunds, and financial support. It reflects our commitment to transparency, fairness, veteran support, and compliance with relevant legislation, including the Standards for RTOs 2025 and Australian Consumer Law.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled in training or Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) with Served to Cert, including those supported through funding or veteran-specific pathways.

3. Fee Transparency

Served to Cert ensures all students receive accurate and upfront information about fees and charges. Prior to enrolment, students will be provided with a written Statement of Fees detailing:

  • Total course or RPL assessment cost

  • Payment terms, methods, and due dates

  • Eligibility for third-party or government funding (if applicable)

  • Refund policy and student rights

  • Any incidental or material costs (e.g. reprints, optional resources)

We do not charge hidden fees or introduce new costs after enrolment. 

4. Fee Types

Depending on the training or RPL pathway, students may be charged one or more of the following:

https://vapor-ap-southeast-2-assets-1750910105.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/production/uploaded_assets/4.-fee-types.png

Note: Veterans may be eligible for subsidised or funded pathways under our charitable status and partnership with Salute for Service. Fee advice will be provided during pre-enrolment.

5. Payment Options

Served to Cert offers flexible payment arrangements, recognising that students—especially veterans—may face unique circumstances. Options include:

  • Full upfront payment

  • Weekly, fortnightly, or monthly instalments

  • Deferred payment (e.g. pending third-party funding)

Important:
We will never require more than $1,500 upfront, in accordance with Clause 5.3 of the Standards for RTOs 2025. All payment plans are documented and mutually agreed in writing.

6. Refund Policy

Served to Cert’s refund approach is built on empathy, compliance, and case-by-case consideration, especially for service-related or health-related disruptions.

https://vapor-ap-southeast-2-assets-1750910105.s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/production/uploaded_assets/6.-refund-policy.png

Pro Rata Refund Example

  • Total Course Fee: $3,000

  • Units in Course: 12

  • Cost per Unit: $250

  • Non-refundable Minimum Charge: $300

Scenario: Student completes 3 units

  • 3 × $250 = $750 (units completed)

    • $300 (admin charge) = $1,050 total

  • Refund = $3,000 - $1,050 = $1,950

All approved refunds will be processed within 14 business days.

7. How to Request a Refund

To apply for a refund:

  1. Complete a Refund Request Form (available online or from support staff)

  2. Attach relevant supporting documents (e.g. medical certificates, deployment orders)

  3. Submit the request for review

Our team will assess your application and contact you within 5 business days. You may appeal refund decisions under the Complaints and Appeals Policy.

8. Non-Payment or Late Payment

Served to Cert is committed to supporting students through flexible arrangements. However, failure to meet agreed payments may result in:

  • Suspension of access to learning systems or assessments

  • Withholding of Statements of Attainment or Certificates

  • Cancellation of enrolment (only as a last resort)

We encourage students to communicate early if experiencing difficulty.

9. Financial Hardship Support

Veteran students facing financial hardship may request:

  • Deferred payment or renegotiated instalment plans

  • Waivers or fee reductions (on a case-by-case basis)

  • Referral to external financial or veteran support services

All hardship discussions are managed confidentially and respectfully.

10. Certificates and Reprints

Upon successful completion of training or RPL, and once all fees are paid, students will receive:

  • A Statement of Attainment (if partially completed), or

  • A Certificate of Qualification (for full course completion)

Reprints of certificates are available for a small administrative fee.

Version: 1.0
Policy Owner: General Manager
Effective Date: 07 August 2025
Next Review: August 2026
Approved By: CEO