Exceptional circumstances fee extensions

Victoria University (VU) recognises that some students may experience difficulties paying their fees due to exceptional circumstances. 

Students who meet the eligibility criteria have the option to apply for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension.

Applying for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension does not guarantee that an extension will be approved. If this is the case, you will need to pay your fees by the due date or consider other options for financial and fee payment assistance.

Consequences for non-payment of fees 

Please read the information on this page before commencing an application for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension.

Eligibility for an 'Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension'

Only the following students ARE eligible to apply for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension:

  • Domestic VET students (Cert 1 to 4, Diploma and Advanced Diploma) who cannot defer fees via a VET Student Loan.
  • Higher Education/VET international students on an S500 Student Visa*.

*S500 Visa Holders ARE NOT eligible to apply for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension if they:

  • if they have not yet paid for their first four (4) units of their course.
  • if they are sponsored by an employer or Government
  • if they have overdue outstanding fees
  • for a Summer or Winter unit enrolment
  • if they have been granted an overload of studies
  • for a non-award or cross-institutional study unit.

Exceptional Circumstances for the purpose of a fee extension are defined as:

  • exceptional in nature
  • unforeseen
  • outside your control
  • Occurred on or when your fees were due.

Applying for an Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension

  1. Complete the Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension (A49c) application form, including the budget/expenditure sheet on page 4.
  2. Write a personal statement that describes your exceptional circumstances, including details of the date you can pay your fees in full.
  3. Obtain the required documentation (see examples of accepted supporting documentation in Section 4 Reason for Fee Extension on page 2 of the A49c – Exceptional Circumstances Fee Extension form).
  4. Phone +61 3 9919 5400 to book an appointment with Student Welfare at least five working days before the due date shown on your Statement of Account.
  5. Submit your application form, personal written statement, and supporting documents via email to [email protected] prior to your appointment.

Once you have completed the above instructions, a Senior Welfare Advisor will speak with you at your appointment and advise you of the outcome of your application.