If you withdraw from a unit after the census date then it is considered a late withdrawal.
You will not normally receive a refund of tuition fees paid upfront, and a FEE-HELP debt will normally remain payable, if you withdraw from a unit after the census date.
However, if you were unable to continue your studies because of special circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible to apply for a refund of an upfront payment or remission/re-credit of your FEE-HELP debt. Your application must meet the special circumstances criteria and be supported by appropriate evidence.
See: Late Remission of a FEE-HELP Debt for Special Circumstances.
Academic result following a late withdrawal
If your withdrawal is approved after the census date, your result will normally be recorded as a Late Withdrawal Fail (LWD). The unit will appear on your transcript with the grade LWD (Late Withdrawal) and the unit attempt will be recorded as Failed.
If your application for remission or refund under special circumstances is subsequently approved, the financial outcome may be reversed; however, the academic result and transcript record are subject to CMI’s applicable policies and procedures.
Important withdrawal deadline
You must submit your withdrawal request by CMI’s applicable late-withdrawal deadline. For CMI, this is on or before the date of the last assessment or the last day of teaching, whichever occurs sooner.
Withdrawals submitted after this deadline may not be eligible for a late withdrawal and may instead be treated as a genuine fail, with the final grade calculated in accordance with the applicable assessment and grading requirements.
See also:
Government assistance and financial implications
Withdrawing after the census date does not automatically remove your tuition fee liability or FEE-HELP debt. Under Australian Government rules, students who withdraw after the census date generally remain liable for the relevant fees unless their circumstances qualify for a remission or refund under the special circumstances provisions.
A special circumstances application must generally be submitted to your higher education provider within 12 months of the withdrawal date, although a provider may allow a longer period where appropriate.
A post-census withdrawal may also have academic, enrolment or other consequences. The effect on government payments or other forms of financial assistance can depend on the relevant government program and your individual circumstances. If you receive Centrelink or another government payment, you should contact the relevant government agency to determine how your withdrawal may affect your eligibility.
For further information about FEE-HELP and withdrawing from study, see the Australian Government’s Study Assist information.
Updated: 23/09/2026