Exemptions from the student fee protection (SFP) rules

Information about exemptions from the requirement to deposit student fees with an independent trustee

Exemptions for courses under $500

The Student Funds Trust Deposit Exemption Rules 2022 exempt some courses from the requirement to deposit student fees with an independent trustee.

The total fee charged to the student for the course must be $500 or less (including GST) for it to be exempt.

Student Funds Trust Deposit Exemption Rules 2022

Ongoing requirements for student fee protection

All private training establishments (PTEs) must attest to their ongoing compliance with the student fee protection requirements.

PTEs make attestations through the PTE Annual Declaration.

You should regularly check your student fee protection arrangements to confirm you have appropriate arrangements for any courses that are not exempt.

PTEs can attest to their ongoing exemption in the PTE Annual declaration (AD01), or apply for approval to use an SFP mechanism by completing the Application for approval of a SFP mechanism and/or supplier:

Private Training Establishment (PTE) Annual Declaration (AD01) [DOCX, 47 KB]

Application for approval of a Student Fee Protection (SFP) Mechanism and/or Supplier [DOCX, 69 KB]

Telling us you are exempt

If you meet the exemption criteria, notify us of your status by completing the SFP Exemption Notification form.

SFP Exemption Notification form [DOCX, 72 KB]

The form must be signed by the Chief Executive or chair of the governing body of your PTE.

If your situation changes, and your courses are no longer exempt, you need to:

  • let us know as soon as possible
  • ensure an approved student fee protection arrangement is in place.