Find out about types of refunds and whether you’re eligible for one.
How to request a refund
See our guidance on:
- tuition fee refunds
- Masters tuition fee deposit refunds
- accommodation refunds
- other credits
- where you cannot continue your course.
Important: Make sure your UK bank account number and sort code are up-to-date in Sussex Direct (in the Personal and Financial sections) before contacting studentaccounts@sussex.ac.uk to request a payment.
If there is an aspect of your student experience that you want to give feedback on, follow our complaints and appeals process.
Tuition fee refunds
If there is an overpayment, the University will refund the original payee via the original method used, in accordance with anti-money laundering regulations.
If you withdraw from your studies
If you intermit or withdraw from your studies, we can only process a request for a refund once your application has been approved.
If you're awaiting approval, contact:
- the Student Centre if you are an undergraduate or Masters student
- the Research Student Administration Office if you are studying a PhD.
Masters tuition fee deposit refunds
If you’re an international applicant who paid a deposit for a postgraduate course, this deposit is usually non-refundable.
Refunds of the tuition fee deposit will only be made in certain exceptional circumstances. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits for international applicants.
Accommodation refunds
You may be able to request a refund if you have made an accommodation overpayment. Accommodation overpayments can happen when you move out of University-managed accommodation early or move into a room with a lower rate.
Once you have arranged this with the Housing Office your account will be updated. When you see a credit on your student account you can email housing@sussex.ac.uk to request a refund.
Other reimbursements
You may occasionally find you have a credit on your student account. These credits may relate to housing compensation or reimbursements, or the overpayment of ancillary charges (for example, if a key charge or library charge is cancelled).
Credits from compensation reimbursements will be refunded by bank transfer to a UK bank account.
Printer credits
To request a printer credit refund, email support@its.sussex.ac.uk.
Graduation tickets
Check the graduation website for details about graduation ticket refunds and what to do if you cannot attend your ceremony.
Where we cannot continue your course
In exceptional circumstances a course may get cancelled by the University or it may not be possible to continue delivering a course if there is a loss of accreditation. In these circumstances, and where all other options have been exhausted (such as a transfer to an alternative course), we will refund tuition fees paid. If you have expenses which would otherwise not have been incurred (such as travel to the UK) we will consider applications for compensation so you’re not financially disadvantaged by the inability to complete your studies.
Further information
Refunds made by the University are governed by a strict set of policies and procedures, to ensure that financial and Money Laundering Regulations are adhered to.
Where possible, all refunds will be returned to the person or organisation that made the original payment. Refunds will be made using the same method as the original payment.
In some cases, we'll need to obtain further information or payment details before we can complete a refund. For larger refunds, we may require additional information, including bank statements and photographic ID. Make sure you provide a valid email address when you request your refund to enable us to contact you if we need to.
Refunds may be withheld if you are in debt to the University.
We'll make all efforts to process refunds within seven days of receipt of all required information. Allow up to four weeks for any refund payment to arrive in your bank account.
Payments have made by a third party
The University is not a banking institution and cannot transfer or refund maintenance payments to a student. Any payments made to the University for the purpose of maintenance will be transferred back to the original payee, who will then need to make a payment directly to the student. The only exception to this is if you're in receipt of US Federal Aid.
When a payment has been made by a third party, we may need to speak to them directly to confirm details and obtain payment information. Make sure you provide an appropriate email address for the third party. The information must come directly from the person who made the original payment.
Refunds to overseas banks
Where refunds are being returned to an overseas bank card or bank account, the University is unable to refund any shortfalls due to exchange rate fluctuations, or offer compensation for any bank or other charges incurred.
Refunds may be withheld if you are in debt to the University.