Postgraduate taught course tuition fee deposits: Frequently asked questions

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Why does the University of Sheffield ask for a tuition fee deposit?

To ensure that we offer you the best possible experience as a Sheffield student, we can only accept a limited number of students on each course. Places on courses at the University of Sheffield are competitive, and we receive many more applications than there are places available. Therefore we will ask you to pay a tuition fee deposit, to indicate that you definitely intend to take up your course place.

By paying a tuition fee deposit you will indicate that you are definitely going to take up your place. Therefore, we will not arrange the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number necessary for a UK Student visa until you have paid your fee deposit. You can find more information about the CAS number application process on our CAS number application webpages.

Who pays a fee deposit?

Fee deposits are normally paid by International fee-paying students who have accepted an Unconditional offer of a place on a campus-based postgraduate taught course.

Will I be required to pay a tuition fee deposit?

Paying a tuition fee is compulsory for all postgraduate taught courses, unless you are sponsored by a University-recognised sponsor (please see below).

How much are tuition fee deposits?

We will tell you how much you need to pay for your course in the offer letter where we ask you to pay a deposit (normally the Unconditional offer letter).

How will I be able to pay the tuition fee deposit?

The quickest and easiest way to pay is by credit or debit card using our online payment system. You can also pay by bank transfer.

We will give you more information about how to pay, including the link to our online payment system, when we send your offer letter.

When do I need to pay the deposit?

For applicants to courses using our Staged Admissions process, we will include a deadline in your offer letter. The deadline is normally 4 or 5 weeks after the date of the letter. If you have not paid your deposit by this deadline, we may withdraw our offer.

There is no deadline for applicants to other courses, but until you have paid the deposit we will not be able to arrange your CAS number or send you information about registering at the University.

Will I receive a receipt after I have paid a deposit?

The University does not automatically issue paper receipts for payments made. However you will receive email confirmation of your payment if it is made by credit or debit card online.

My course fees are going to be paid by my sponsor. Will I still need to pay a tuition fee deposit?

This will depend on who is sponsoring you and by how much.

If at least half of your tuition fee will be sponsored by a body recognised by the University (your national government, your employers etc), you will not need to pay a deposit. If we ask you to pay a deposit you will need to send us proof of this sponsorship arrangement.

If your sponsorship covers less than half your fee, and/or your sponsor is not recognised by the University of Sheffield (for example a family member), you will still have to pay the deposit.

Will my fee deposit be refunded if I cannot come to the University of Sheffield?

Refunds

2022 entry

For 2022 entry, we will only be able to refund a tuition fee deposit for one of the reasons listed below. Except where indicated, please attach appropriate documentary evidence, for example a medical note or a letter from your school or university.

  1. If you request a refund within 14 days of the payment being made (we will not require evidence for this reason)
  2. If you are unable to take up your place for reasons relating to Covid-19 (we will not require evidence for this reason)
  3. If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
  4. If the University is unable to provide the course as advertised, and you do not accept an alternative
  5. If you are unable to take up your place due to ill health or family bereavement
  6. For applicants holding a Conditional offer, if you attempt but fail to meet the conditions of your offer, and you are not accepted at the University
  7. For applicants to courses requiring ATAS clearance, if your application for ATAS clearance is refused or rejected

If you request a refund for one of the reasons listed in points 2-7 above, you should submit your request by 1 November 2022. The final decision will rest with the University of Sheffield.

2023 entry

For 2023 entry, we will only be able to refund a tuition fee deposit for one of the reasons listed below. Except where indicated, please attach appropriate documentary evidence, for example a medical note or a letter from your school or university.

  1. If you request a refund within 14 days of the payment being made (we will not require evidence for this reason)
  2. If you are unable to travel to Sheffield to begin your studies due to government restrictions on travel
  3. If your exams are cancelled or your university is closed
  4. If your UK Student visa application is refused or rejected, except where there is evidence of fraud
  5. If the University is unable to provide the course as advertised, and you do not accept an alternative
  6. If you are unable to take up your place due to the ill health of yourself or a dependant, or due to a family bereavement
  7. For applicants holding a Conditional offer, if you attempt but fail to meet the conditions of your offer, and you are not accepted at the University
  8. For applicants to courses requiring ATAS clearance, if your application for ATAS clearance is refused or rejected

If you request a refund for one of the reasons listed in points 2-8 above, you should submit your request by 1 November 2023. The final decision will rest with the University of Sheffield.

We will give you more information when we send you your offer letter.

Please note that if you request a refund of your tuition fee deposit, your application will be automatically withdrawn. If you wish to be considered for the same course or a different course at a later date, you will need to re-apply to the University.

What if I have applied for more than one course? Will I need to pay a deposit for each course?

No, you will only have to pay one deposit.

When you log into the online payment system you will be asked to indicate the choice number of the course which you have accepted. You will then be able to pay the deposit for this course. The online system will not allow you to make more than one payment.

How will I be able to find out more about the tuition fee deposit?

We will give you more information when we send the offer letter where we ask you to pay a deposit (normally the Unconditional offer letter). This letter will direct you to the fee deposit webpages and our online payment system.

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the tuition fee deposit?

If you have any questions about the tuition fee deposit, please contact the Fee Deposit Team by emailing pgtfeedeposits@sheffield.ac.uk.