Payment FAQs
Fee Details
Q: How much are my fees?
- Tuition Fees:You'll be notified of your fees when you enroll each year and thereafter you will receive a termly bill (statement) detailing your outstanding charges. Please note that the fees are subject to annual increases.
- Accommodation Fees: The Accommodation Office will give you the details when you register for halls.
- Check Your Balance: Returning students can check their fees in the RISIS account under the information tab.
Q: When are my fees due?
- Tuition Fee Due Dates: These are displayed on our Tuition fee payment dates webpage.
- Accomodation Fee Due Dates: These are displayed on our Accomodation Terms and Conditions webpage.
- More Information: Check the University Student Payment Policy for details on due dates and consequences of non-payment.
Q: I have a query about my charges - who should I contact?
- Tuition Fees: Based on your program, attendance mode (full-time or part-time), and fee status (Home or Overseas). Contact the Student Fees Administrator at studentfees@reading.ac.uk.
- Accommodation Charges & Fines: Email accommodationonline@reading.ac.uk.
- Library Fines: Email library@reading.ac.uk.
- Late Payment Charges: Email studentcreditcontrol@reading.ac.uk.
- Ad Hoc Charges (e.g., trips): Contact your department or school.
Q: How do I pay my fees if I’m receiving a master's loan from my Student Finance Authority?
- Loan Instalments: You'll get your loan in three instalments (September, January, and April for autumn starters).
- Payment: Pay the university as soon as you receive each instalment using supported payment methods.
- Installments: Pay your fees in three parts: 33%, 33%, and 34%.
- Fee Details: Your tuition fee for the year is in your offer letter or Finance report on your RISIS portal.
Q: How do I make an enquiry about my tuition fee charge?
- Contact: Email the Student Services Helpdesk at helpdesk@reading.ac.uk.
Payment Methods
Q: How can I pay my Tuition or Accomodation Fees?
- Payment Methods: Check the Payment of Fees guide for supported payment methods.
Q: Can I use a payment method not listed on the Payment of Fees webpage?
- Answer: No, you must use one of the listed payment methods. These methods comply with the University's Financial Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering policies.
Q: How can I pay for other goods and services from the University?
- Answer: Check the Ways to Pay online page for a list of payment methods.
Third-Party Payments
Q: Can a third party, like a friend or family member, pay my student fees?
- Answer: Yes, they can use any supported payment option. However, they are not considered a "sponsor."
Q: Why have I been invoiced instead of my Sponsor/Student Loans Company (SFE)/NHS?
- Reason: You need to provide a valid sponsor letter for the University to bill your sponsor. Without it, you are considered a 'self-funding' student and will be invoiced to pay yourself.
Q: I need the university bank details for a loan application in my home country. How do I get them?
- Answer: The University doesn't give out its bank details due to Financial Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Policies. Instead, use Convera or TransferMate. They provide branded letters you can give to your lender, showing they are authorized to accept the bank transfer on behalf of the University.
Technical issues
Q: I am having technical difficulties paying online. What can I do?
- Answer: Try these steps:
- Ensure a strong WiFi or data connection if using a mobile device.
- Enable cookies in your browser.
- Allow pop-up windows in your browser.
- Try using a different browser.
Q: My credit/debit card keeps being declined. What can I do?
- Answer: Try these steps:
- Check with your card issuer to ensure you have enough funds.
- Ask if there's a limit on online transactions. If so, make smaller payments.
- Inform your card issuer about the transaction to ensure it's genuine.
- Ensure your account is set up for 3D Secure (3D Authentication).
- Update your phone number with your card issuer to receive confirmation codes.
- Confirm your card can be used for online payments (some prepaid cards can't).
- Consider using another supported payment option.
Payment Confirmation
Q: How do I know if the University has received my payment?
- Check Balance: Log into the Student Payment Portal or your RISIS account to see your balance.
- Processing Time: Payments usually show within 2 working days.
- Convera/TransferMate: You'll get email or SMS updates from these providers. You can also contact them directly:
- Convera: or use their l.
- TransferMate: Email edu@transfermate.com.
- If Payment Doesn't Show: Email epayments@reading.ac.uk with your student number, name, payment method, and payment reference number.
Q: How are my payments allocated to my balance?
- Order of Allocation:
- Tuition fees.
- University accommodation fees (after tuition fees are paid).
- Other charges (after tuition and accommodation fees are paid).
Financial Difficulties
Q: I am experiencing financial difficulties. Is there any help or advice from the University?
- Contact: Email the Student Credit Control team at studentcreditcontrol@reading.ac.uk.
- Drop-In Service: Visit the Carrington building on Thursdays from 9:30-15:00 during term time.
- Financial Guidance: Visit the Student Financial Support team in the Carrington building from 10:30-13:30 each day.
Q: What action will be taken if I do not make payment against my balance?
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Consequences:
- Late payment fee up to £150 per term.
- Suspension from the University (blocked IT account, no classes, no exams).
- Withholding exam results, certificates, and graduation participation.
- No contract for vacation residence.
- No application for accommodation in future years.
- Required to leave University accommodation.
- Cancellation of catering package (no refunds).
- Debt recovery through a collection agency.
- Tier 4 students: University informs Home Office UK Border Agency, affecting immigration status.
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Advice: Contact the Student Credit Control team (studentcreditcontrol@reading.ac.uk) if you have payment issues. Don't ignore the problem.
Refunds
Q: If I have a credit balance (a '-' minus figure on the bill), can I get my money back?
- Continuing Students: Deduct the credit balance from your future payments.
- Final Year Students: If all charges are cleared, email receipts@reading.ac.uk to request a refund. The money will be refunded to the original payment source.
- Sponsor Overpayments: Refunds go back to the sponsor, not directly to you.
Q: How do I get a refund if I've made a payment online by mistake?
- Contact: Email epayments@reading.ac.uk.
- Include: Your payment reference number (from your email receipt) and student number.
- Note: Refunds are made to the original payment method as per the Anti-Money Laundering Policy.
Q: How long will refunds take to process?
- Domestic Refunds (UK Credit/Debit Cards): 3-10 working days.
- International Refunds (Non-UK Credit/Debit Cards): Up to 30 working days.
- Domestic BACS Payments: 2 working days.
- Foreign Payments to International Bank Accounts: 2-10 working days, depending on the country.
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