2026 Refund Rules: What You Need to Know
Unlike a standard myki, your International Student Travel Pass is a specialized product. You cannot simply get a refund at a train station window.
1. The “40-Day” Rule
When you purchase a 365-day pass, you are only paying for 325 days (the other 40 days are essentially “free”).
- The Catch: PTV will not issue a refund if you have fewer than 40 days remaining on your pass. Since those days were technically free, they have no cash value for a refund.
2. How to Request the Refund
In 2026, the refund process is handled through your University or College, not directly through the PTV website.
- Deactivate First: Once you submit a refund request, your pass is deactivated immediately. Do not submit the form until your very last day of travel.
- The Form: Download the ISTP Refund Request Form from your university’s student portal (e.g., UniMelb, Monash, or La Trobe).
- The Evidence: You will usually need to attach a photo of the back of your myki card (showing your name and photo) to verify ownership.
3. The Calculation
Your refund is calculated based on the number of unused days remaining from the date you last touched on. It is a pro-rata refund based on the 50% discounted price you paid, not the full fare price.
Special Scenarios
April 2026 Free Travel Period
If you are reading this in April 2026, remember that the Victorian Government has implemented a Free Travel Period for this month.
- Extensions: All active International Student Travel Passes will be extended by 30 days automatically.
- Refund Tip: If you are planning to refund your card in May, this 30-day extension increases your “remaining days,” potentially getting you a higher refund than you expected!
Transitioning to a 485 Visa
If you have just applied for your Graduate Visa, you do not have to refund your pass. Your ISTP remains valid for travel until its original expiry date, regardless of your student status. Many graduates find it cheaper to keep the pass until it expires rather than refunding it and paying full fare while job hunting.
Lost or Stolen Cards
If you lose your card, do not ask for a refund. Ask for a replacement. You can transfer the remaining days of your pass to a new card for a small replacement fee (usually around $10) via the PTV website or a PTV Hub.
