Refund Policy

Effective date	17 September 2026
Last reviewed	17 September 2026

This policy explains when fees paid to the Academy may be refunded. It is designed to operate consistently with South African consumer law and must be read with the Cancellation Policy and any programme-specific written terms.

1. Purpose and scope

This Refund Policy applies to course fees, deposits and other payments made to the Academy for training, education and related services, unless a different lawful written arrangement applies to a specific service.

2. General principle

Refunds are assessed fairly and in accordance with the CPA, ECTA where applicable, and the circumstances of the transaction. The Academy will not apply a blanket ‘no refunds’ rule where the law gives a consumer a right to cancel, obtain a refund or seek another remedy.

3. When a refund may be due

• The Academy cancels a paid programme and the learner does not accept a reasonable alternative date, venue or delivery arrangement.

• The Academy is unable to provide a material part of the service paid for and an appropriate substitute cannot reasonably be provided.

• A consumer validly exercises a statutory cooling-off or cancellation right that applies to the transaction.

• A refund or other remedy is required because services were not performed to the quality or standard required by applicable law.

• An overpayment or duplicate payment is verified.

• Another circumstance exists in which South African law requires a refund.

4. Learner-requested cancellations

Where a learner cancels an advance booking or registration, any refund will be calculated after deducting only a reasonable cancellation charge where permitted by law. The amount may take into account the notice given, the nature of the programme, non-recoverable costs already incurred, materials or services already supplied, and whether the Academy can reasonably fill the learner’s place.

Because reasonableness depends on the circumstances, the Academy will not treat a fixed percentage as automatically applicable in every case. Any charge will be explained on request.

5. Non-refundable amounts where lawful

Subject always to statutory rights, the Academy may decline to refund amounts that relate to services already fully rendered, assessments already conducted, personalised or learner-specific materials already supplied, or reasonable non-recoverable costs incurred for the learner. This does not apply where the consumer is legally entitled to a refund because of the Academy’s breach, defective service or another statutory right.

6. Cooling-off rights

Certain transactions may carry statutory cooling-off rights, including qualifying transactions resulting from direct marketing and certain electronic transactions. The applicable right depends on how the agreement was concluded and the nature of the service. Where a statutory cooling-off right applies, the Academy will honour it in accordance with the applicable legislation.

7. Refund request process

1. Submit the refund request in writing to the Academy using the official contact details below.

2. Provide the learner’s full name, course or service, invoice or receipt number, payment date, amount paid, proof of payment and reason for the request.

3. Where relevant, provide supporting documents reasonably required to verify the request.

4. The Academy will acknowledge and assess the request and may contact the learner for clarification.

5. Approved refunds will ordinarily be paid back using the original or another verified payment method, subject to banking and fraud-prevention requirements.

8. Processing time

The Academy aims to process approved refunds within 10 business days after approval and receipt of all reasonably required banking or verification information. Where legislation prescribes a specific refund period for the transaction, that statutory period will apply.

9. Refunds where a sponsor or employer paid

Where an employer, sponsor, funder or other third party paid the fees, any refund will normally be made to that payer unless the payer lawfully directs otherwise in writing.

10. Disputes

If a learner disagrees with a refund decision, the learner may request an internal review and provide any additional relevant information. Nothing in this policy prevents a consumer from using any external complaint or legal remedy available under South African law.

Contact details

Questions, notices or requests relating to this policy may be sent to:

Organisation	The Academy of Excellence for Professional Development
Email	info@academyepd.co.za
Website	https://academyepd.co.za

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