Diploma Program Tuition & Fees Refund Policy

1. Introduction

At AltSchool Africa, we strive to provide an exceptional educational experience for all Learners. However, we understand that there may be circumstances where a refund is necessary. This Refund Policy explains the terms and conditions under which refunds are available, the process for requesting a refund, and the timelines for receiving your refund. By enrolling in our programs, you agree to the terms of this policy.

Our goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in managing refunds while maintaining the quality and integrity of our Program offerings.

2. Application Fees

The application fees for any diploma program at AltSchool Africa are non-refundable and non-transferable in all circumstances. Learner (s) cannot transfer their application fees from one program cohort to another cohort and/or from one learner to another (prospective) learner. In other words, application fees paid toward an initial start semester cannot be transferred to another future start semester. For example, an application fee paid for a data analysis program that starts in the Karatu (Jan.-Apr. 2025) semester, cannot be transferred to a data engineering program or any other program that starts in the Baraka (May-Aug. 2025) semester.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge and agree that the application fee is non-refundable, even if your application is withdrawn, incomplete, or unsuccessful.

3. Exceptions

3.1 Refunds may be possible under the following conditions:

3.1.1 Application fees paid at the beginning of a cohort or semester can be transferred if a learner's request to switch cohorts is approved by the AltSchool Africa. For example, if Learner A applies to the back-end engineering program for the Tinyuka (Aug.-Dec. 2024) semester, their application fee may be transferred to a different program, provided they remain within the same Tinyuka (Aug.-Dec. 2024) semester and not a future semester. The transfer is subject to school approval

3.1.2 Learners whose request to defer their enrollment to the next cohort/start semester is approved.

4. Tuition Fees

All used up tuition is non-refundable and non-transferable to a new program. Tuition fees cover access to essential services such as the Learning Management System (LMS), live classes, academic support, and community support, and therefore, once these services have been utilized, they cannot be refunded or transferred to a different program. For instance, if a learner who is enrolled in a front-end program and has paid a year of tuition in advance, chooses to transfer to product management in their third month at AltSchool Africa, only the 9 months of unused tuition may be transferred to the new program. The prorated portion of unused tuition is the only amount eligible for transfer in the event of a Program change.

Such transfers or program changes are subject to the school’s approval, which must be requested and confirmed in writing by AltSchool Africa.

5. Program Discontinuation (Not Deferment)

A learner who discontinues their enrollment at AltSchool Africa cannot request that their already paid application fees be refunded or transferred to another learner or prospective learner. However, the unused, prorated portion of paid fees may be refunded upon the learner’s request, subject to approval by AltSchool Africa.

For learners who have received approval for a deferment request from the AltSchool Africa team will be required to pay the tuition fees applicable as at the time of their new start semester. If there is a difference between the old tuition fees paid prior to deferment and the new applicable fees, the learner will be responsible for covering the difference.

6. Scholarships

Scholarships awarded by AltSchool Africa are subject to specific terms and conditions, which will be communicated to the recipient upon acceptance. Scholarships are non-transferable and can only be applied to the program for which they were awarded. They cannot be transferred to another learner or future cohort/semester.

If a learner who has been awarded a scholarship discontinues their enrollment or changes programs, the scholarship may be forfeited, and the learner may be responsible for covering the remaining tuition costs. Any unused portion of the scholarship is not refundable or transferable unless explicitly stated in the scholarship terms.

In cases of deferment, scholarship recipients may be required to reapply or seek approval to maintain their scholarship for the new start date, subject to the current scholarship policies at that time. Consequently, such learners understand that, if in need of such financial support, they will have to apply for future scholarships, per sponsor eligibility requirements.

7. Refund/Transfer Process

7.1 To request a refund or transfer of unused tuition fees, learners must follow the steps outlined below:

7.1.1 Submit a Written Request: Learners must email [email protected] with the subject line "Refund/Transfer Request." The email should include the learner’s full name, program details, reason for the request, and any supporting documentation.

7.1.2 Review and Approval: AltSchool team will review the request and assess eligibility based on the Refund Policy. Approval is subject to meeting the conditions outlined in the policy and the discretion of AltSchool Africa. Notification: If the request is approved, a notification will be sent to the Learner via email. Transfers will only apply to unused fees for the current program or cohort. The learner will be notified of the decision within 1 (one) month of sending the written request.

7.1.3 In the case of deferment, the tuition fees will be transferred to the new cohort, with any applicable differences in fees to be settled by the learner.

Learners should note that any refunds or transfers are subject to approval and are not guaranteed.

8. Fees-Related Errors

We are committed to addressing any errors relating to fees as promptly and comprehensively as possible. Please contact our support team at [email protected] within at least 24 hours from the date of the transaction, if you believe your account was incorrectly charged. Our team will issue the refund, upon thorough investigation of your claim, using the same payment method you used for the original transaction. Please note that the refund timeline might be shaped by your financial institution’s processing timeline, after our team’s issuance of the refund.

9. Policy Updates

AltSchool Africa reserves the right to update or modify its Refund policy at any time without prior notice to learners. Such changes will be effective immediately upon its communication to learners via any of our channels, including but not limited to, our website. By enrolling in our programs, you agree to abide by the terms and conditions outlined in this Refund Policy.