Refunds and Compensation Policy
Effective From: July 2025
Policy Owner: Board of Directors
Review Date: July 2027
Purpose
This policy outlines the arrangements for refunds and compensation for students and applicants in cases where the NCA cannot preserve the continuation of study or meet its obligations for the provision of education. It aligns with the Student Protection Plan and reflects the institution’s commitment to supporting students in achieving their academic outcomes.
1. General Principles
1.1 Refunds for eligible students will be processed automatically.
1.2 Students who believe they are entitled to a refund but do not receive one may file a complaint under the Student Complaints Policy within three months of the event.
1.3 Compensation claims must be submitted within three months of the event.
1.4 All claims for compensation must be made in writing with supporting evidence.
2. Enrolment Fees
2.1 Enrolment fees are non-refundable after the 14-day cancellation period.
2.2 If an applicant defers entry, the enrolment fee will be held on account for up to three years.
2.3 If the institution withdraws an offer due to DBS check results, the enrolment fee will be refunded.
3. Withdrawal from a Course
3.1 If a student with withdraws from a course, refunds will be issued for any tuition fees received, but not yet due at the time of withdrawal.
3.2 Refunds will be based on the instalment schedule, regardless of the payment method.
4. Course Closure or Institutional Closure
4.1 The NCA will always aim to “teach out” courses or arrange for a transfer to a suitable course at another provider to allow current students to complete their studies. In these cases, there will be no refund of fees for completed years of study.
4.2 If “teach out” is not possible, refunds for tuition fees will be provided for the academic year in which closure occurs. Any tuition fees already paid in advance for subsequent years will also be refunded in full.
4.3 If transfer is not possible, NCA may consider a refund of the total fees paid to date. Evidence must be provided by the student that all reasonable efforts have been made to minimize their loss, and that no possible continuation of their studies exists that they could reasonably access.
4.4 No compensation will usually be paid for accommodation or maintenance costs, or reimbursement for lost time and expenses incurred.
5. Changes to Courses
5.1 No refunds or compensation will be provided for changes to teaching staff, course content, academic policies, or regulations.
6. Loss of Validation or PSRB Accreditation
6.1 The NCA will always aim to maintain validation and accreditation partnerships. In the unlikely event of loss, we will strive to establish alternative validation or accreditation arrangements with other providers.
6.2 There will be no refund for tuition fees for completed years of study. Where applicable, interim awards will be granted.
6.3 Refunds will be provided for the academic year in which the loss occurs, and for subsequent years if continuation or transfer is not possible.
6.4 No refunds will be issued for loss of PSRB accreditation if validated programmes continue.
6.5 Exceptional hardship claims will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
7. Failure to Provide Supervision (Postgraduate Research)
7.1 If appropriate supervision for a dissertation cannot be provided, all dissertation fees will be refunded.
Publicising the Policy
This policy will be made available to current and prospective students via the NCA website and VLE (e.g., Moodle). Staff will access the policy via the staff.
