This policy provides guidelines as to when Empire College London can refund an overseas deposit payment or course fees. It will also offer advice about the type of documents that are needed for a refund application to be processed successfully.

Refusal of Student Entry Clearance Visa Application

In the case of applicants whose Entry Clearance visa application has been refused by the British Embassy in their home country and applicant has informed Empire College London no later than one month after the start date of the course, explaining the reasons for the refusal. A refund will be issued deducting an administration fee of £300 from the amount already paid.

The following documents must also be provided:

• All Original documents issued by the Empire College London.
• Original refusal documents issued by the British Embassy or High Commission.
• Attested copy of the refusal stamp on the passport

If learners wish to appeal against the refusal decision then Empire College London will keep the tuition fees which have already been paid until the decision of the appeal has been made. If the original decision of refusal is not overturned the learner must inform Empire College London no later than two months after the appeal hearing date in order to claim their refund.

 International Students already in the UK

If all admission procedures have been processed and the student wishes to cancel the admission before a CAS has been issued a deduction of £300 will be made from the fees already paid.

Students who wish to change their sponsor to Empire College London and their current leave has been granted before 5th October 2009 will not be entitled to a refund if they withdraw from the course.

International students who are in the UK and their further leave to remain has been refused will not be entitled to a refund.

Reasons for refund refusal

• If the refusal document issued by the British Embassy or High Commission indicates:
• That you presented fraudulent educational or financial documents.(Used deception in current or previous application)
• That you provided fraudulent personal information.
• Inadequate preparation for visa interview, where you couldn’t answer relevant question about the college or your chosen course. For example, where this college is situated, which course you are intending to do, how the course would benefit your career plans in your home country, etc.

If any of the above are indicated in the refusal document issued by the British Embassy or British High Commission students will not be entitled to a refund.

If you are due a refund you must contact Empire College London and pass on relevant documents supporting your refund. If you do not qualify for a refund, you will be informed in writing.

Refund applications for reasons other than student visa refusals will not be considered. The College reserves the right to retain the whole deposit amount or course fees.

International students and home students who transfer to another educational establishment within the UK or EU are not eligible for a refund of any payment made in respect of tuition fees apart from:

• In the event of course or class cancellation.

Overseas students and home students who discontinue their studies are not eligible for a refund of any payment made in respect of tuition fees.

 IT TAKES A MINIMUM OF 8 WEEKS FOR EMPIRE COLLEGE LONDON TO PROCESS REFUND APPLICATIONS FROM THE TIME FULL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION IS RECEIVED.

Updated 07/2011