Terms & conditions 2010 - 11

You can also download the Terms and Conditions as a PDF.

Once an enrolment is accepted by Embassy, the following conditions become legally binding:

1. Payment of Fees

Full fees must be paid before visa documents are issued and no later than 14 days before arrival. Transfers, accommodation or tuition details will not be confirmed until all monies have been paid in full. For all late payments made after the due date, a fee of 2% of the payment amount will be added.

2. Services

The company reserves the right to change details of its services, including courses, facilities and course dates, where circumstances beyond the company’s control necessitate such changes or where the number of enrolments is not enough to operate a course viably.

3. Course Entry Levels

Most courses require minimum levels of English for entry - see each course page for details. If after the placement test, a student is found to be below the minimum level required to start the course, the school reserves the right to place the student in a class with fewer lessons and/or a different curriculum. Students may be transferred to the nearest school running a lower level course.
What is my level of English?

4. Changes to Enrolments

The company reserves the right to charge an Administration Fee (GBP50; USD80; AUD200; NZD240) each time course or accommodation details are changed or cancelled after a place has been confirmed. Additionally, when a change request for a previously confirmed accommodation is received less than 7 days in advance of the scheduled arrival date, an equivalent week’s accommodation penalty fee will be charged. These fees will not apply to upgraded or extended courses.

5. Changes to Airport Transfers

Notification of change to airport transfers must be sent to our International Admissions Centre at least 2 full working days prior to the designated arrival time. If notice is not received the company cannot be held liable for operational errors, and an additional Administration Fee will apply.

6. Accident & Medical Insurance

Every student must have appropriate insurance and provide a document with the student’s name and date of coverage as proof. The company recommends that all students take our own StudyCare insurance which is tailored to the needs of international students. Cover under the StudyCare insurance policy does not commence until the insurance fees have been paid in full. StudyCare is not available to students within Australia.

In the USA, NZ and the UK, students not wishing to take StudyCare must present an equivalent insurance certificate on arrival. Students without insurance must take StudyCare.

In the USA, StudyCare is mandatory for students taking Business English in Action.

In New Zealand, having appropriate and current travel and medical insurance is compulsory for all international students. This is a requirement of the New Zealand Ministry of Education under the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students. Copies of the Code can be found on the Ministry of Education website.

a) Students without adequate insurance or insufficient evidence of insurance will have StudyCare Insurance added to their programme invoice.

b) Students may purchase international insurance from their home country as long as it covers the minimum prescribed insurance requirements as detailed in the Code of Practice. Students must submit a translated copy for verification to the school before arrival.

c) Most international students are not entitled to publicly funded health services while in New Zealand. If a student receives medical treatment during a visit, they will be liable for the full costs of that treatment. See the New Zealand Ministry of Health website.

d) The Accident Compensation Corporation provides accident insurance for all New Zealand citizens, residents and temporary visitors to New Zealand, but a student may still be liable for all other medical and related costs.

In Australia, it is compulsory for those on Student Visas to take Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for the duration of the time they are in Australia. Students need to buy OSHC before coming to Australia, to cover them from when they arrive. This ensures you have adequate health care arrangements whilst you are studying in Australia. If the student chooses for Embassy to arrange OSHC for the first course/ year only of their programme, it is their responsibility to either extend or take out OSHC for the rest of their time in Australia. They must provide evidence of cover for the entire study period before a Confirmation of Enrolment will be issued.

7. General Refund Policy

All refunds will be sent to the account of the Embassy representative to whom the fees were originally paid, or to the individual from whom Embassy has received the original direct payment, except in New Zealand where the refund will be paid directly to the student.

If a student’s visa application is rejected after payment has been received all fees, excluding any cancellation fees detailed In the Cancellation Policy below, will be refunded within 28 days, provided a visa refusal letter is received by our International Admissions Centre at least 2 working days before the course is due to start and the student has fulfilled all requirements for a visa application.

No refund will be made if a visa rejection is based on student’s failure to meet the necessary criteria for their chosen visa category. Students in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco must sign a California State Enrolment & Refund Agreement form.

Refunds will be processed according to these terms and conditions.

Australia In Australia this agreement, and the availability of complaints and appeals processes, does not remove the right of the student to take action under Australia’s consumer protection laws. Refunds will be provided to students within 28 days if the student defaults and within 14 days if the school defaults.

In the unlikely event that the school is unable to deliver a course in full, the student will be offered a refund of all the course money paid to date. The refund will be paid within 14 days of the day on which the course ceased being provided. Alternatively, the student may be offered enrolment in a suitable alternative course by the school at no extra cost. The student has the right to choose whether they would prefer a full refund of course fees, or to accept a place on another course. If they choose placement on another course, Embassy will ask them to sign a document to indicate acceptance of the placement. If the school is unable to provide a refund or place the student on an alternative course our Tuition Assurance Scheme (TAS) provider will place them on a suitable alternative course at no extra cost. Finally, if the TAS provider cannot place the student in a suitable alternative course, the ESOS Assurance Fund Manager will attempt to place them on a suitable alternative course or, if this is not possible, the student will be eligible for a refund as calculated by the Fund Manager.

8. Cancellation policy

Embassy defines cancellation as the period prior to the start of the first course. All cancellations must be made in writing to our Admissions Centre and the following refund policies apply:

Any Enrolment Fee, Courier Fee, Accommodation Placement Fee, Airport Transfer Fee, and StudyCare or OHSC premium will not be refunded for any student cancelling their course before arrival.

Tuition Refunds before Arrival

a) In the UK and USA: Where cancellations are received in writing more than 14 days before the first course start date 100% of tuition fees will be refunded, but any courier fee, enrolment fee, UK Visa application fee (CAS) and added administration fees are non-refundable. Where cancellations are received in writing 14 days or less prior to the first course start date students will be charged GBP190 (UK) or USD350 (USA), in addition to the fees listed in this paragraph.

b) In Australia, the Enrolment Fee plus 30% of tuition fees, as well as all other sundry fees if cancelling prior to the start of their course.

c) In New Zealand, students will be refunded tuition fees in full, less the Enrolment Fee.

Accommodation Refunds before Arrival

a) Students cancelling their accommodation less than 7 days before arrival will be charged an amount equal to 1 week of accommodation.

b) For cancellations less than 48 hours before arrival, an amount equivalent to 4 weeks of accommodation will be charged, or the full accommodation fee if the booking is less than 4 weeks in duration.

9. Withdrawal policy

Embassy defines withdrawal as termination of a course after the first course has started. Any withdrawal must be made in writing to the centre director of the school where you are studying.

Enrolment Fee, Courier Fee, Accommodation Placement Fee, and StudyCare or OHSC premium will not be refunded for any student terminating their course after arrival.

Tuition refunds after arrival

Written notification of withdrawal must be provided as a condition for making refunds. If a student breaches the visa conditions, no refund of the semester fees will be made.

USA Refunds are calculated from the last day of attendance.

a) For courses of four weeks or less, no refund will apply.

b) For courses longer than four weeks, students who terminate in the first four weeks will be refunded all tuition fees except four weeks at the non-discounted (Certificate of English) rate.

c) For courses longer than four weeks, students who withdraw after the first four weeks but before the midpoint of their course, Embassy will retain a pro-rated amount of tuition at the non-discounted (Certificate of English) rate.

d) For students who terminate after the midpoint, Embassy will retain all tuition charges.

UK and Australia No tuition fees will be refunded to students who leave after the course has started. When a student has enrolled in multiple locations/courses, the course start date for the purpose of this clause is that of the initial Embassy course.

New Zealand

a) For courses of one to 34 days' duration, if you withdraw within the first two days of the course, you will receive 50% of the total fees you have paid. If you withdraw after the first two days, no refund is made.

b) For courses of 35 days to 3 months duration, if you withdraw within the first five days of the course, you will receive 75% of the total fees you have paid. If you withdraw after the first five days, no refund is made.

c) For courses greater than 3 months, if written notice of termination is received by the end of the eighth day of the course, a termination fee of the lesser of NZD 500 or 10% of tuition will apply. Students terminating after this period will not receive a refund.

Accommodation Refunds after Arrival

a) Students leaving their accommodation must give at least 4 weeks of notice in writing. After deducting the price of accommodation used, including the required notice period charged at the standard accommodation rate, accommodation fees in excess of the accommodation period will then be refunded.tuition.

b) In Australia and NZ, a 10% withdrawal fee will be deducted from the balance.

10. Visas

Students should contact their local embassy, Consulate or High Commission to ensure they are allowed to enter and study in their chosen country. See the links on our Visas page.

For students wishing to study in the USA, Embassy is authorised under Federal Law to enrol non-immigrant students. By law, to issue the I-20 form, with the Enrolment Form, we must receive:

• the student's home address
• proof of sufficient funds to meet tuition and living expenses such as a current bank statement or a letter from your bank
• a letter or notarised affidavit guaranteeing support from your parent or employer or sponsor

No visa support documentation will be provided until all fees have been received.

11. Holidays (Public and Language Semester/Year Abroad)

Schools will be closed on public holidays. All students in the USA and UK in Homestay accommodation over the Christmas and New Year 2 week period will be charged a seasonal supplement of GBP50 (UK) or USD100 (USA) per week.

Dates for Language Semester/Year Abroad include the following vacation periods between terms:

2011:

Mar 19th-Apr 3rd

Jun 18th-Jul 3rd

Sept 17th-Sept 25th.

12. Resolution of Disputes

In the event of a dispute between an individual student and the school, procedures are in place to facilitate the resolution of the dispute. Any complaint should first be made to the student's Embassy Centre Director. Each complaint will be fully investigated provided that it is received within one month of the course ending and all fees have been paid. If the matter is not resolved, the student should complain in writing to the local Embassy Head Office (see our address here). In Australia, if the student remains dissatisfied with the outcome, they may seek independent external mediation through the ACPET External Student Appeals service or Office of Fair Trading in their state.

13. Liability

Embassy and its staff and representatives will not be liable for loss, damage or injury to persons or property howsoever caused, except where liability is expressly imposed by law. Embassy will not be liable in the event that any service contracted to be supplied by Embassy becomes impossible to supply for any reason or any cause outside the control of Embassy.

14. Valid Prices

Prices are valid from 1 January 2011. Prices are subject to change without notice and will only be confirmed upon invoicing. For current prices please refer to embassy.com. Agents should refer to the Partners website.

15. Expulsion

Embassy reserves the right to expel or evict from accommodation any student whose conduct is unsatisfactory at the discretion of the Principal. In UK, USA and NZ, that decision is final. No fees will be refunded in such cases and any unpaid fees become payable immediately. In Australia, a student has the right to appeal against such a decision and details of that process are available from the school.

Students and their parents or guardian, where applicable, agree to pay the tuition fees and other charges applicable for the course on the due dates. It is understood and agreed that failure to do this may result in suspension from the program and cancellation of the enrolment.

16. Promotional Activity

Students and their parents or guardians, where applicable, agree that the student's photo, quotes and details of achievements may be used for promotional purposes (printed and online) without written consent or notification.

17. Data Protection

Any information provided to Embassy may be held on computer and shall be used in accordance with its data protection registration and the national data protection laws applicable. See our privacy policy.

18. Further Information: Australia

ESOS framework: The Australian Government wants overseas students in Australia to have a safe, enjoyable and rewarding place to study. Australia's laws promote quality education and consumer protection for overseas students. These laws are knows as the ESOS Framework and they include the Education Services for Overseas (ESOS) Act 2000 and the National Code. If you have any concerns about any of these matters after you arrive at Embassy, please contact your Centre Director.

Information provided may be made available to Commonwealth and State agencies and the Fund Manager of the ESOS Assurance Fund, pursuant to obligations under the ESOS Act 2000 and the National Code.

Each student is obliged to notify the registered provider of a change of contact details or address while enrolled in the course.

All courses offering fewer than 24 lessons (20 hours) per week are open to non student visa holders only.

Provider Name: Study Group Australia Pty Ltd
CRICOS Provider Codes:
01682E (NSW) - Sydney
01755D (QLD) - Brisbane, Gold Coast

Provider Name: Taylors Institute of Advanced Studies
CRICOS Provider Codes
01160J (VIC) - Melbourne

Any school-aged dependants accompanying overseas students to Australia will be required to pay full fees if they are enrolled in either a government or non-government school.

Average living expenses:
Sydney and Melbourne: AUS $15,000.00 per year
New Zealand: NZ $10,000.00 - NZ $12,000.00 per year
Gold Coast and Brisbane : AU $12,000.00 per year
Students studying in Queensland who are concerned about the conduct of a provider may contact officers of the Queensland Department of Education; the Chief Executive of that Department has power under the Education (Overseas Students) Act to suspend or cancel the registration of a provider or a course within that state. On acceptance of enrolment by the Embassy, the Application for Admissions form will become the Contract of Enrolment.

19. Further Information: New Zealand

Protection of Student Fees: Fees paid by students will be fully protected by a Bank Guarantee and cash held by an independent Trustee. In the unlikely event of the school closing prior to the conclusion of courses, school fees will be refunded on a pro-rata basis by the trustee.

If students experience difficulty with procedures in New Zealand they may contact the Qualifications Authority at PO Box 160, Wellington. Telephone +64 4 802 3000.

Code of Practice: Embassy has agreed to observe and be bound by the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students published by the Minister of Education. Copies of the Code are available on request from this institution or from the New Zealand Ministry of Education website.

Immigration: Full details of visa and permit requirements, advice on rights to employment in New Zealand while studying, and reporting requirements are available through the New Zealand Immigration Service.

The Code of Practice also establishes that IEAA and the Review Panel receive and adjudicate on student complaints. Their email address is: info.ieaa[@]minedu.govt.nz (remove the brackets from the @ sign).

Each student must notify the school of any change to their contact details, accommodation type, and residential address.

20. Further information: USA

For students travelling as unaccompanied minors on flights to and from the United States, a one-way US $200 unaccompanied minor airport service fee will be charged. Pocket money requests will incur a processing charge of USD80.

21. Further information: UK

Embassy schools are registered with the UKBA Register of Sponsors, and their sponsor licence numbers are as follows: Brighton: B702QNNG1; Cambridge: 8V1P5MAW1; Hastings: 5EGJXG2B9; London: A9P6TFYGX; Oxford 2GXTF1G72.

Pocket money requests will incur a processing charge of GBP50.

22. Force Majeure

Embassy is not liable in the event where it is unable to fulfil any service to which it is contractually bound because of fire, natural disaster, acts of government, failure of suppliers or subcontractors, labour disputes or other reasons which are outside its control.

23. Partners

All the above terms are applicable to direct students and partners unless variations are expressly agreed between the partner and Embassy or their parent company, Study Group, in writing.