Fees Refund and Compensation Policy - INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SCHOOL

Fees Refund and Compensation Policy
Version Number		IBS/TFRP/2026Apr/V001
Member of Staff Responsible		Ibrahim Sirkeci
Record of Revisions to Policy
Date	Details	Approved by
Apr 2026	Published	Board of Directors
Apr 2026	Reviewed	Board of Directors
July 2023	Reviewed	Board of Directors

Date of Current Policy		April 2026
Next Review Date		April 2028
Review to be approved by		Board of Directors

Related IBS Policies

Student Protection Plan
Student Complaints Policy
Academic Appeals Policy
Admissions Policy
Student Code of Conduct
Equality, Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy
Data Protection Policy
Absence and Withdrawal Policy

External Reference Points

Office for Students (OfS) Regulatory Framework (consumer protection and student protection conditions)
Consumer Rights Act 2015
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008
Higher Education and Research Act 2017
Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA) Scheme Rules

1. Policy Statement

International Business School (IBS) is committed to operating transparent, fair and lawful arrangements in relation to tuition fees, refunds and compensation. IBS recognises its responsibilities under consumer protection law and the Office for Students (OfS) regulatory framework to protect students’ interests and provide clear routes for redress where appropriate.

This policy explains the circumstances in which students may be eligible for a refund of fees and/or compensation and should be read alongside the IBS Student Protection Plan and contractual terms provided at offer and enrolment.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

Set out clearly when refunds of fees may be available
Explain circumstances where compensation may be considered
Ensure IBS meets OfS and consumer law requirements
Provide a fair and transparent framework for decision‑making
Support student protection and confidence in IBS arrangements

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

All students enrolled on IBS programmes
Tuition fees and approved deposits paid directly to IBS
Circumstances arising before enrolment, during study or on withdrawal

This policy does not apply to third‑party costs, accommodation contracts not operated by IBS, or external awarding‑body fees unless explicitly stated.

4. Definitions

Tuition Fees: Fees charged by IBS for the delivery of a programme of study.
Deposit: Any advance payment required to secure a place on a programme.
Compensation: Financial redress for demonstrable loss arising from material disruption or failure by IBS.
Cooling‑off Period: A statutory period in which students may cancel without financial penalty.

5. Refunds of Fees

5.1 Before Enrolment

Students who withdraw before enrolment may be entitled to a full refund of tuition fees and deposits paid, subject to the terms outlined in their offer and acceptance conditions.

5.2 Cooling‑off Period

Students who withdraw within the statutory cooling‑off period following enrolment are entitled to a full refund of tuition fees already paid.

5.3 Withdrawal After the Cooling‑off Period

Where a student withdraws after the cooling‑off period, refund eligibility will depend on:

The timing of withdrawal within the academic year
The proportion of teaching delivered
Funding arrangements (e.g. self‑funded or sponsor‑funded)

Refunds may be calculated on a pro‑rata basis where appropriate.

6. Programme Changes, Suspension or Closure

Where IBS:

Makes a material change to a programme
Withdraws or suspends a programme
Is unable to deliver provision as reasonably expected

IBS will seek to preserve continuation of study through suitable alternatives. Where this is not possible, students may be entitled to a refund of fees and/or compensation in line with the IBS Student Protection Plan.

7. Compensation

7.1 Eligibility

Compensation may be considered where a student experiences demonstrable financial loss as a result of:

Significant programme disruption
Failure by IBS to meet contractual commitments
Programme closure without suitable alternative provision

Any compensation awarded will be proportionate, evidence‑based and reflect actual loss incurred.

8. Application Process

Applications for a refund and/or compensation must:

Be submitted in writing using the designated IBS process
Include supporting evidence where relevant
Be made within a reasonable period following the event

IBS will acknowledge requests promptly and aims to provide an outcome within published timescales.

9. Complaints and Review

If a student is dissatisfied with the outcome of a refund or compensation request, they may:

Raise a complaint under the IBS Student Complaints Policy
Request an internal review of the decision
Request a Completion of Procedures letter where appropriate

Eligible students may refer complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education (OIA).

10. Data Protection

Personal data processed under this policy will be handled in accordance with the IBS Data Protection Policy and applicable data protection legislation.

11. Monitoring and Review

IBS will monitor the application of this policy through:

Review of refund and compensation cases
Student complaints and outcomes
Annual policy review

12. Alternative Formats

This policy is available in alternative formats upon request. Requests should be directed to the Academic Standards and Quality Office.