Student Referral Policy

Student Referral Policy
Version NumberIBS/SRP/2026Apr/V001
Member of Staff ResponsibleIbrahim Sirkeci
Record of Revisions to Policy
DateDetailsApproved by
Apr 2026PublishedBoard of Directors
Apr 2026ReviewedBoard of Directors
   
Date of Current PolicyApril 2026
Next Review DateApril 2027
Review to be approved byBoard of Directors

Related IBS Policies:

  • Student Code of Conduct
  • Academic Integrity and Academic Misconduct Policy and Procedure
  • Academic Appeals Policy
  • Student Protection Plan
  • Student Disciplinary Policy
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
  • Admissions Policy

External Reference Points:

  • Equality Act 2010
  • Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
  • Office for Students Regulatory Framework

1. Purpose and Scope

1.1 International Business School (IBS) encourages its current students and alumni to refer friends, family members or colleagues to IBS where doing so aligns with the educational needs and eligibility of the prospective student.

1.2 The purpose of this policy is to set out the terms and conditions under which current students and alumni may receive a financial referral reward when they successfully refer a new student who is admitted, enrolled, and meets the required conditions of the scheme.

1.3 This policy details:

  • eligibility to participate in the referral scheme;
  • the referral process and timelines;
  • communication methods and promotional activity;
  • reward values and payment conditions;
  • governance and compliance arrangements.

1.4 The referral scheme applies to IBS‑delivered programmes only. Referred applicants must not be represented by, or referred through, an external recruitment agent or other third party entitled to commission or payment.

2. Definitions and Classifications

2.1 Referrer
A referrer is a current IBS student or IBS alumnus/alumna who refers an eligible individual to study at IBS.

2.2 Referred Student / New Student
The referred student is the individual who is referred to IBS by the referrer and submits an application.

2.3 Referral
A referral is the act of formally referring a prospective student to IBS in accordance with this policy.

3. Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 Marketing, Communications and Student Recruitment (MCSR)

The MCSR team is responsible for:

  • promoting the referral scheme accurately and transparently;
  • overseeing the referral process during each recruitment cycle;
  • ensuring equality, fairness and clarity in promotional materials;
  • maintaining confidentiality of student data.

3.2 Finance Department

The Finance team is responsible for:

  • verifying eligibility for referral reward payments;
  • ensuring the referred student has:
    • enrolled successfully,
    • completed the first full academic term, and
    • paid tuition fees or completed Student Loan arrangements;
  • processing referral payments in line with HMRC requirements;
  • ensuring payments are made accurately and on time.

3.3 Academic Quality and Standards

The Academic Quality and Standards team is responsible for:

  • monitoring compliance with this policy;
  • reviewing the effectiveness and fairness of the scheme;
  • supporting periodic policy review.

4. Communication of the Referral Scheme

4.1 IBS will communicate details of the scheme using standardised, transparent messaging, for example:

“Refer a friend, family member or colleague to IBS and receive a £500 referral reward once they have enrolled, completed their first term, and their tuition fee has been received. Terms and conditions apply.”

4.2 The scheme will be promoted through:

  • email campaigns;
  • the IBS website or VLE;
  • classroom briefings or presentations;
  • posters and printed materials using QR codes linking to full terms and conditions.

4.3 All communications will:

  • avoid misleading claims;
  • clearly state eligibility criteria and payment conditions;
  • comply with consumer protection and OfS expectations.

5. Terms and Conditions of the Scheme

5.1 Participation in the scheme constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. IBS decisions regarding eligibility and payment are final.

5.2 Who may refer

  • Current IBS students actively enrolled at the time of referral and payment.
  • IBS alumni who have successfully completed a qualification.

5.3 Who may be referred

  • Any individual who meets programme entry criteria and is not represented by a commissioned agent.

5.4 Conditions for the referred student The referred student must:

  • submit an application naming the referrer (full name and student ID);
  • successfully complete admissions assessment;
  • enrol onto an eligible programme;
  • pay tuition fees or complete Student Loan Company arrangements;
  • complete their first full academic term.

5.5 Conditions for payment The referral reward is payable only where:

  • all eligibility conditions are met;
  • IBS has received the first tuition fee payment;
  • neither the referrer nor the referred student has tuition fee arrears.

6. Referral Reward (Payment)

6.1 The standard referral reward is £500 per eligible referred student, subject to income tax and National Insurance deductions in line with HMRC requirements.

6.2 Payments are normally made approximately four months after enrolment, depending on programme start dates and funding arrangements.

6.3 Payments are made by bank transfer only. Referrers will be contacted to provide bank details once eligibility is confirmed.

6.4 IBS reserves the right to withhold payment where eligibility criteria are not satisfied.

7. Changes to the Referral Scheme

7.1 IBS reserves the right to amend, suspend or withdraw the referral scheme at any time.

7.2 Any changes will be communicated clearly and applied fairly.

8. Governing Law

8.1 This policy and any associated disputes are governed by the law of England and Wales.

9. Marketing Approach

9.1 Promotional activity may include:

  • VLE announcements;
  • direct email campaigns;
  • classroom presentations;
  • printed posters and flyers.

9.2 All materials will direct participants to the full terms and conditions of the scheme.

10. Monitoring and Review

10.1 This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure:

  • fairness and transparency;
  • compliance with OfS and legal requirements;
  • ongoing effectiveness.

11. Data Protection and Confidentiality

11.1 IBS is a registered Data Controller and processes personal data in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

11.2 Referrers will not receive updates on:

  • admissions progress;
  • attendance; or
  • fee payment status
    of referred students, except confirmation where payment conditions have been met.

11.3 Partner institutions involved in collaborative provision are also required to comply with data protection legislation.

12. Alternative Formats

12.1 This policy is available in alternative formats upon request.

Annex 1 – Referral Scheme Process (Summary)

  • Promotion of scheme by IBS
  • Referral submitted by referrer
  • Application and admission of referred student
  • Enrolment and attendance confirmation
  • Tuition fee payment received
  • Eligibility verified
  • Referral reward processed and paid