Understand the Payment Terms and Refund Policy in Your Student Contract
Tip 1: You should sign a student contract when you enrol in a course with a private school. Understand the student contract fully before signing as it is legally-binding. |
One of the top complaints of private school students is on course fees. Students were largely dissatisfied with their school’s refund policy or the increase of their course fees. To avoid such disputes, you are strongly advised to read and understand the payment terms and refund policy in your student contract before signing it.
Tip 2: Ensure all fees stated in the student contract match what was advertised or communicated to you by the private school. Take note of fees that are non-refundable. |
Payment Terms: Understand what, when and how much you need to pay
Course Fees
Your student contract should provide a breakdown of your total course fees. The number of instalments may also be stated.
Example of the breakdown of course fees in a student contract
Fee Breakdown Note: show full breakdown of total payable course fees | Total Payable (with GST, if any) (S$) |
| Course Fees | 20,000 |
| FPS Insurance Fee | 50 |
| GST (8%) | 1604 |
| Total Course Fees Payable: | 21,654 |
| No of instalments: | 2 |
Instalment Table
The instalment table states the amount and due date that you need to pay for each instalment. Do check for any late payment charges imposed by the private school.
Example of the instalment table in a student contract
Instalment Table | Amount (with GST, if any) (S$)
| Due Date |
| 1st Instalment | 11,453.50 | 10 March 2022 |
| 2nd Instalment | 10,000.00 | 10 March 2023 |
| Total Course Fees Payable: | 21,453.50 |
Miscellaneous Fees
Your student contract should also specify any additional fees which you need to pay.
Example of the miscellaneous fees in a student contract
Purpose of Fee | Amount (with GST, if any) (S$) |
| Application and Administration fee (non-refundable) | 150.00 |
| Late payment fee | 500.00 |
| Course materials | 250.00 |
| Supplementary exam fee | 50.00 |
| Remodule fee | 4,000.00 |
| Appeal fee | 50.00 |
| Deferment fee | 50.00 |
| Student pass replacement fee | 30.00 |
| Reprint of certificate fee | 100.00 |
| Reprint of transcript fee | 30.00 |
Tip 3: Ensure all fees stated in the student contract match what was advertised or communicated to you by the private school. Take note of fees that are non-refundable. |
Withdrawal from your course
Check the refund policy in your student contract to find out if you will be entitled to get back any refund. Different private schools have different refund policies so review them carefully before you agree and sign up with the school.
Example of the refund table in a student contract
% of the amount of fees | If Student's written notice of withdrawal is received: |
| [80%] | more than [30] days before the Course Commencement Date |
| [50%] | before, but not more than [30] days before the Course Commencement Date |
| [25%] | after, but not more than [7] days after the Course Commencement Date |
| [0%] | more than [7] days after the Course Commencement Date |
Based on the example above, the student will get back 50% of his paid fees if he withdraws from the course less than 1 month before the commencement date of the course. He will not be able to get back any course fees if he withdraws seven days after the course starts.
For current students intending to withdraw from your private school, do check with your school for any outstanding fees that you may still owe. Settle the fees before you complete the withdrawal procedure.
Tip 4: Check with your school on the withdrawal procedure and complete the withdrawal process formally in writing. Retain all official documents and communication of the withdrawal process, in case of disputes or disagreements. |
Fee increases
Private schools intending to raise course fees are required to obtain their students’ agreement by signing a new student contract or addendum with them. If you do not agree with the fees increase, raise the issue to your school through its internal grievance/complaint process. Private schools should also give their students ample notice of any fee increases.
Tip 5: Do not sign the student contract if you are not agreeable with the terms. Highlight it to the private school to see if the terms can be reviewed. |