International Fee-Paying Students - Refund Policy

INTRODUCTION

This policy details the procedure to follow when an International Fee-Paying Student makes an application for a refund or partial refund of fees paid to Cobham Intermediate.

OBJECTIVES

To protect both the student and the School from any situation which may result in unfair reimbursement of fees paid, in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students (revised 2010).

GUIDELINES

Where at any time an International Fee-Paying Student withdraws from a course of study at Cobham Intermediate, in order to get any refund, the following conditions will apply:

1. If the student changes his/her mind before coming to New Zealand, the full fees will be refunded less an administration fee of $500.00. This includes if a student is not granted a student permit to attend school.
2. If the student wishes to withdraw after the commencement of the period of study, the student must apply in writing to the Principal. The Principal will take into consideration the special circumstances of the withdrawing student and:
   • Costs incurred by the Board of Trustees.
   • The salaries of the teachers and support staff and any other components of the fee already committed for the duration of the course.
   • An amount which covers the use of the facilities and resources to the date of withdrawal.
   • Any refund of the international student’s fee from the Government.
   • Any costs incurred by agents fees.
3. Refunds/partial refunds of fees paid will only be made in exceptional circumstances at the discretion of the Principal. Exceptional circumstances would be:
   • Returning home because of the student’s serious illness (medical evidence must be provided, i.e. a certified Doctor’s Medical Certificate in English).
   • Returning home because of death or serious illness of a close member of the student’s family.
4. No refunds will be made to the student if he/she wishes to transfer to another school in New Zealand or overseas.
5. Where the student status changes to Permanent Residency or his/her parents obtain a work permit during a school year, unspent fees will be refunded as from the start of the following term, less an administration fee of $500.00.
6. No refunds will be made to students who are asked to leave Cobham Intermediate because of misbehaviour or poor attendance.
7. In the unlikely event of the School not being able to deliver its normal teaching programme, unspent fees will be refunded for the period of non-delivery of the programme minus an administration cost.
8. All refunds will be paid either to the parents of the student or to an agent/designated caregiver with written authority from parents. No refunds will be given directly to students.
9. NZ Immigration Service will be notified if a student ceases to attend Cobham Intermediate School for any reason.

View Policy in Adobe Acrobat PDF format

Chairperson: Alan Grey

Approval Date: 30 May 2011

Review Date: May 2012

Additional changes made October 2011