Refund Policy

1. Overview

At TechForge Academy, we are committed to providing exceptional educational experiences and ensuring student satisfaction. This Refund Policy outlines the circumstances under which refunds may be granted for our courses and educational services.

We understand that circumstances can change, and we strive to be fair and reasonable while maintaining the quality and integrity of our educational programs.

2. Refund Eligibility Periods

Full-Stack Development Programs (12+ weeks):

• 100% Refund: Within 7 days of program start date
• 75% Refund: 8-14 days after program start
• 50% Refund: 15-21 days after program start
• No Refund: After 21 days from program start

Short-Term Courses (4-8 weeks):

• 100% Refund: Within 5 days of course start date
• 50% Refund: 6-10 days after course start
• No Refund: After 10 days from course start

Workshop and Single Sessions:

• 100% Refund: 48 hours before session start
• 50% Refund: 24-48 hours before session start
• No Refund: Less than 24 hours before start or after session begins

3. Special Circumstances

We may provide refunds outside of standard timeframes in exceptional circumstances:

Medical or Emergency Situations:

• Serious illness or medical emergency (documentation required)
• Family emergency or bereavement
• Military deployment or emergency service
• Unexpected job loss or financial hardship

Technical Issues:

• Persistent platform accessibility problems affecting learning
• Course content not meeting advertised specifications
• Instructor unavailability for extended periods
• System outages preventing course access for significant periods

4. Non-Refundable Items and Services

The following items and services are non-refundable:

• Application Fees: Administrative processing fees for course applications
• Completed Courses: Courses that have been fully completed with certificate issued
• Digital Downloads: Course materials, ebooks, or resources already downloaded
• Third-Party Certifications: External certification exam fees and credentials
• Hardware/Software: Required tools, software licenses, or equipment provided
• Career Services: Resume review, interview coaching, or career consultation sessions
• Promotional Pricing: Courses purchased at discounted or promotional rates (subject to special terms)

5. Refund Process

How to Request a Refund:

1. Submit Written Request: Email [email protected] with your request
2. Include Required Information:
   • Full name and student ID
   • Course name and start date
   • Reason for refund request
   • Supporting documentation (if applicable)
3. Review Period: We will review your request within 5-7 business days
4. Decision Notification: You will receive written confirmation of our decision
5. Processing: Approved refunds are processed within 10-15 business days

Refund Methods:

• Original Payment Method: Refunds are typically issued to the original payment method
• Processing Time: 3-10 business days depending on your financial institution
• Alternative Methods: In some cases, store credit or alternative arrangements may be offered

6. Course Transfers and Credits

As an alternative to refunds, we offer the following options:

Course Transfer:

• Transfer to a future cohort of the same course (one-time transfer allowed)
• Transfer fee may apply for administrative processing
• Must be requested within the refund eligibility period
• Subject to availability in future sessions

Academy Credit:

• Receive credit equal to eligible refund amount
• Credits valid for 12 months from issue date
• Can be applied to any TechForge Academy course
• Non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash

7. Cancellation by TechForge Academy

In the rare event that we must cancel a course due to insufficient enrollment, instructor unavailability, or other circumstances beyond our control:

• Full Refund: 100% refund of all fees paid, processed within 10 business days
• Priority Registration: First access to the next available session
• Academy Credit Bonus: Additional 10% credit for future course use
• Alternative Arrangements: Transfer to equivalent course when possible

8. Student Responsibilities

To maintain eligibility for refunds and ensure a positive experience:

• Technical Requirements: Ensure your system meets course technical requirements
• Active Participation: Engage with course materials and attend scheduled sessions
• Communication: Contact support immediately if experiencing difficulties
• Account Maintenance: Keep your contact information current
• Academic Integrity: Adhere to our academic honesty policies
• Feedback: Provide constructive feedback to help us improve

9. Dispute Resolution

If you disagree with a refund decision, you may request a review:

• Appeal Process: Submit a written appeal within 30 days of the decision
• Review Committee: Independent review by senior academic staff
• Additional Documentation: Provide any new information or evidence
• Final Decision: Committee decision is final and binding
• External Mediation: Option for third-party mediation in complex cases

10. Contact Information

For refund requests or questions about this policy:

• Email: [email protected]
• Phone: +1 (416) 789-3456
• Mailing Address: 2150 King Street West, Floor 14, Toronto, ON M6K 1J5, Canada
• Business Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM EST

11. Policy Updates

This Refund Policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in our programs, payment processing, or applicable regulations. Students will be notified of material changes via email and through our website.

The policy version in effect at the time of your course enrollment governs your refund eligibility and terms.