Watney College is committed to transparency in all financial matters. This policy sets out tuition fee obligations, refund entitlements and the compensation framework, in alignment with CMA guidance and OfS regulatory requirements.
This policy applies to all students, including self-funded individuals and those sponsored by employers or recognised organisations. Tuition fees are specified for each programme and mode of study and are subject to change in line with OfS regulatory guidelines. Any fee adjustments will be communicated promptly.
Tuition fees must be paid in British pounds (GBP). Students are responsible for the full fee payment upon registration unless they have secured funding through the Student Loans Company (SLC) or an authorised sponsor.
Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) guidance · Office for Students (OfS) requirements. This policy reflects best practice in higher education financial management and consumer protection obligations.
Watney College does not currently provide bursaries or financial aid packages. The College continuously evaluates its financial support options and may introduce bursary schemes in future as part of its commitment to enhancing student access and affordability.
All tuition fees must be paid in GBP. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method in compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Requests for refunds to third-party accounts will not be accepted.
Self-funded students are entitled to refunds in cases of overpayment, withdrawal, visa refusal or changes in mode of study, provided they comply with the statutory 14-day right to cancel from the date of registration.
| Student category | Withdrawal timing | Fee liability | Refund |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self-funded (Home / EU UG — full & part-time) | Within 14 days of start | 0% | Full refund |
| Week 3 | 25% | 75% refund | |
| Weeks 4–6 | 50% | 50% refund | |
| Week 7 onwards | 100% | No refund | |
| International UG | Before enrolment | 10% | 90% refund |
| International UG | After enrolment | 100% | No refund |
International students refused a visa may apply for a refund, minus any non-refundable administrative fees. Supporting documentation (visa refusal letter) is required.
Students withdrawing from a programme must formally notify the College in writing. Refunds are calculated from the date formal notification is received. Any outstanding tuition fee debts will be deducted from the refund amount before processing.
Students who disagree with a refund decision may submit a complaint through the College's Complaints Policy. The process is designed to provide an equitable resolution within a 2–4 week timeframe.
Where students' continuation of study is disrupted by circumstances attributable to the College, compensation for additional costs incurred may be considered. The College will always seek to mitigate disruption through alternative arrangements before compensation is assessed.
Additional travel costs from relocation · Additional accommodation costs where relocation is required · Administrative costs associated with transfer to another institution · Reasonable relocation costs · Tuition fee differences arising from continuation arrangements.
Inconvenience or personal distress · Loss of earnings or employment opportunities · Speculative financial losses · Costs not directly linked to the disruption experienced.
Submit to the Finance Department by email. Include student details, reason for request, payment details and bank information for refund processing.
The College will acknowledge receipt of the application within 5 working days.
A decision will be provided within 15 working days. Students receive written notification including the decision, amount approved (if applicable) and reasons.
Students dissatisfied with the compensation outcome may request a review through the College Complaints Policy.
Claims must be supported by objective evidence, which may include: receipts or invoices · travel documentation · accommodation agreements · payment confirmations or bank statements · documentation relating to programme transfer. Claims submitted without sufficient supporting evidence may not be considered.
The College will consider: whether disruption was caused by circumstances within its control · whether additional financial costs were directly incurred · whether reasonable mitigation was offered · whether costs claimed are reasonable and proportionate · whether the student took reasonable steps to minimise impact.
Compensation claims are assessed by the Finance Department in consultation with Academic Administration. Final approval rests with the Director of Studies. Claims indicating wider institutional risk may be reported to the Academic Board.
| Situation | Entitlement | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Withdrawal within 14 days (self-funded) | Full refund | Immediate on request |
| Withdrawal at week 3 | 75% refund | From formal notification date |
| Withdrawal weeks 4–6 | 50% refund | From formal notification date |
| Withdrawal week 7 onwards | No refund | N/A |
| International student — before enrolment | 90% refund | From formal notification date |
| Visa refusal (international) | Refund minus admin fees | On submission of visa refusal letter |
| Programme disruption / closure | Compensation considered (evidenced costs) | Decision within 15 working days |
| Transfer to another provider | Compensation for fees paid for disrupted period | Subject to evidence and Director of Studies approval |
Last reviewed: 20 November 2025 · Version: 1.2 · Next review: November 2026 · Approved by: Academic Board
Download the full Tuition Fee Refund & Compensation Policy (PDF)
