Refund policy

A student sitting at a table using a laptop

The University of Chester (occasionally referred to as “the university”) makes every effort to ensure that the information provided to applicants about courses of study at the University of Chester is complete and correct.  However, the University reserves the right, at its discretion, and for any reason deemed fitting or necessary, to make changes or cancellations, without notice, for the courses mentioned herein.  The University of Chester cannot accept liability for loss resulting from such changes or cancellations.

A place is offered to you subject to the University Student Enrolment Conditions, which will be incorporated by reference in all contracts between the University and its students, for a course of study or programme of research. These terms and conditions contain obligations binding upon you and the University and which restrict the University’s liability. Students who have already enrolled should reference the University's withdrawal policy for refund guidance.

International Deposit

Applicants who are subject to the overseas fee status and are applying for a full-time on-campus course are required to pay a tuition fee deposit to enrol at the University of Chester. Applicants who require a Student visa must pay this deposit before the Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) is released. Alternatively, students receiving UKVI recognised sponsorship or governmental loans can use confirmation in lieu of a deposit payment.

Refund exclusions

Deposit payments will NOT be refunded in the following circumstances. 

  1. When the Student visa application has been successful, and the university is satisfied that the applicant travelled to the UK, including claims for asylum.
  2. Where fraudulent documentation or fraudulent activity forms any part of the application, CAS request or visa application, regardless of whether the applicant directly contributed or not. This includes fraudulent English or academic documents, or falsified bank statements.
  3. Where an applicant submits different financial documents to Home Office than those checked and approved by the University of Chester.
  4. Where the Student visa application is refused due to breaching the conditions of previously granted UK visas.
  5. Where the Student visa application is unsuccessful due to a previous UK visa refusal.
  6. Where the Student visa is refused due to the applicant being subject to a UK re-entry ban.
  7. Where the Student visa application is refused due to a failure to disclose a previous criminal conviction or failure to disclose any other information which has led to visa refusal.
  8. Where a Student visa is granted but an applicant is refused entry upon arrival in the UK (e.g., where English Language proficiency or Genuine Intention to Study is reassessed at the UK border).
  9. Where an applicant is issued a CAS by the university, but the applicant fails to complete enrolment tasks or communicate with the university within the expected deadlines.
  10. When an applicant’s CAS is withdrawn due to failure to meet the Academic Engagement policy. 

If any of the above circumstances apply, a refund will not be granted, and the University of Chester will retain the full tuition fee deposit.

Refund Eligibility

Any refund made will be at the sole discretion of the University of Chester and may be subject to a £250 non-refundable tuition fee deposit. The university will consider all requests for a refund of deposit payments on an individual basis. Refunds can only be issued to your original payment method. 

Deposit payment refunds will only be issued in the following instances:

  1. Where an applicant requests to withdraw from university admission before being issued with a CAS, or;
  2. Where an applicant requests to withdraw from university admission before submitting their Student visa application to the UKVI, or;
  3. Where an applicant has applied for a Student visa which has been granted and The university is satisfied that the applicant has not travelled to the UK, or;
  4. Where an applicant has applied for a Student visa which has subsequently been refused by the Home Office, and;
  5. The applicant has promptly provided the University with copies of documents received from the Home Office and;
  6. The applicant can demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the university, that they have not contributed in any way to the refusal, and;
  7. The applicant has followed instructions from the university in relation to the visa application. 

If in the reasonable opinion of the university the student has not fulfilled the refund criteria the deposit will not be refundable.

FAQs

These points are covered in the above refund policy but are highlighted here for emphasis.

  • Offer holders are eligible for a full tuition fee deposit refund at any point of the admissions process if they have not received a CAS from the university.
  • Students who receive a visa refusal must promptly provide a copy of their refusal letter to applyinternational@chester.ac.uk or their deposit will not be refunded.
  • Students who are granted a student visa and who travel to the UK will not be eligible for a deposit refund.
  • Where a student is unable to physically travel to the UK for reasons outside their control, for example due to travelling restrictions, they must communicate this to the university promptly. They should submit evidence of the situation and provide proof that they are not currently in the UK as part of their refund request.