The International Swiss School is dedicated to providing its students with a transparent and student-friendly refund policy that reflects the institution’s commitment to fairness and flexibility. Recognizing the diverse backgrounds of its student body and the potential uncertainties they might face, the school has designed a policy that accommodates both local and international students. This includes specific considerations for students whose plans may be affected by visa denials or personal circumstances beyond their control. The goal is to maintain clear communication and provide all students with peace of mind when making financial commitments toward their education.

In general, the refund policy distinguishes between different types of fees. Application and enrollment fees are considered non-refundable, as they cover essential administrative processes such as application review, admissions assessments, and seat reservation. These fees are required to secure a student’s place in a program and to initiate necessary documentation. On the other hand, tuition fees for degree programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies, may be eligible for refunds based on the timing of the withdrawal. Students who notify the school in writing before the official start date of the course may receive a refund of up to 100% of the tuition paid, excluding the non-refundable fees. Once the course has begun, the eligible refund amount decreases progressively, depending on how much of the program has been completed.

For short courses, language programs, and certificate programs, the school applies stricter refund conditions due to the compressed nature of these courses and the limited number of participants per session. Typically, cancellations made at least two weeks prior to the course start date are eligible for a refund of up to 50% of the tuition fee. Withdrawals made within two weeks of the start date or after the course has commenced are generally non-refundable, except in extraordinary situations approved by the school administration. These policies aim to ensure the sustainability of short courses while also maintaining fairness to other students and instructors.

An important aspect of the refund policy pertains to international students who require a visa to study in Switzerland. The school recognizes that visa applications are subject to approval by the Swiss authorities and that students may face visa rejections for various reasons. In such cases, the International Swiss School offers a refund of all tuition fees paid, after deducting administrative charges. This policy applies only if the student provides official documentation of the visa refusal within 6 month of the decision. This measure is in place to minimize financial losses for students while ensuring that the institution’s administrative efforts are covered.

Furthermore, the school acknowledges that exceptional personal circumstances, such as serious illness, family emergencies, or unforeseen hardships, may force a student to withdraw from their studies. In these cases, students may submit a written appeal for a partial or full refund, accompanied by supporting documentation. The school evaluates such cases individually and reserves the right to make discretionary decisions based on the evidence provided. All approved refunds are processed using the original method of payment within 30 working days from the date of approval, with any transaction fees or currency conversion charges borne by the student. The International Swiss School encourages students to read the refund policy carefully before enrollment and to contact the admissions office for clarification if needed. This helps ensure that international students can plan their studies and finances with confidence and avoid unnecessary surprises.