Refund Policy

💳 Refunds & Cancellations English Language Programmes

Refunds & Cancellation Information

This page explains how to request a refund, how our cancellation timelines work, and how course changes are managed for English Language Education (ELE) programmes at Dorset College Dublin.

Last updated: 05 December 2025

In simple terms

We want our refund and cancellation process to be clear and fair. In summary:

  • A €150 deposit is non-refundable on all bookings.
  • Refunds before your course starts depend on how many days’ notice you give.
  • Once the course has started, tuition fees are normally non-refundable except in the case of a visa refusal before arrival.
  • All requests must be made in writing using our Refund & Discount Request Form.

📌 Key points at a glance

Deposit €150, non-refundable.
How to apply Use the online Refund & Discount Request Form.
Cancellation clock The notice period is based on the date we receive your written request.
Processing time Approved refunds are normally processed within 20 working days.
Visa refusal Normally a full refund of tuition and accommodation fees, excluding the €150 deposit, once the official refusal letter is received.
1.

How to request a refund

To make sure your request is recorded correctly and handled quickly, all cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing.

Step 1 – Complete the online form

Please submit your request using the official Refund & Discount Request Form .

The effective cancellation date is the date on which Dorset College receives your completed form. This date is used to calculate your refund in line with the schedule below.

Step 2 – Provide supporting documents (if needed)

  • For visa refusals, you must upload a copy of the official refusal letter from the Irish authorities.
  • For other cases (for example, serious illness), we may ask for relevant documentation so we can fully review your request.

Step 3 – Review & processing

  • Our team will review your request in line with our Terms & Conditions and this refund policy.
  • Once a refund has been approved, it is normally processed within 20 working days.
If you are unsure which option applies to you, or need help completing the form, please contact the Accounts Office at [email protected].
2.

Refund schedule – before your course starts

If you cancel your course before the start date, your refund depends on how far in advance you cancel. The notice period is based on the date we receive your written cancellation.

Notice period before course start Refund you receive
28 days or more Full refund of course fees paid, minus the €150 non-refundable deposit.
14–27 days Full refund of course fees paid, subject to a minimum total charge of €250 (this includes the deposit).
7–13 days 50% refund of course fees paid, subject to a minimum total charge of €250.
Less than 7 days 30% refund of course fees paid, subject to a minimum total charge of €250.
On or after the start date No refund is available once the course has started.

The minimum charge of €250 includes the non-refundable €150 deposit.

3.

Visa refusals

If your visa application to study in Ireland is refused, Dorset College will normally refund tuition and accommodation fees received, in line with our Terms & Conditions.

  • You must submit a copy of the official visa refusal letter with your refund request.
  • Where the refusal is confirmed, we will normally refund all tuition and accommodation fees paid to Dorset College or to an approved escrow account, excluding the €150 deposit.
  • Any non-refundable third-party fees (for example, used exam fees, bank charges) will be outlined on your invoice or offer letter.
Visa decisions are made by the Irish immigration authorities. Dorset College cannot influence the outcome but will provide any course-related documentation we are permitted to supply.
4.

Course changes & date changes

Sometimes your plans change, or another course becomes more suitable. We will always try to help, but changes depend on availability and academic suitability.

Changing course type or intensity

  • Changes between courses (for example, from General English to Exam Preparation, or to a more intensive course) are always:
    • Subject to availability and timetable capacity; and
    • at the discretion of College Management.
  • If you move to a less intensive or cheaper course, no refund is given for the difference in price.

Changing your course dates

  • Moving your start date is usually possible if you give at least 7 days’ notice and there is space in a suitable class.
  • Within 7 days of the start date, course changes and date changes are normally not possible.
  • Bookings are personal to you and cannot be transferred to another person.
Academic placement (your level and class) is based on tests, class performance and teacher recommendation and may be adjusted by the Academic Team if needed.
5.

Accommodation, exam fees & other charges

Accommodation bookings

Dorset College works with external accommodation providers (host families and residences), each with their own terms and conditions.

  • Many providers have non-refundable periods or fixed notice requirements. Some do not offer refunds within 30 days of arrival.
  • If you wish to cancel or change accommodation, we will check the exact terms with the provider on your behalf and advise you of the options available.
  • Any accommodation refund can only be issued in line with the provider’s own policy.

Other non-refundable items

  • Some items – such as exam fees, registration fees, placement or administration fees – may be partially or fully non-refundable once used.
  • Details of any non-refundable items are included in your offer letter and invoice.
For full details on accommodation terms, please also see the Accommodation section of our English Language Terms & Conditions.
6.

More information & related policies

  • This page summarises our standard refund and cancellation rules for English Language programmes.
  • It should be read together with the full English Language Terms & Conditions.
  • In the event of any difference, the version of the Terms & Conditions in place at the time you confirmed your booking will apply.
If you have questions about refunds, cancellations or course changes, please contact [email protected] or speak to a member of the Admissions or Academic Team. We are happy to explain your options.

Accreditation and Memberships

Dorset College is recognised by ACELS, a service of Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) for English Language Teaching (ELT)

Follow Our Instagram

@dorsetcollege.english
Dorset College English School

@dorsetcollege.english

  • Spooky vibes and pumpkin fun! 🎃
Our Advanced Group had a blast carving their Halloween pumpkins with Teacher Neil. 👻✨
#DorsetCollege #HalloweenVibes #StudentLife #PumpkinCarving #SpookySeason #CampusFun #DorsetCommunity
  • 🎃 Our English students got into the Halloween spirit with a fun quiz! 👻
Five teams, lots of laughs, and some spooky good competition, what a great way to celebrate the season! 🧡🕸️
#DorsetCollege #HalloweenFun #StudentLife #EnglishClass #SpookySeason #CampusVibes #LearningIsFun #DorsetCommunity #HalloweenQuiz
  • Looking for something fun or low-key to do this weekend?
Check out Meetup.com — a platform full of social events happening across Dublin. 🌟
Whether you’re into scenic walks 🚶‍♂️, book chats 📚, language exchanges, or just want to meet new people, there’s something for everyone. Many events are free or student-budget friendly.
👉 Browse by interest, time, or location at meetup.com
It’s a great way to explore Dublin, connect with others, and take a well-deserved break from studying.
#MeetupDublin #StudentLife #DublinEvents #WeekendPlans #SocialLife #StudyBreak #dorsetcollegedublin
  • ✨ Culture Night 2025 ✨

A night to celebrate creativity, community, and culture across Ireland. 

Culture Night is packed with free gigs, gallery openings, live performances, film screenings, and more: happening all over Ireland for one night only. 🌙

Grab your friends, explore your city after dark, and dive into the best of Irish arts and culture 🏙️🔥💚🎭🎨
.
.
.
#CultureNight
#CultureNightIreland
#OícheChultúir
#FreeEventsIreland
#StudentLife
#FreeThingsToDo
#IrishCulture
#WhatsOnIreland
  • What if the hardest part of learning a language isn’t the grammar… but the self-doubt?

Your mindset and emotions shape how you show up, how long you stick with it, and how much you grow.

This post is your reminder:

Believe in your ability to change.
Feel the discomfort, and keep going.

Fluency is as much about courage as it is about vocabulary!
.
#LanguageLearning #GrowthMindset #LanguageMotivation #EmotionalIntelligence #LanguageJourney #LearnLanguages #LanguageTips #MindsetMatters #LanguageGoals #SpeakWithConfidence #SelfRegulatedLearning #LanguageFluency #LanguageLearner #MultilingualMindset #MindsetShift
  • ✈️ BRAY AIR DISPLAY 2025
📍 Bray Seafront, Ireland
🗓️ Saturday, August 2nd 

Get ready for a thrilling day of sky-high stunts, stunning aerial displays, and unforgettable seaside vibes! 🇮🇪☀️ #BrayAirDisplay #SkyAttractions #IrelandEvents