By submitting an application, paying a deposit or fee, or attending any classes, you confirm that you have read and accepted these Terms & Conditions.

Who can enrol

• The minimum age for enrolment on adult English language programmes is 18 years.
• Learners aged 17 may be accepted as adult learners where:
  • a parent/guardian has signed our consent form; and
  • appropriate safeguarding measures are in place.
• Dorset College is an adult learning environment and does not act in loco parentis.

Course levels & placement

• We offer CEFR-aligned courses from beginner to advanced (e.g. A0–C1+), subject to demand at each level. Absolute beginners can be accepted when a viable class can be formed.
• All learners complete a placement test (and/or interview). Class placement is based on your level, goals and academic judgement.

Medical, accessibility & special educational needs

• Please tell us at the time of booking if you have any medical conditions, allergies, disabilities, mobility issues, learning differences or mental health conditions that may affect your learning or accommodation.
• We will discuss what reasonable accommodations we can provide.
• Some of our buildings are older (Georgian) and may have limited wheelchair access.

Our payment and refund policy is designed to be clear for learners and to allow us to plan courses and staff with confidence.

Deposits & payment schedule

• A €150 non-refundable deposit is required to secure any booking. Your place is confirmed when you receive an official Enrolment Confirmation from us.
• If you do not require a visa to enter Ireland, all fees must normally be paid in full at least 30 days before your course start date.
• For visa-required learners, tuition and accommodation fees may be:
  • paid directly to Dorset College (as per invoice); or
  • paid into an approved secure escrow account for your market.
  Visa support letters are issued only once the required payments have been received.

Cancellation & refunds before the course starts

If you need to cancel your course before it starts, please let us know in writing (email is fine). The cancellation date is the date we receive your written notice. Refunds are then calculated as follows:

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

Changing dates or course type

• Changing course type (for example, from General English to Exam Preparation, or to a more intensive course) is always subject to availability and is at the discretion of College Management.
• Changing start date: moving your course dates 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 are normally not possible.
• If you move to a less intensive or cheaper course, no refund is given for the difference in price.
• Bookings are personal to you and cannot be transferred to another person.

If you need a visa to study in Ireland, it is your responsibility to follow all immigration rules. We will support you with the information and documents we are allowed to provide.

• You must provide accurate information for your visa application and for any registrations (for example, GNIB/ISD appointments).
• Irish immigration authorities make the final decision on all visa and registration matters. Dorset College cannot guarantee the outcome of your application.
• Visa-required learners are usually required to have a minimum level of attendance and engagement. Persistent low attendance or non-engagement may affect your immigration status.
• We are required to record and, where applicable, report attendance and course progress to the relevant authorities.

Language learning works best when you attend regularly and participate actively.

Attendance expectations

• We expect all learners to attend classes on time and to stay for the full lesson.
• Visa learners normally need at least 85% attendance. Attendance is monitored and recorded.
• If you are absent due to illness or another serious reason, please inform us and provide evidence where possible (for example, a medical note).
• Dorset College does not normally remove learners from a course due to low attendance, except in exceptional circumstances (such as serious misconduct).

Progress & class changes

• Progression from one level to the next is based on continuous assessment, test results, attendance, engagement and teacher recommendation.
• You may be asked to complete placement tests, progress tests and an end-of-course assessment.
• Your level and class placement are set in line with CEFR levels and may be changed if our academic team feels another class is more suitable.

Holidays – short-stay learners (1–24 weeks)

• Short-stay learners who do not require a visa may request holidays such as one week of holidays per month of study, subject to availability.
• All holiday requests must be made in advance and confirmed in writing.

Holidays – Academic Year / Stamp 2 learners

• Academic Year learners on Stamp 2 programmes normally complete 25 weeks of study and may take up to 10 weeks of holidays in line with ISD rules.
• Holidays during the programme are only considered in exceptional cases and:
  • may only be taken after at least 9 weeks of study have been completed; and
  • must follow the ISD 1/3 rule (holiday weeks cannot exceed one third of weeks studied to date).
• Holidays may not be taken in the final 4 weeks of the programme.
• The timing of holidays depends on class and level availability when you return, and the same class or timetable cannot always be guaranteed.

We want Dorset College to be a welcoming, respectful and safe place to study for everyone.

• We expect all learners to treat classmates, staff, homestay hosts and neighbours with respect.
• Bullying, harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour are not acceptable and may lead to disciplinary action.
• Serious misconduct, damage to property or repeated breaches of rules may result in suspension or expulsion without refund.
• If you have any academic, personal or wellbeing concerns, please talk to us – we are here to help you succeed.

Dorset College works with a range of trusted accommodation providers, including approved host families and partner student residences. We will always explain the available options, prices and house rules before you confirm your booking.

Important information about accommodation bookings

• Accommodation is arranged through external providers, each with their own terms and conditions. These may differ depending on the provider, the property and the time of year.
• Dorset College acts as an intermediary. We will always communicate the provider’s terms clearly and assist you in understanding them.
• Students must normally be enrolled at Dorset College for the full duration of their accommodation stay.
• We cannot always guarantee specific preferences (such as exact location, en-suite bathrooms or particular host-family profiles), but we aim to offer safe and comfortable options.

Accommodation refunds & cancellations

• Each accommodation provider has its own cancellation and refund rules. These may include non-refundable periods or specific notice requirements.
• As a general guideline, many providers do not offer refunds within 30 days of arrival, but this is not universal.
• If you wish to cancel or change accommodation, Dorset College will check the exact terms with the specific provider on your behalf and advise you of the options available.
• Refunds can only be issued in accordance with the accommodation provider’s terms once confirmed by them.

We strongly recommend that all learners have appropriate medical and travel insurance for the duration of their stay in Ireland.

• Non-EU learners on long-term courses are usually required to hold valid medical insurance in line with immigration requirements.
• EU learners should bring a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for access to public healthcare.
• Insurance is normally provided by third-party providers. Any claims must be made directly by the learner; Dorset College is not part of the claims process.
• You are responsible for your own general health, medications and personal safety outside college activities.

We collect and store personal information so we can run your course, meet legal obligations and keep you safe.

• We keep your data secure and only share it where necessary, for example with immigration authorities, regulatory bodies or accommodation providers.
• You have rights in relation to your personal data, which are explained in our Privacy Policy and Data Protection statements.
• By enrolling, you agree that we may contact you about your course, important college information and, where you choose, future study opportunities.

We value feedback and are committed to resolving concerns fairly and promptly.

• You can speak informally with your teacher or another member of staff at any time if something is worrying you.
• If you wish to make a formal complaint, we have a written procedure that explains each step.
• We may ask you to outline your concern in writing so that we can fully understand and respond to it.

• Public holidays & missed classes: no refunds, partial refunds or time in lieu are given for public holidays, missed classes, late arrival or early departure.
• Personal travel: if you decide to travel or return home during your course, no credit is given for missed study time.
• Timetables and premises: during busy periods, classes may be held in additional premises and timetables may vary.
• Force majeure: we are not liable for refunds or compensation for loss of tuition or services resulting from events beyond our reasonable control (for example strikes, extreme weather, public emergencies or similar events). In such cases we will, where possible, provide online or alternative delivery.
• Property and belongings: Dorset College is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to learners’ personal property on or off campus.
• Photos, video & promotional media: we may take photographs or short videos in class or at activities for promotional purposes. If you do not wish to appear in such material, please let us know in writing at the time of booking or at induction.
• Course materials & intellectual property: course materials are for your personal study. They should not be copied, shared publicly or used for commercial purposes without permission.
• Governing law: these Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of Ireland, and any disputes will normally be handled by the Irish courts.