Refund Policy

ASBS Refund Policy

1. Introduction

This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which students may request refunds for payments made to Alpine Swiss Business School (ASBS). The purpose of this policy is to ensure transparency, fairness, and consistency for all applicants and enrolled students.
All students applying from outside Switzerland are required to pay their first-year fees in full.

Not having acknowledged this policy by signing the required documents does not exempt any student from its application.

This policy is effective from the date stated on the admission letter.

2. Application Fee

The CHF 150 application fee is strictly non-refundable under all circumstances, including:

  • cancellation of application,

  • rejection by the School,

  • applicant withdrawal,

  • duplicate applications,

  • submission errors.

This fee covers administrative processing, review, and evaluation of application documents.

3. Tuition Deposit / Enrollment Fee

A tuition deposit or enrollment fee may be required to secure a place in the program or to issue a visa support letter.

Unless otherwise stated in this policy, the tuition deposit is non-refundable in cases of:

  • voluntary cancellation,

  • withdrawal from the program,

  • suspension or academic dismissal,

  • failure to attend or participate in classes.

Refunds will only be made using the original method of payment and to the person who made the payment.

4. Visa-Related Refunds (International Students)

If the student visa is officially denied by the relevant embassy, all tuition payments will be fully refunded; excluding the CHF 150 non-refundable application fee, upon receipt of the official visa refusal letter.

4.1 Using a Student Visa to Enter Switzerland

If a student uses the ASBS student visa to enter Switzerland:

  • All tuition fees and deposits become non-refundable,

  • Regardless of attendance or later withdrawal.

This prevents misuse of educational enrollment for immigration purposes.

5. Cooling-Off Period (Right to Cancel)

Students may cancel their enrollment within 5 days of signing the Enrollment Agreement, provided classes have not yet begun.

Refunds during this period:

  • Tuition fees paid will be refunded in full,

  • Minus the CHF 150 non-refundable application fee.

Cancellations made after 5 days follow the standard refund rules.

6. Refunds After Classes Begin

6.1 General Rule

Once a student has commenced classes:

  • No tuition refunds will be issued for withdrawal, non-attendance, discontinuation, or dismissal.

6.2 ASBS Specific Rule (Original Policy)

If a student withdraws before the end of the 1st week of classes due to exceptional circumstances:

  • One-third (1/3) of the paid fee will be refunded.

If a student leaves after the 1st week, no refund will be given.

Approval for exceptional cases is at the sole discretion of School management.

An administrative fee of CHF 500 (in addition to the non-refundable CHF 150 application fee) applies to all approved refunds in this category.

7. Course Materials and Digital Resources

Fees for course materials — digital or printed — are non-refundable once:

  • materials have been downloaded or accessed, or

  • physical copies have been shipped or collected.

Shipping fees must be paid by the student.

8. Documentation Fees

Additional documents requested by students (e.g., attestations, diploma delivery, certificates) are:

  • processed by third-party providers, and

  • charged separately,

  • non-refundable under all circumstances.

9. Special Circumstances Refunds (Mitigating Circumstances)

The School may consider a partial or full refund under documented exceptional circumstances, including:

  • severe medical emergencies,

  • family tragedy,

  • long-term hospitalization,

  • government-mandated travel restrictions.

Requirements:

  1. A formal written request.

  2. Official supporting documents.

  3. Refund request must be submitted within 10 working days from the date on the medical certificate or qualifying document.

Approval is case-by-case and not guaranteed.

Refunds may take up to 30 days from the date the School receives complete information.

10. Refund Request Procedure

To apply for a refund, eligible students must:

  • Submit a written refund request via email to the Admissions/Finance Office.

  • Provide supporting documents (receipts, visa refusal letter, medical certificates, etc.).

  • Wait for confirmation. Processing may take up to 30 business days.

11. Bank Charges & Transfer Fees

All:

  • bank charges,

  • payment gateway fees,

  • exchange rate differences

are the responsibility of the student and will be deducted from the refund amount.

12. Fraud, Misrepresentation, or Abuse

Refunds will be automatically denied if the School identifies:

  • fraudulent documentation,

  • misuse of admission letters for immigration,

  • intentional misrepresentation,

  • any attempt to obtain a visa without genuine educational intent.

ASBS reserves the right to notify authorities where necessary.

13. Course Structure Changes

The School reserves the right to:

  • cancel any program with fewer than 5 enrolled students,

  • modify course structures when necessary.

In such cases, students will be informed, and alternative options may be offered.

14. Disbursements Are Non-Refundable

Any disbursements, administrative charges, documentation fees, or third-party expenses are strictly non-refundable.

15. Policy Updates

ASBS may revise or update this Refund Policy at any time. Updates will be published on the official website and, where appropriate, communicated directly to students.