POLICY: Admissions and Registration Policies - Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Policy and Schedule
POLICY URL: https://lsi-ac.uk/policy/b4fd6c4f-614f-4002-b705-c71468ae167e

POLICY STATEMENT:
Clear communication of tuition fees and associated costs is essential to fostering trust and enabling informed decision-making for students and families; The School is committed to transparency by providing upfront, comprehensive information on annual tuition fees, additional charges for specific activities, and deposit requirements. We ensure that all financial details are accessible, clearly communicated, and published well in advance; This policy outlines the framework for disclosing tuition fees, additional charges, and deposits, ensuring clarity and fairness for all.


POLICY PRINCIPLES:
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- Transparency : Ensuring all costs associated with study are clearly communicated and easily accessible to students;
- Fairness : Offering a fair fee structure that aligns with the quality of education provided;
- Consistency : Applying charges and fee regulations consistently to all students;
- Clarity : Providing unambiguous details about payment schedules and financial obligations;
- Support : Delivering comprehensive financial advice and support services for students;
- Equity : Facilitating equal access to learning by considering financial diversity among students;
- Value : Ensuring students receive educational value commensurate with their financial investment;
- Advance Notice : Giving timely notice of any changes to fees, charges, or payment procedures;
- Options : Providing a range of payment options to accommodate different financial circumstances;
- Responsibility : Encouraging financial responsibility and awareness among students;
- Assistance : Offering guidance and assistance with navigating financial aid where applicable;
- Review : Regularly reviewing the policy to reflect economic changes and maintain fairness in tuition and associated costs.


REGULATORY CONTEXT:
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This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:

R1. Office for Students (OfS): Regulatory framework for higher education in England - This framework outlines OfS' primary aim to ensure positive outcomes for students, including access, success, and progress in higher education. It covers quality academic experience, progress into employment, and value for money.
R2. UK Government: Consumer Rights Act 2015 - A UK law that consolidates consumer rights, covering contracts for goods, services, digital content, and providing remedies for faulty goods and services.
R3. UK Government: Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (HERA) - A UK legislation that reformed the higher education and research sector, particularly by establishing the Office for Students and UK Research and Innovation.
R4. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA): Higher education: consumer law advice for providers - Advice to help higher education providers understand their responsibilities under consumer protection law, especially regarding undergraduate students.
R5. Student Finance England: Student Finance Regulations - Regulations that govern the provision of student loans and grants in England.
R6. Universities UK: Compensation and refund policies – developing good practice - A briefing to aid consistency in how universities approach refund and compensation policies for students, offering principles for good practice.
R7. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA): Advice - Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access -


METRICS AND KPIS:
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The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations:

M1. Accuracy of Published Fees: Achieve a 100% accuracy rate in published fees, with no errors or corrections needed post-publication. Guarantees that students receive correct information, reducing confusion and administrative corrections.
M2. Number of Financial Queries Resolved Within 3 Days: Resolve 90% of financial queries within 3 working days of receipt. Reflects the responsiveness of the Finance Team in addressing student concerns.
M3. Percentage of Fees Collected on Time: Collect 95% of tuition fees, additional charges, and deposits by the due date each academic year. Reflects the effectiveness of billing and collection processes in ensuring financial stability.
M4. Percentage of Refunds Processed on Time: Process 90% of refunds within 15 working days of receiving a valid refund request. Ensures prompt handling of refund requests, contributing to student trust and satisfaction.
M5. Rate of Compliance with Fee Payment Deadlines: Achieve a 95% rate of students meeting fee payment deadlines each term. Indicates the effectiveness of communication and payment policies in encouraging timely payments.


SECTION 1: Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits Framework
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1.1. Coverage and Exclusions of Tuition Fees: Tuition fees cover the cost of instruction, academic resources, and essential student services related to a programme. This includes teaching, project supervision, assessment, online learning content, access to School premises, and student wellbeing services. Tuition fees generally exclude equipment, professional body memberships, and extracurricular activities, which may incur additional charges unless stated otherwise. All payments are typically in pound sterling (£); This rule clearly defines what tuition fees include and exclude, ensuring students understand the scope of their payments and any additional costs they may face.
1.2. Deposit Payment and Refund Policy (by Prospective Students): Students may need to pay a deposit in certain circumstances, such as international students requiring a deposit before a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) can be issued. The required deposit amounts will be detailed on the School’s website. Deposits will be credited towards tuition fees and are generally non-refundable, except as explicitly stated in this policy; This rule provides clarity on when and why deposits are required, how they are applied to tuition fees, and the conditions under which they may be refunded, ensuring students are well-informed about their financial obligations.
1.3. Tuition Fees and Charges Transparency (by Marketing Team): Tuition fees, additional charges, and deposits will be clearly publicised, including on the website, to help applicants make informed decisions. Fees may vary by programme, study mode, student status (home or international), Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE), scholarships, and discounts. For multi-level programmes, such as undergraduate degrees, fees may be charged annually; Prospective students should verify the required payments for the upcoming academic year on the School’s website and contact the Admissions Team with any questions. The Marketing Team will ensure information is current. The Admissions Team will provide clear payment details in offer letters and pre-contract information. Acceptance of an offer forms part of the contract with the School, with payment obligations outlined in Section 4; This rule ensures transparency regarding fees and charges, allowing prospective students to understand financial requirements before application. It provides guidance on how to obtain current information and outlines the contract terms related to payments, ensuring clarity and accountability.
1.4. Invoice Management and Payment Responsibilities (by Finance Team): The Finance Team, led by the Director of Operations, will assess and issue invoices based on programmes and study modes. Invoices for programmes with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Experience (RPE) will be calculated on a pro-rata basis; The School may invoice a third party if the student provides evidence of payment coverage, such as a letter from a UK-based sponsor or a licensed finance provider. This evidence must be provided each year and specify coverage for tuition fees, additional charges, and deposits. The Finance Team will also liaise with the Student Loan Company (SLC), Student Finance England (SFE), HE Gateway, and undergraduate students as needed. Students are responsible for payments not covered by third parties; Invoices must be paid according to the timeframes in the Fees Schedule. Failure to pay may affect registration and lead to contract termination. Invoices may be delayed for accounting or operational reasons, but payment liability remains regardless of invoicing delays; This rule clarifies how invoices are managed and issued, including the process for third-party payments and the consequences of non-payment. It ensures that students understand their financial responsibilities and the potential impact of delayed invoices on their registration status.
1.5. Financial Obligations and Contractual Agreement (by Prospective Students): By accepting an offer, students enter a legally binding contract to pay the amounts specified in the pre-contract information. This payment is for the educational services, resources, and facilities provided by the School; Students must adhere to the Tuition Schedule on the website, even if a sponsor covers part or all of the fees. Non-compliance with the payment schedule may prevent registration and result in contract termination and enforcement action; This rule ensures that students understand their financial commitments and the consequences of not meeting payment obligations. It clarifies that even if a sponsor is involved, students are responsible for making timely payments according to the schedule.
1.6. Handling Disruption to School Services (by Executive Committee): If there is any disruption to the School's services, the School will take appropriate measures to minimise the impact and notify students. Section 9 of the School contract outlines actions to take if a programme is discontinued, including support to complete the programme and maintaining quality and standards. It also details student rights in such cases; This rule ensures that students are informed and supported during disruptions, with clear procedures in place to handle programme discontinuation and protect student rights.
1.7. Inquiry and Resolution Process for Fees: New applicants should contact the Admissions Team with any questions or concerns. The Admissions Team will coordinate with the Finance Team as needed. Returning students should contact the Finance Team directly for clarifications on invoices, fee status, or outstanding balances. If an applicant or student remains unsatisfied after their enquiry, they should contact the Director of Education. The Director (or delegate) will investigate and respond within 10 working days after receiving all relevant information. If still dissatisfied, applicants or students may follow the School’s Complaints and Appeals procedure; This rule ensures clear communication channels and a structured process for addressing fee-related concerns, promoting timely resolution and adherence to the School’s procedures.


SECTION 2: Determining Student Status
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2.1. Fee Status and Eligibility: All programmes and modes of study at the School are generally offered under two fee regimes:;  Home Student;  International Student; Students not requiring visa sponsorship qualify for the Home Student fee status. The School's criteria for Home Student status are broader than those typically applied in higher education, reflecting its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity; This approach ensures clear fee assessment and supports a more inclusive stance on fee status, in line with the School’s values.
2.2. Home Fee Status for Non-Settled Applicants: Non-settled applicants can qualify for Home student fee status if they reside in the UK on a valid visa that allows study and is valid for the programme’s duration. This includes dependent, refugee, family, youth mobility scheme, ancestry visas, or other immigration statuses permitting study in the UK. The School’s criteria for Home Student status are broader than typical higher education standards, reflecting its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusivity; This policy ensures broader access to Home fee status and supports the School’s values of inclusivity and equal opportunity, within legal boundaries.
2.3. Fee Status Adjustment (by Finance Team): The Finance Team will advise on fee status changes and make adjustments if an Overseas student changes to Home student status, or vice versa; This ensures that fee status is accurately reflected and updated in line with changes in student circumstances.


SECTION 3: Payment of Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits
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3.1. Payment Obligations Upon Acceptance (by Prospective Students): By formally accepting an offer to study at the School, undergraduate and postgraduate applicants enter into a contract and are legally required to pay all tuition fees and any additional fees and charges before their registration date. This requirement also applies to returning students on multi-level or year-long programmes, who must settle their previous year's fees before re-registering; International students should refer to the Visa Sponsorship and Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) Policy for details on deposit payments; Any student who attends the School, whether in person or online, accesses its services, or uses its resources or facilities, is deemed to have accepted the full Terms and Conditions and is liable for payment as required by the contract; All payments must be made according to the fee schedule publicised in this policy, regardless of whether an invoice has been issued or any sponsorship, grants, bursaries, or loans are in place. Students must also adhere to the terms of any scholarships awarded; This rule ensures that students are clear about their financial responsibilities upon acceptance and registration, promotes timely payment, and clarifies that using the School’s services or resources implies agreement to the full financial terms. It helps maintain consistency in managing payments and compliance for all students.
3.2. Fees Schedule (by Prospective Students): Home Students:; Students must settle all tuition fees and additional charges before registration, following the Registration and Enrolment Policy. Payment can be made in one of the following ways:;   Option A. Full Payment: Pay 100% of all tuition fees and additional charges before the registration date;   Option B. Instalment Plan: Pay 50% of all tuition fees and additional charges before the registration date, with the remaining 50% due six calendar months later. An agreement must be signed, and account details provided; This rule applies even if payments are made by a third party, such as a sponsor. Failure to pay as required may impact registration and could lead to contract termination; International Students:; International students must pay 50% of tuition fees and any additional charges as a deposit before the School issues a CAS. The remaining 50% is due before registration; Payments are considered complete when cleared in the School’s bank account. A £15 administration fee and any applicable bank charges will apply to funds that do not clear. Failure to meet payment requirements may affect registration and could result in contract termination; These rules ensure that all financial obligations are met before registration, which is crucial for maintaining operational and administrative processes. They also provide clear options for managing payments and outline the consequences of non-compliance, ensuring students are fully informed of their financial responsibilities.
3.3. Enforcement of Payment Obligations (by Director of Operations): Failure to make payments may result in enforcement action, including engaging relevant agencies. The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring the collection of all outstanding payments and taking appropriate remedial actions if sums become overdue; Enforcement action and the Director of Operations’ responsibility ensure that overdue payments are managed effectively. This approach maintains financial stability for the institution and ensures that all debts are pursued systematically.
3.4. Fee Policy for Delayed Registration (by Finance Team): If a student's registration or re-registration is delayed due to the student's actions, there will be no reduction in fees. This policy applies regardless of whether the student's access to School facilities, services, or equipment is restricted during the delay; This rule ensures that fees remain consistent even if delays occur, reinforcing the importance of timely registration and maintaining fairness in the financial process. It also clarifies that access restrictions do not affect the obligation to pay fees.
3.5. Other Sanctions for Outstanding Fees (by Executive Committee): The School may impose sanctions for outstanding fees, depending on the amount owed and the overall situation. Possible sanctions include:;  Suspension of enrolment or re-enrolment privileges;  Moratorium on grading or processing of assessments and examinations;  Denial of graduation;  Withdrawal of invitations to graduation, convocation, or award ceremonies;  Withholding of certificates, degrees, or awards;  Referral to a debt collection agency;  Legal action in a court of law; These sanctions aim to recover outstanding debts while balancing the institution’s duty of care and concern for student wellbeing and success.
3.6. Accepted Payment Methods for Fees (by Prospective Students): Payments for tuition fees, additional fees and charges, and deposits can be made either by credit or debit card through the School’s online payment platform or via bank transfer to the School's bank account as specified on the invoice; This rule provides clear options for payment, ensuring students have convenient methods for settling their financial obligations while facilitating efficient processing and record-keeping.
3.7. Financial Adjustments for Withdrawal, Intermission, or Exclusion (by Finance Team): The Finance Team will handle adjustments resulting from withdrawal, intermission, or exclusion, following the dates of engagement and the Refund and Compensation Policy; This rule ensures that financial adjustments are managed consistently and fairly, in accordance with the School's established policies, and based on the accurate timing of student engagement.
3.8. Support and Discretion for Financial Difficulty: Students experiencing financial difficulty should seek advice and support as soon as possible. This may include assistance from the Student Success Team or external sources such as Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Law Centre, or the UK National Debtline. In exceptional circumstances, the President may permit late payments outside the Fee Schedule; Promptly seeking support ensures that students can address financial issues effectively. Allowing discretion for late payments in exceptional cases provides flexibility to accommodate unforeseen financial challenges.
3.9. Handling Non-Payment and Exclusion Procedures (by Finance Team): If an applicant or returning student fails to pay as required by the Fee Schedule, the Finance Team will first send a reminder. If payment is not made within 5 working days of this reminder, or if the student does not contact the School, the Finance Team will refer the case to the Executive Team and Exclusion Panel. The Panel will consider any mitigation provided by the student before making a final decision. The Panel may allow late payment outside the Fee Schedule in exceptional circumstances. The School will notify relevant bodies, such as the Student Loan Company (SLC), of any decisions made; The reminder and referral process ensures that students are given a fair opportunity to address non-payment issues. The involvement of the Exclusion Panel provides a structured approach to decision-making, while the possibility of late payment in exceptional cases offers flexibility. Notifying relevant bodies maintains transparency and keeps all parties informed.


SECTION 4: Changes in Programme or Study Mode
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4.1. Programme and Study Mode Transfers: Students may apply to transfer programmes or change their mode of study under academic regulations. The Finance Team will provide advice on any necessary adjustments related to such transfers; This ensures that students receive guidance on financial implications when changing their programme or study mode, facilitating a smooth transition while maintaining financial clarity.
4.2. Payment Requirements for Programme or Study Mode Registration (by Prospective Students): Students must make all necessary payments before registering for a new programme or mode of study. In exceptional circumstances, the President may allow late payment outside the Fee Schedule at their discretion; This ensures that all financial obligations are settled prior to registration, while allowing for flexibility in extraordinary situations.


SECTION 5: Refund Procedures
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5.1. Refunds for Home Students Cancelling Within 14 Days (by Finance Team): Under the Refunds and Compensation Policy, if a Home student cancels their contract within 14 days, the School will reimburse any payments received from the student. Refunds will be processed using the same payment method, including to the Student Loan Company (SLC); The impact of cancelling varies depending on whether it's within or after 14 days. Please see the Refund and Compensation Policy for specific details and the Contract Cancellation and Permanent Withdrawal Form on the Student Portal or School website should be used.
5.2. Refund Policy for International Students with Conditional Offers (by Finance Team): If the School does not register an international student with a conditional offer due to unmet conditions, it will refund their deposit, provided the student can prove they made a genuine effort to meet the conditions. The deposit will not be refunded if the student accepts an unconditional offer for another programme at the School; This policy ensures that international students who make a genuine attempt to meet their offer conditions are treated fairly, while also clarifying that refunds are not applicable if students are offered an alternative programme within the School. Examples of unmet conditions include receiving a lower score than required in an IELTS exam or not achieving the necessary academic marks.
5.3. Refund Policy for Visa Denials (by Finance Team): If an international student with a CAS from the School has their visa application refused for reasons beyond their control, they may be eligible for a deposit refund. The student must provide the School with a copy of the visa refusal notice for assessment. The School may also consult immigration advisers; A refund will not be issued in the following circumstances:;  The student chooses not to apply for a visa;  The student withdraws their visa application before a decision is made;  The student is successfully issued a visa;  The student applies for a visa despite School advice against it;  The visa is denied due to significant errors or issues in the application, such as deception or false documentation, as stated in the refusal letter; This policy ensures refunds are granted only in cases where the visa denial is beyond the student’s control.
5.4. Non-Refund of Deposit for Non-Attendance (by Finance Team): If an international student is eligible to start their programme but fails to do so, their deposit will not be refunded; The School retains the right to take any necessary actions regarding payments in such situations.
5.5. Deduction of Administration Fee from Refunds (by Finance Team): A £250 administration fee will be deducted from any refunds issued; This fee covers administrative costs associated with processing the refund.
5.6. Discretionary Waiver of Refund Rules (by President): The President may waive refund rules for international students who have not met conditions or obtained a visa in cases of severe and unforeseen circumstances. Affected students should contact the School and provide evidence of these circumstances; The School retains discretion to decide on full or partial refunds based on the individual circumstances presented.
5.7. Refunds and Compensation Policy for Other Circumstances: The School’s Refunds and Compensation Policy outlines additional circumstances under which refunds may be issued, such as for programme closure, suspension, or changes; This policy ensures that students are informed about possible refunds due to significant alterations in their programme.


SECTION 6: Fees for Repeat Modules 
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6.1. Rules for Retaking Modules and Associated Fees (by Students): If a student is required to retake a module, they must attend the entire module again. The Module Examination Board (MEB) may require a change in the mode of study, such as from Full-time Blended Learning to Flexible Online Learning. The student will need to pay for the repeat module. The MEB may also offer the option to defer or refer students, in consultation with programme and module leaders and an external examiner. The student will be informed of the decision but can choose a different mode of study, with associated repeat fees; This ensures that students are aware of the financial implications of retaking a module and the potential need for mode of study changes. The pro rata calculation of repeat tuition fees, based on the module's credits, and full additional fees ensure fair cost allocation. For example, repeating a 20-credit module in a 180-credit programme would incur a Repeat Fee equivalent to 1/9th of the total programme fee.
6.2. Policy on Repeat Payment for Assessment-Only Referrals (by Finance Team): The School will not charge a repeat fee to a student who is referred for assessment only and does not retake a module; This rule ensures that students who are only required to undergo assessment and choose not to repeat the module are not financially penalised with an additional repeat fee.


SECTION 7: Review and Adjustment of Tuition Fees, Additional Charges, and Deposits
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7.1. Annual Review of Fees and Deposits (by Board of Governors): The School reviews its tuition fees, additional fees and charges, and deposits annually; This review ensures that all payments remain competitive and accurately reflect the quality of education provided.
7.2. Annual Increase (by Board of Governors): Tuition fees, additional fees and charges, and deposits generally increase each year from 1st August. The increase is based on the higher of:;  5%, or;  The Consumer Price Index (CPI); When using the CPI, the increase reflects the index's annual movement up to 1st April of the previous year. For example, the increase for the 2026-2027 academic year would be based on the CPI movement up to 1st April 2025; This policy ensures that fees and deposits keep pace with inflation and financial changes, maintaining their value relative to economic conditions.
7.3. Publication and Accuracy of Tuition Fees (by Marketing Team): The School publishes tuition fees and other changes on its website in accordance with its Accuracy of Information Policy (AIOP). The Marketing and IT and AGS teams collaborate closely and follow established protocols to ensure the accuracy of this information; This practice guarantees that all information regarding fees is accurately presented to the public, maintaining transparency and reliability in the School's communications.


SECTION 8: Contract Termination and Financial Implications
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8.1. Cancellation Within 14-days of Formal Acceptance of an Offer (by Prospective Students): Students who accept an offer from the School outside of its premises have 14 days to cancel the contract from the date of formal acceptance. Cancellation can be made using the Contract Cancellation and Permanent Withdrawal Form on the Student Portal or School website, or by submitting a clear statement through one of the following methods:;  Online applicant portal;  Letter sent to the School’s official address;  Email to admissions@lsi-ac.uk; This 14-day cancellation period applies even if the student has already enrolled and started their programme; For Home students who cancel within the 14-day period, the School will refund any payments received, using the same payment method. Refund policies for International students are detailed in the School’s Refunds and Compensation Policy; This process ensures students are fully informed of their right to cancel and receive a refund within a specific period, while also providing clarity on the procedures for both Home and International students.
8.2. Cancellation Outside The 14-day Period (by Prospective Students): Students may also complete a form on the Student Portal or School website to terminate their contract and withdraw after the 14-day period, subject to the School’s Refunds and Compensation Policy; This policy allows students to withdraw after the initial 14-day cancellation period, with the terms of any refund or compensation governed by the Refund and Compensation Policy