Please help me re refund from the Open University

18-22

I joined the Open University last month and I'm not at all happy about it for several reasons.

I used a credit card to pay for my first year's fees. If I decide to quit my studies, am I entitled to a refund at all?

How do I go about it please? What would be my rights?

McKneff

No rights whatsoever, you signed a contract, you bought a course.
Your fault if you dont want to do it.

You need to read your terms and condiions.

Sorry but you have no chance.

Just out of curiosity, what are the reasons you dont want to do it. It might have a bearing, you never know.

Loanranger

Answer is here:click

Loanranger

McKneff wrote: »

No rights whatsoever, you signed a contract, you bought a course.
Your fault if you dont want to do it.

You need to read your terms and condiions.

Sorry but you have no chance.

Just out of curiosity, what are the reasons you dont want to do it. It might have a bearing, you never know.

Read this:
What if I change my mind after I have registered to study with the OU?

If it is less than 21 days after you registered (7 days for CPD modules), or your course or module has not yet started, you will be able to get a full refund of your fees, or transfer your fees to another course or module.

If you have started your course or module and have changed your mind because you feel you are having difficulties, talk to your tutor about your concerns. Not only are our tutors experts in their field, but they also understand the issues associated with distance learning.

If it becomes impossible to continue, you may (on some courses or modules) be able to interrupt your study and return later. On other courses or modules you may qualify for a discount from future fees depending on when you withdraw.

Remember that the OU has a wealth of study support available through tutors, advisers in our regional centres, and disability support services. It is better to approach us as soon as you think you might have a problem so that we can help you stay on track.

Refund policy
The percentage of your fee that we will refund to you on your withdrawal will depend on the date of your cancellation, the level of your study and whether you are a new or continuing student. Full details of the refund policy can be found in Part 2 of the Conditions of Registration. If you do not have a copy of this publication it can be found at https://www.open.ac.uk/our-student-policies.

If you are thinking about withdrawing from your studies, please telephone us as soon as possible on 0845 300 60 90 to talk through your options.

We would always recommend that you speak to your tutor or to an adviser before withdrawing from study.

ali-t

I started a course a few years ago and dropped out but I got a proportion of it refunded as a credit that could be used on other OU courses. I felt that is was fair and the course I changed to was great.

hcb42

THe OU website is very helpful, and reasonably responsive to questions, or give your regional centre a ring, the longer you delay, then the lesser the credit might be...

DCFC79

Why aren't you happy about it, ive heard good things about the OU from other posters on here so your must be an isolated case

dmg24

DCFC79 wrote: »

Why aren't you happy about it, ive heard good things about the OU from other posters on here so your must be an isolated case

Whilst the majority are happy with it, not everyone has good experiences. I would say that the OP is in a minority, but certainly not an isolated case.

Uncertain

If you have some VALID complaint and you can persuade your credit card company to do a charge back then I would do so.

Obviously the OU could sue you if they believe themselves to be in the right and feel it is worthwhile. However, regardless of the rights and wrongs they may well not bother.

If the card company won't do a charge back then you are down to arguing the rights and wrongs directly with the OU or, if all else fails, sue them.

It may be worth checking your house insurance to see if you have any legal cover. If you do this MAY cover you taking action (if you have a worthwhile case) but is UNLIKELY to cover defending a claim. This may therefore influence you you proceed.

corbyboy

According to their policies located here you can get an 80% refund within the first 12 weeks. If you cancel in the first 21 days you can get a full refund.

If you are paying with a student loan, your whole loan will get cancelled and you will have to pay any fees that aren't refunded out of your own pocket.

hcb42

I've done this before, took two courses on at once, and quickly realised I couldnt cope, I lost a percentage of the fee, as per the terms of the university but it was handled quickly. (and I still have tonnes of lovely supplied textbooks should I feel the need to read them in my own time in the future...)