Refund Policy
Last Updated: 2026
Introduction
Cardinal Institute of Education Pty Ltd is committed to managing all fees and refunds in a way that is transparent, fair, and consistent. This policy applies to all prospective and enrolled students and all courses we deliver, and complies with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025 and Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Refund conditions are communicated to you before enrolment through the Student Handbook, enrolment documentation, and fee information, so you can make an informed decision before committing to a course.
Protecting Your Fees
Our fee structure is designed to minimise financial risk to students. You will not be required to prepay more than $1,500 in advance of the delivery of training and assessment services, and fees are collected progressively in line with the course delivery schedule. This means you are financially protected in the event of withdrawal or course changes.
Withdrawing from a Course
If you decide to withdraw from a course, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Your refund entitlement depends on when your written notice is received:
- 10 or more business days before course commencement — 100% refund
- Less than 10 business days before course commencement — 75% refund
- After the course has commenced — no refund, unless an exception applies under Australian Consumer Law (for example, where services are not delivered with due care and skill or are not fit for purpose) or approved compassionate circumstances exist
Course Cancellation by the Institute
If Cardinal Institute of Education cancels a course — for example, due to insufficient enrolments or operational reasons — you will receive a 100% refund automatically. You do not need to submit a refund request; we process it for you.
Non-Refundable Items
- Enrolment and administration fees charged at enrolment
- Learning materials such as textbooks or workbooks that have already been issued
- Training and assessment services that have already been delivered
Special Circumstances
Refund requests arising from serious illness or injury, hospitalisation, or a family emergency (such as the death or serious illness of an immediate family member) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Supporting evidence, such as a medical certificate, is required. Depending on your circumstances, the outcome may be a full refund, a partial refund, or a credit transfer. The Chief Executive Officer holds final authority on these decisions, and every decision is documented and justified.
How to Request a Refund
Refund requests must be submitted in writing using our Refund Request Form, with supporting documentation attached where applicable. Once submitted, your request follows a clear and consistent process:
- Our administration team reviews your application and verifies your enrolment and payment records
- Your eligibility is assessed and any refund amount is calculated in accordance with this policy
- The CEO or an authorised delegate reviews and approves, modifies, or declines the request
- You are notified of the outcome in writing
Refund Processing
Approved refunds are processed within 14 calendar days and paid to the original payer via electronic transfer. Please note that submitting a refund request does not guarantee approval — outcomes are determined based on eligibility criteria, supporting evidence, and the conditions of this policy.
Your Rights
Nothing in this policy overrides or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law. In addition, you have the right to:
- Raise a complaint about fees, charges, or refund decisions
- Appeal any refund decision we make
- Receive procedural fairness — all decisions are consistent and evidence-based
- Access external dispute resolution if you are not satisfied with the outcome
Complaints and appeals are managed under our Complaints and Appeals Policy, as outlined in the Student Handbook, including clear timeframes and escalation pathways.
Contact Us
For questions about refunds, withdrawals, or to request a copy of the full Fees and Refund Policy, please contact us:
Cardinal Institute of Education
Suite 207/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148
Phone: 0406 705 649
