Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: 2026

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions apply to all prospective and enrolled students of Cardinal Institute of Education Pty Ltd and cover all courses and training programs we deliver. They outline your rights and obligations relating to enrolment, fees, payments, and refunds. Our practices are guided by the principles of transparency, consistency, fairness, and accountability, and comply with the Standards for Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) 2025 and Australian Consumer Law (ACL). Please read these terms together with the Student Handbook and the Schedule of Fees and Charges, which are provided to you before enrolment.

Enrolment

Before you enrol, we provide you with a clear and itemised breakdown of all applicable fees — including tuition fees, material and resource fees, and any miscellaneous charges such as re-assessment fees or replacement materials — so you can make an informed decision. Fee information is consistently reflected in the Student Handbook, your enrolment documentation, and your invoices and payment schedules. All training is delivered face-to-face at our Blacktown campus.

Fees and Payment

• Fees are payable according to the payment schedule set out in your invoice and enrolment agreement
• An initial payment must be made prior to course commencement
• Instalment plans may apply depending on the course structure
• Payments are accepted by EFT or credit/debit card — cash payments are not accepted

To protect your financial interests, you will not be required to prepay more than $1,500 in advance of the delivery of training and assessment services. Fees are collected progressively in line with the course delivery schedule, so you are never exposed to unnecessary financial risk.

Refund Conditions

Refunds are assessed consistently and fairly under our Fees and Refund Policy. The key conditions are:

• Withdrawal 10 or more business days before commencement (written notice required) — 100% refund
• Withdrawal less than 10 business days before commencement — 75% refund
• Withdrawal after the course has commenced — no refund, unless exceptions apply under Australian Consumer Law or approved compassionate circumstances
• Course cancelled by Cardinal Institute of Education (for example, due to insufficient numbers) — a full refund is provided automatically, with no action required from you

If you wish to withdraw, you must notify us in writing as soon as possible. Refund requests must be submitted in writing using our Refund Request Form, with supporting documentation attached where applicable. Approved refunds are processed within 14 calendar days and paid to the original payer via electronic transfer.

Non-Refundable Items

• Enrolment and administration fees charged at enrolment
• Learning materials (textbooks or workbooks) already issued
• Training and assessment services already delivered

Special Circumstances

We understand that unexpected situations can arise. Refund requests based on 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, with supporting evidence such as a medical certificate required. Possible outcomes include a full refund, a partial refund, or a credit transfer, at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. All decisions are documented and justified.

Your Consumer Rights

Nothing in these terms overrides or limits your rights under Australian Consumer Law. You retain the right to seek remedies where training and assessment services are not delivered with due care and skill, are not fit for purpose, or do not match the information provided before enrolment. You also have the right to:

• Lodge a complaint about fees, charges, or refund decisions
• Appeal any refund decision we make
• Receive procedural fairness — decisions are consistent and evidence-based
• Access external dispute resolution if you are not satisfied with the outcome

Complaints and Appeals

All complaints and appeals — including those relating to fees and refund decisions — are managed under our Complaints and Appeals Policy, as outlined in the Student Handbook. You will be given clear guidance on how to access these processes, including timeframes and escalation pathways.

Privacy

Any personal information you provide to us is collected, used, stored, and disclosed in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).

Contact Us

If you have any questions about these Terms and Conditions, our fees, or our refund process, please contact us:

Cardinal Institute of Education
Suite 207/30 Campbell St, Blacktown NSW 2148
Phone: 0406 705 649