I am a disabled student and have furthered my education by studying at Stonebridge Associated Colleges (a distance learning institute) and subsequently have managed to attain four diplomas all at distinction level - this was indeed a magnificent achievement, and one that I was very proud of. I decided to take a fifth diploma, but after receiving the online lessons I discovered that this was not the course for me, I wrote to the college asking for a refund and was told that I was not within the seven working days cooling off period and therefore was refused a refund, but I could subsequently transfer to another course - after reading through the online prospectus I found one which would have worked perfectly with my existing qualifications, I then wrote to the college again and they informed me I would have to pay not only the extra cost of the new course but a transfer fee of £40 - this meant the new course would be costing me another £100, as a person who relies on disabled benefits this was not ideal. So I perused once again the courses on offer and found one priced at £179.99, this meant with the transfer fee of £40 - the college then owed me £18 (as the price of the first course was £237.99.) I have now received a letter to say they will indeed waiver the transfer fee but will not refund me any money, which means I am now out of pocket by the sum of £58.00. I telephoned them to speak on this manner and was told a number of times they could not hear me and was there a problem with my phone, this was indeed my main mobile phone and nobody else has a problem hearing me. I feel like they are taking advantage and have no idea now what to do, they also told they would waiver the transfer fee if I undertake a cheaper course but if I was to do one nearer the sum of £237.99 they would then charge me the transfer fee. The whole situation has been going on since early December 2012, its making me very stressed which in turn effects my neurological disorder. Please help as I'm now at the end of my tether.

Their policy appears very clear to me and not unusual - no refund because a time frame has passed but you can get a credit toward other courses.

I don't see how this is going to change.

Their policy appears very clear to me and not unusual - no refund because a time frame has passed but you can get a credit toward other courses.

I don't see how this is going to change.

Judy I am just at a loss, because I don't understand how they can be allowed to waiver the transfer fee if I do a cheaper course but if I want to do one nearer the original price they then will charge the transfer fee. Is that even legal?

Yes, it's legal. Colleges have lots of policy because this happens a lot (people wanting to cancel or switch). You could ask for the written policy if you don't find it online.