In the unlikely event that Carlow College, St. Patrick’s is no longer in a position to offer a programme to enrolled students, arrangements are in place to provide financial cover to those who have already paid tuition fees.
Learner Protection
All QQI accredited programmes of education and training of 3 months or longer duration are covered by arrangements under section 65 (4) of the Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Act 2012.
In the event that Carlow College, St. Patrick’s ceases to provide a programme for any reason, the College will make arrangements to refund the fees most recently paid to enrolled learners.
Carlow College, St. Patrick’s operates the following policies for all qualifications from awarding bodies, including QQI programmes, in cases where a programme may or may not run:
A: Non-commencement of an offered programme
It can happen that a programme was offered but will not run for reasons such as non-viable numbers, unsuitability of location or unavailability of appropriate teaching staff. In such cases, learners are offered a full refund of fees paid for that academic year and appropriate guidance as to other education options.
In such cases, the decision to not run a programme is made no later than 5 working days prior to the proposed start date for programmes at levels 5-6 of the National Qualifications Framework (NFQ). For all other programmes at levels 7-9 of the NFQ, the decision is made no later than 10 working days prior to the proposed start date.
Refunds are made to those persons or organisations that originally paid the programme tuition fee.
Carlow College, St. Patrick’s notifies prospective learners, in all correspondence and publications, that programmes may not commence for reasons such as those outlined above.
B: Cessation of a programme that has commenced
In exceptional cases, a programme may be terminated after it has commenced but before the normal completion date. Reasons can include non-viable numbers, unsuitability of location or unavailability of appropriate teaching staff. In such cases, learners will be offered a full refund of fees paid for that academic year and appropriate guidance as to other education options.
Where appropriate, certification will be provided for successful completion of modules.
Refunds are made to those persons or organisations that originally paid the fee.
Further information on PEL can be found here.
