Return and Refund Policy - Reformed Theological Academy

Reformed Theological Academy (RGTA)

Effective Date: 1 February 2026
Last Updated: 13 January 2026
Document Version: 1.0

1. POLICY OVERVIEW AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT

1.1 Purpose and Scope

This Refund and Withdrawal Policy (“Policy”) governs all course enrollments and purchases made through the Reformed Theological Academy (RGTA) website at http://rgta.org.za/courses/ and applies to all online theological courses offered by RGTA. This Policy complies with the Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008 (CPA) and the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act No. 25 of 2002 (ECT Act) of the Republic of South Africa.

1.2 Student Acknowledgment and Agreement

BY ENROLLING IN ANY RGTA COURSE, YOU EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT:

You have read this entire Refund and Withdrawal Policy in full
You understand and accept all terms, conditions, and limitations contained herein
You acknowledge that RGTA courses are delivered as digital educational services with immediate access
You agree that this Policy forms an integral part of your enrollment contract with RGTA
You understand your legal rights under South African consumer protection legislation
You waive any right to claim that you were not aware of this Policy or its contents

IMPORTANT: If you do not agree with any provision of this Policy, you must NOT enroll in or purchase any RGTA course.

2. FUNDAMENTAL POLICY PRINCIPLE

2.1 No Automatic Refund Entitlement

RGTA OPERATES A STRICT NO-REFUND POLICY AS THE DEFAULT POSITION.

All course fees are non-refundable once payment has been processed and course access has been granted, except:

As required by mandatory provisions of South African consumer protection law
As may be granted at RGTA’s sole and absolute discretion on a case-by-case basis
In the specific limited circumstances outlined in Section 4 of this Policy

2.2 Rationale for No-Refund Policy

The no-refund policy exists because:

Courses are delivered as digital educational services with immediate access upon enrollment
Course materials, recordings, and resources are made available instantly
RGTA incurs substantial costs in developing, maintaining, and delivering courses
Once accessed, digital content cannot be “returned” in any meaningful way
Theological education requires commitment and cannot be evaluated like physical goods
RGTA provides extensive course information before enrollment to enable informed decisions

3. MANDATORY CONSUMER PROTECTION RIGHTS (ECT ACT)

3.1 Five-Day Cooling-Off Period for Online Transactions

In accordance with Section 44 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECT Act), students who purchase courses through direct marketing (including online enrollment) have a statutory right to cancel the transaction within five (5) business days of enrollment.

Statutory Cooling-Off Period Conditions:

To exercise your statutory right to cancel under the ECT Act, ALL of the following conditions must be met:

Timing: Written cancellation notice must be received by RGTA within five (5) business days from the date of enrollment
Access Limitation: You must not have accessed more than 10% of course materials or resources
Download Restriction: You must not have downloaded any substantial course materials, textbooks, or digital resources
Activity Restriction: You must not have:
- Attended any live class sessions
- Submitted any assignments or assessments
- Participated in discussion forums or student communications
- Engaged with instructors or course facilitators
Written Notice: Cancellation must be submitted in writing via email to registrar@rgta.org.za

Refund Processing for Statutory Cooling-Off Period:

If ALL conditions are met: Full refund minus R200 administrative processing fee
Processing time: 21 business days from receipt of valid cancellation notice
Refund method: Original payment method only
Student responsibility: You bear the cost of returning any physical materials received

IMPORTANT: The cooling-off period applies ONLY to online direct marketing transactions under the ECT Act. It does NOT apply to in-person enrollments, telephone registrations, or transactions completed at RGTA premises.

3.2 Defective or Unsuitable Services (Consumer Protection Act)

Under Sections 55 and 56 of the Consumer Protection Act, if course services fail to meet the quality standards described (i.e., are not reasonably suitable for their intended purpose or are of inferior quality), students may have recourse.

To Claim Under CPA Provisions:

Complaint must be lodged in writing within ten (10) business days of discovery
Student must provide specific, detailed evidence of how the course failed to meet advertised standards
Student must demonstrate they have not contributed to the deficiency through their own actions or inaction
RGTA reserves the right to investigate all claims thoroughly before determining any remedy

Available Remedies (at RGTA’s discretion after investigation):

Transfer to alternative course of similar value
Access to additional remedial resources
Partial credit toward future course enrollment
Refund consideration on an exceptional basis only

4. DISCRETIONARY REFUND CONSIDERATIONS

4.1 General Principle: No Automatic Entitlement

BEYOND THE MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISIONS IN SECTION 3, RGTA DOES NOT GUARANTEE OR PROMISE REFUNDS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.

However, RGTA may, in its sole and absolute discretion, consider refund requests on an exceptional, case-by-case basis where genuine hardship or extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated.

4.2 Circumstances Where Discretionary Review May Be Considered

RGTA may (but is not obliged to) consider refund requests in the following extraordinary circumstances:

A. Serious Medical Circumstances

Life-threatening illness or injury to the student
Serious medical emergency requiring hospitalization
Mental health crisis requiring professional intervention
Debilitating chronic condition materially affecting ability to study

Required Documentation:

Letter from registered medical practitioner (HPCSA registered)
Medical certificate with detailed diagnosis and prognosis
Evidence of dates and duration of incapacity
Practitioner’s contact details for verification

B. Bereavement of Immediate Family

Death of spouse, parent, child, or sibling
Recent occurrence (within past 30 days)

Required Documentation:

Death certificate (original or certified copy)
Proof of relationship to deceased
Evidence of how this prevents course completion

C. Unforeseeable Emergency Circumstances

Natural disasters directly affecting the student’s ability to access courses
Fire, flood, or other catastrophe affecting student’s home or workplace
Civil unrest or political violence directly impacting student safety
Unexpected retrenchment or loss of employment (with church sponsorship)

Required Documentation:

Verifiable evidence of the emergency
Police reports, insurance claims, or official documentation
Evidence of direct causal link to inability to complete course
Timeline showing unforeseeability of the circumstance

D. RGTA-Caused Course Cancellation or Major Failure

RGTA cancels or discontinues a course after enrollment
Prolonged platform failure preventing course access (more than 14 consecutive days)
Instructor withdrawal with no suitable replacement provided
Significant change to course content, format, or schedule not disclosed at enrollment

Automatic Response:

Full refund automatically granted (no administrative fee)
OR transfer to alternative course without penalty
Processing within 15 business days

4.3 Circumstances Where Refunds Will NOT Be Considered

RGTA will not consider refund requests, even on a discretionary basis, for:

Change of mind or buyer’s remorse
Deciding the course content is not what you expected (when accurate information was provided)
Finding the course too difficult or demanding
Lack of time or inability to manage personal schedule
Changed career or ministry plans
Church ministry assignment changes (unless church withdraws sponsorship)
Personal financial difficulties (unless exceptional circumstances demonstrated)
Relocation (unless international relocation due to unforeseen circumstances)
Dissatisfaction with grades or academic performance
Personality conflicts with instructors or students
Technical difficulties on student’s end (computer, internet, etc.)
Failure to attend classes or complete assignments due to student’s own scheduling
Academic dismissal or disciplinary action
Non-payment of fees (resulting in access suspension)

4.4 Discretionary Refund Request Procedure

Step 1: Submit Written Request Email: registrar@rgta.org.za
Subject Line: “EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES REFUND REQUEST – [Course Name] – [Student Name]”

Required Information:

Full name, student number, and contact details
Course name and enrollment date
Detailed explanation of circumstances (minimum 500 words)
Specific reason why circumstances are exceptional and unforeseeable
Timeline of events
All supporting documentation (as specified in Section 4.2)
Proposed resolution or request

Step 2: Initial Review

Administrative staff will review for completeness within 5 business days
Incomplete applications will be returned with request for additional information
You will have 10 business days to provide requested information

Step 3: Academic Committee Review

Complete applications forwarded to Academic Dean
Review conducted by committee (Dean, Registrar, relevant Course Coordinator)
Review timeframe: 15-20 business days from receipt of complete application
Additional information may be requested during review

Step 4: Decision and Notification

Written decision sent via email
If approved: Refund amount, conditions, and processing timeline specified
If denied: Reasons provided with right to appeal outlined

Step 5: Appeal Process (if denied)

Appeals must be submitted within 10 business days of decision
Appeals heard by Principal/Rector (decision is final)
Appeal decision within 15 business days

4.5 Discretionary Refund Determinations and Amounts

IF a discretionary refund is approved, the amount will be determined based on:

Timing of Withdrawal:
- Days 1-14 after enrollment: Up to 75% of course fee may be considered
- Days 15-30 after enrollment: Up to 50% of course fee may be considered
- Days 31-45 after enrollment: Up to 25% of course fee may be considered
- After 45 days: Refunds highly unlikely except for RGTA-caused issues
Course Progress:
- Less than 20% materials accessed: Higher refund consideration
- 20-40% materials accessed: Moderate refund consideration
- 40-60% materials accessed: Minimal refund consideration
- More than 60% materials accessed: No refund consideration
Nature of Circumstances:
- Severity and impact of circumstances
- Unforeseeability and unavoidability
- Documentation quality and verifiability
- Student’s diligence in managing situation

IMPORTANT: Even if a discretionary refund is approved, it will be subject to:

Deduction of R300-R500 administrative processing fee
Deduction for value of any materials downloaded or used
Deduction for instructor time invested
Pro-rata reduction for course materials already accessed
Any outstanding fees or charges to RGTA

5. NON-REFUNDABLE FEES AND CHARGES

5.1 Administrative and Processing Fees

The following fees are ALWAYS non-refundable under any circumstances:

Registration fees (R200-R500 per course)
Administrative processing fees (R200 minimum)
Technology platform access fees
Certificate processing fees (if certificate issued)
Late payment penalties or interest charges
Re-registration fees

5.2 Value of Accessed Materials

If any refund is granted (statutory or discretionary), RGTA reserves the right to deduct the fair market value of:

All course materials accessed or downloaded
Video recordings viewed
Audio resources streamed or downloaded
Digital textbooks or readings downloaded
Assignments reviewed or submitted
Live class sessions attended
Any certificates or credentials issued

6. COURSE WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURES

6.1 Formal Withdrawal Requirements

To officially withdraw from a course, students MUST complete ALL of the following steps:

Step 1: Submit Written Notification

Email to: registrar@rgta.org.za
Subject: “OFFICIAL COURSE WITHDRAWAL – [Course Name] – [Your Name]”
Include: Full name, student number, course details, withdrawal date, reason

Step 2: Complete Exit Survey

Link will be provided in response to withdrawal email
Mandatory completion required for withdrawal processing
Provides valuable feedback for course improvement

Step 3: Return All Borrowed Materials

Library books must be returned within 5 business days
Physical course materials (if any) must be returned
Student ID cards or access credentials surrendered
All materials must be returned in original condition

Step 4: Settle All Outstanding Financial Obligations

All fees, fines, or charges must be paid in full
Payment plan arrangements must be honored
Access will not be restored until obligations settled

Step 5: Receive Withdrawal Confirmation

RGTA will send written confirmation within 5 business days
Confirmation includes effective withdrawal date and any outstanding matters

6.2 Withdrawal Effective Date and Academic Records

Effective Date: Your withdrawal is effective on the date RGTA receives your written notification via email (or postmark date if mailed). Ceasing attendance without official notification does NOT constitute withdrawal.

Academic Transcript Notation:

Withdrawals within statutory 5-day cooling-off period: No transcript record
Withdrawals Days 6-30: “W” (Withdrawn) notation on transcript
Withdrawals after Day 30: “WP” (Withdrawn Passing) or “WF” (Withdrawn Failing) based on academic standing
Withdrawals for disciplinary reasons: “WD” (Withdrawn – Disciplinary)

Impact on Academic Progress:

Withdrawals count toward course attempt limits
May affect eligibility for certain programs or certificates
May impact church sponsorship or financial aid for future enrollment
Multiple withdrawals may result in enrollment restrictions

6.3 Failure to Withdraw Officially

Students who simply stop attending or participating without officially withdrawing:

Will receive grade of “F” (Fail) or “NC” (No Credit) on transcript
Remain financially responsible for all course fees
May be subject to collection proceedings for unpaid fees
Will have “F” grade calculated in cumulative GPA
May face restrictions on future enrollment
Are NOT eligible for any refund consideration

7. COURSE TRANSFERS AND ALTERNATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

7.1 Transfer to Different Course (In Lieu of Refund)

Instead of pursuing a refund (which is unlikely to be granted), students may request to transfer their enrollment to a different RGTA course.

Transfer Eligibility Requirements:

Request must be submitted within 30 days of original enrollment
Student must have accessed less than 30% of original course materials
No previous transfer requests on record
Student account must be in good financial standing
Desired transfer course must have available capacity

Transfer Conditions:

Transfer permitted ONLY to course of equal or lesser value
If transferring to lesser-value course: No refund of difference
If transferring to higher-value course: Student pays difference
Transfer fee of R500 applies (non-refundable)
Original enrollment date determines all subsequent refund eligibility
Only ONE transfer permitted per student per academic year

Transfer Request Process:

Email registrar@rgta.org.za with “COURSE TRANSFER REQUEST” subject
Provide justification and specify desired alternative course
Pay R500 transfer fee within 5 business days of approval
Complete any prerequisites for new course
Receive confirmation of new enrollment

7.2 Deferred Enrollment (Postponing to Future Term)

Students may request to defer their enrollment to a future semester instead of withdrawing.

Deferral Eligibility:

Request must be made at least 7 days before course start date OR
Request must be made within first 14 days of course with valid reason
Student has not accessed more than 20% of course materials
Desired future term course must be scheduled and have capacity
No more than ONE deferral per course enrollment

Deferral Conditions:

Deferral fee: R300 (non-refundable)
Deferral valid for next two available offerings of same course (within 12 months)
Price difference paid if course fee increases
No refund if course fee decreases
Deferral expires after 12 months; fees forfeited
Second deferral NOT permitted

7.3 Course Credits and Vouchers

In exceptional circumstances (at RGTA’s sole discretion), students may be offered course credits or vouchers instead of cash refunds.

Voucher Terms:

Valid for 12 months from date of issue
Redeemable toward any RGTA course
Non-transferable to other persons
No cash value; cannot be sold or exchanged for cash
Expires automatically if not used within validity period
Cannot be combined with other discounts or promotions
Forfeited immediately if student engages in policy violations

8. PAYMENT, REFUND METHODS, AND PROCESSING

8.1 Accepted Payment Methods at Enrollment

RGTA accepts the following payment methods:

Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
Debit cards
Direct bank transfers (EFT)
Church or organizational sponsorship
Payment plans (subject to approval and additional fees)

8.2 Refund Method and Processing Times

Refund Method: All refunds (if approved) will be issued using the ORIGINAL payment method:

Credit/Debit Card payments: Refunded to original card
EFT/Bank Transfer payments: Refunded to original account
Cash payments: Refunded via EFT to student’s nominated bank account
Sponsored students: Refund may be returned to sponsoring organization

Processing Timeframes:

Statutory cooling-off period refunds: 21 business days after receipt of valid notice
Discretionary refunds (if approved): 30 business days after approval decision
RGTA-caused cancellations: 15 business days after cancellation notice

Refund Confirmation Process: Students will receive email notification when:

Refund request is received and logged
Refund request is approved or denied (with reasons)
Refund payment has been processed
Refund has been credited to original payment method

Banking and Currency:

All refunds processed in South African Rand (ZAR)
Bank charges for international transfers borne by student
Exchange rate fluctuations are student’s responsibility
RGTA not liable for any bank processing delays

8.3 Chargebacks and Payment Disputes

Prohibited Chargeback Actions: Students are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from:

Initiating chargebacks with credit card companies without first exhausting RGTA’s internal refund request process
Claiming unauthorized transactions when enrollment was voluntary
Disputing charges after knowingly enrolling and accessing course materials

Consequences of Improper Chargebacks: If a student initiates an improper chargeback:

Immediate suspension of all RGTA course access
Permanent enrollment ban from all future RGTA courses
Reporting to RGTA partner institutions and denominations
Referral to legal counsel for collection of rightful fees plus legal costs
Negative notation on academic record
Pursuit of full amount owed plus chargeback fees and penalties

Proper Dispute Process: Before disputing any charge:

Contact RGTA registrar immediately at registrar@rgta.org.za
Follow formal refund request procedures outlined in this Policy
Await decision from RGTA (15-20 business days)
Exhaust internal appeal process if dissatisfied
ONLY THEN consider external dispute resolution options

9. FINANCIAL AID, SPONSORSHIPS, AND BURSARIES

9.1 Financial Aid and Scholarship Recipients

Students who received any form of financial assistance from RGTA or external sources:

Refund Destination:

Refunds may be returned directly to funding source (not to student)
Funding organization will be notified in writing of any withdrawal
Terms of original financial aid agreement govern refund distribution
Student receives refund only after sponsor’s portion returned

Ongoing Obligations:

Student remains bound by all terms of financial aid agreement
Withdrawal may trigger repayment obligations to sponsor
Future financial aid eligibility may be affected
Sponsor may require reimbursement of amounts already disbursed

Notice Requirements:

RGTA will notify sponsors within 5 business days of withdrawal
Student must independently notify sponsor per aid agreement terms
Documentation of sponsor notification may be required

9.2 Church-Sponsored Students

For students whose fees are paid by churches, denominations, or ministry organizations:

Withdrawal Impact:

Sponsoring organization must be notified immediately
Refund (if any) typically returned to sponsoring organization
Church may have separate recourse requirements
Future sponsorship may be jeopardized

Outstanding Balances:

Student personally liable for any amounts not covered by sponsor
If sponsor withdraws funding, student immediately responsible for balance
Payment plan arrangements must be made within 10 business days
Course access suspended until outstanding balance settled

9.3 Impact on Future Financial Aid

Withdrawal from courses may affect future financial aid in the following ways:

Reduced likelihood of future scholarship approval
Loss of preferred candidate status for competitive awards
Requirements for repayment of prior assistance
Mandatory waiting period before reapplying
Reduced award amounts in future applications
Requirement to demonstrate completion of subsequent coursework

10. SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES AND EXCEPTIONS

10.1 Students with Disabilities or Special Needs

RGTA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities under the Promotion of Equality and Prevention of Unfair Discrimination Act.

Accommodation Process:

Disabilities must be declared at time of enrollment
Medical documentation from qualified practitioners required
Reasonable accommodations will be provided where possible
Accommodations may affect course delivery but not refund policy

Refund Considerations:

If RGTA cannot provide reasonable accommodations after good-faith effort: Refund may be granted
If student declares disability after accessing majority of course: No refund
If student refuses reasonable offered accommodations: No refund
Documentation requirements still apply per Section 4.2

10.2 Force Majeure Events

RGTA shall not be liable for failure to perform obligations due to circumstances beyond its reasonable control:

Force Majeure Events Include:

Natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, fires, pandemics)
War, terrorism, or civil unrest
Government actions, prohibitions, or restrictions
Strikes or labor disputes
Technological failures beyond RGTA’s control
Public health emergencies

Response to Force Majeure:

RGTA will make reasonable efforts to continue course delivery
Alternative delivery methods may be implemented
Course may be postponed or rescheduled
If course cannot be completed: Full refund provided OR enrollment deferred

Student Obligations During Force Majeure:

Students must continue to engage with alternative delivery methods provided
Reasonable flexibility in deadlines and requirements will be offered
Students declining alternative arrangements forfeit refund rights

11. ENFORCEMENT, COMPLIANCE, AND LEGAL PROVISIONS

11.1 Authority and Interpretation

This Policy is:

Approved by the RGTA Board of Governors
Binding on all students, staff, and stakeholders
Interpreted in accordance with South African law
Subject to periodic review and amendment

Interpretation Rules:

Headings are for convenience only
Singular includes plural and vice versa
Reference to any law includes amendments and re-enactments
If any provision is invalid, remainder continues in full force
RGTA’s rights are cumulative, not exclusive

11.2 Amendment and Modification

RGTA reserves the right to:

Amend this Policy at any time without prior notice
Apply amended policy to current enrollments where legally permissible
Publish updated policy on website with effective date

Student Responsibility:

Check website regularly for policy updates
Deemed to have accepted amendments by continuing enrollment
Amendments posted for 30 days before taking effect (except emergency changes)

11.3 Governing Law and Jurisdiction

Governing Law: This Policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa.

**Jurisdiction:**All disputes arising from this Policy or course enrollments shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Potchefstroom, North West Province, South Africa.

Consent to Jurisdiction: By enrolling, you irrevocably:

Consent to jurisdiction of Potchefstroom courts
Waive any objection to venue or inconvenient forum
Agree that South African law applies regardless of your location
Submit to personal jurisdiction of such courts

11.4 Dispute Resolution and Escalation

Internal Resolution (Mandatory First Step): Before pursuing external remedies, students MUST:

Step 1: Contact course coordinator or instructor Step 2: Escalate to Academic Dean if unresolved (within 10 days) Step 3: Appeal to Principal/Rector if unresolved (within 10 days) Step 4: Final internal review by Board designee (within 15 days)

External Dispute Resolution (After Exhausting Internal): If still dissatisfied after exhausting internal process, students may:

Consumer Goods and Services Ombud (CGSO)
- Website: www.cgso.org.za
- Phone: 0860 000 272
- Free service for consumer complaints
National Consumer Commission (NCC)
- Website: www.thencc.gov.za
- Phone: 012 428 7000
- Complaint registration and investigation
Provincial Consumer Protection Authority
- Contact details available at www.thedtic.gov.za
Civil Court Proceedings
- As a last resort
- Subject to jurisdiction provisions in Section 11.3
- Legal costs considerations apply

Mediation and Arbitration:

RGTA may propose mediation before litigation
Arbitration by mutual agreement under Arbitration Act
Costs shared or as arbitrator determines

11.5 Limitation of Liability

To the Maximum Extent Permitted by Law:

RGTA, its directors, employees, instructors, and agents shall NOT be liable for:

Any indirect, consequential, or incidental damages
Loss of income, business opportunities, or career advancement
Emotional distress or psychological harm (except where legally prohibited)
Costs of alternative education or training
Travel expenses or accommodation costs
Opportunity costs or foregone alternatives

Maximum Liability: RGTA’s total liability for any claim shall not exceed the amount of fees actually paid by the student for the specific course in question.

Indemnification: Students agree to indemnify and hold harmless RGTA against:

Claims arising from student’s violation of this Policy
Claims arising from false or misleading information provided
Claims arising from improper chargebacks or payment disputes
Legal costs incurred defending against baseless claims

12. DATA PRIVACY AND RECORD KEEPING

12.1 Information Collected and Used

In processing refund requests, RGTA collects and processes:

Personal identification information
Financial and payment information
Academic records and course progress data
Medical information (when submitted for exceptional circumstances)
Communications and correspondence

Data Use:

Solely for evaluating refund requests and maintaining records
Shared only with relevant RGTA staff on need-to-know basis
Retained per RGTA’s data retention policy (minimum 7 years)
Protected per Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA)

12.2 Student Rights Under POPIA

Under POPIA, students have the right to:

Access personal information held by RGTA
Request correction of inaccurate information
Object to processing in certain circumstances
Receive information about how data is used

Contact for Privacy Matters: Information Officer: registrar@rgta.org.za

12.3 Record Retention

RGTA maintains records of:

All refund requests (approved and denied)
Supporting documentation submitted
Decision rationales and committee notes
Payment and refund transaction records
Communications with students

Retention Period: Minimum 7 years from date of request or as required by law.

13. PROHIBITED CONDUCT AND CONSEQUENCES

13.1 Fraudulent Refund Requests

Students are STRICTLY PROHIBITED from:

Submitting false or misleading information in refund requests
Fabricating documents or evidence
Exaggerating circumstances or medical conditions
Using another person’s information or documents
Colluding with others to submit coordinated false claims

Consequences of Fraud:

Immediate denial of refund request
Permanent ban from all RGTA courses and programs
Referral to law enforcement if criminal conduct suspected
Civil action for damages and legal costs
Reporting to church denominations and ministry organizations
Negative notation on academic transcript
Referral to South African Qualifications Authority if applicable

13.2 Abuse of Refund Process

Students shall not:

Submit repeated frivolous or vexatious refund requests
Harass staff or decision-makers regarding refund decisions
Use profane, threatening, or abusive language
Make false public statements about RGTA’s refund practices
Attempt to manipulate or bypass proper procedures

Consequences:

Refund request automatically denied
Future refund requests from student will not be considered
Restriction or termination of enrollment
Legal action if harassment continues

14. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS

For purposes of this Policy, the following terms have the meanings assigned:

“Business Day”: Monday through Friday, excluding South African public holidays.

“Consumer Protection Act” or “CPA”: Consumer Protection Act No. 68 of 2008 and all regulations thereunder.

“Course”: Any online theological course, module, program, or educational offering provided by RGTA.

“Course Materials”: All digital and physical resources provided as part of a course, including videos, readings, assignments, assessments, and digital textbooks.

“ECT Act”: Electronic Communications and Transactions Act No. 25 of 2002.

“Enrollment”: The process of registering for and gaining access to an RGTA course.

“Enrollment Date”: The date payment is confirmed and course access is granted.

“Exceptional Circumstances”: Rare, unforeseeable events beyond a student’s control that materially prevent course completion, as determined by RGTA in its sole discretion.

“RGTA” or “We/Our/Us”: Reformed Theological Academy, including its board, staff, instructors, and authorized representatives.

“Student” or “You/Your”: Any person who enrolls in an RGTA course.

“Withdrawal”: The formal process of voluntarily ending enrollment in a course before completion.

15. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE

15.1 Mandatory Reading and Comprehension

BY ENROLLING IN ANY RGTA COURSE, YOU CONFIRM THAT YOU HAVE:

✓ Read this entire Refund and Withdrawal Policy in full
✓ Understood all terms, conditions, and limitations
✓ Had opportunity to seek independent advice if desired
✓ Agree to be bound by all provisions
✓ Acknowledge that refunds are NOT automatic or guaranteed
✓ Understand your limited statutory rights under South African law
✓ Accept RGTA’s no-refund default policy
✓ Agree to follow all procedures for any refund request
✓ Consent to jurisdiction and governing law provisions

15.2 No Reliance on Verbal Representations

You acknowledge that:

This written Policy is the complete and exclusive agreement regarding refunds
You have NOT relied on any verbal representations or promises
Any discussions with staff are not binding unless incorporated in writing
Only written amendments signed by authorized RGTA officials are valid

15.3 Independent Decision to Enroll

You confirm that:

Your enrollment decision is voluntary and informed
You have researched the course content and requirements
You are financially and personally prepared to complete the course
You are not enrolling under duress, undue influence, or misrepresentation

16. CONTACT INFORMATION AND SUPPORT

16.1 Refund Policy Questions

For questions about this Policy:

Email: registrar@rgta.org.za
Phone: +27 63 470 1056
Mail: Reformed Theological Academy, 80 Molen Street, Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM SAST

16.2 Refund Request Submissions

All refund requests MUST be submitted to:

Email: registrar@rgta.org.za
Subject Line: Include “REFUND REQUEST” and course name
Required: Full name, student number, detailed explanation, supporting documents

16.3 General Student Support

For academic or course-related questions (not refund matters):

Email: info@rgta.org.za
Website: http://rgta.org.za/courses/