Refund & Returns Policy

Last Updated: 30 June 2026

Thank you for choosing Teach Abroad Online (www.teachabroadonline.co.za). We want to ensure you have the best possible experience while preparing for your teaching journey. Please read this policy carefully to understand your rights and our practices regarding refunds and returns.

1. Digital Products and Online Courses

Because our online courses, TEFL certifications, and downloadable digital guides are instantly accessible upon purchase, they are generally treated differently than physical goods under South African law.

Statutory Cooling-Off Period (ECTA)

In accordance with Section 44 of the South African Electronic Communications and Transactions Act (ECTA), you are entitled to a 7-day cooling-off period after purchasing a digital service, subject to the following conditions:

  • No Access/Progression: You may request a full refund within 7 days of purchase, provided that you have not logged into the student portal or accessed/downloaded any course materials.
  • Forfeiture of Cooling-Off: Once you log into the learning management system, stream a video lesson, or download a resource, the service is deemed to have commenced, and you waive your right to the standard ECTA cooling-off refund.

Conditional Course Refunds (Beyond the Cooling-Off Period)

If you have logged into the course but feel it does not meet your expectations, we offer a [e.g., 14-day] satisfaction guarantee from the original date of purchase under these strict conditions:

  • You must submit a formal refund request in writing.
  • You must have completed less than [e.g., 10% or 20%] of the course curriculum.
  • No certificate (interim or final) has been issued to you.

Refunds will not be granted if requested after [e.g., 14] days from the purchase date or if the course has been completed.

2. Physical Products (e.g., Hardcopy Certificates, Printed Books)

If you purchase a physical item from us, your return rights are governed by the South African Consumer Protection Act (CPA).

Returns Window

You have [e.g., 14 days] from the date of delivery to return a physical item for a refund or exchange.

Eligibility Conditions for Returns

To qualify for a refund or exchange, the physical item must:

  • Be completely unused, undamaged, and in the original packaging.
  • Be accompanied by the original receipt or proof of purchase.

Exclusions

The following physical items cannot be returned or refunded:

  • Custom-printed certificates containing your specific personal details (unless there is a printing error made on our part).
  • Items damaged through normal wear and tear, or customer misuse.

Return Shipping Fees

  • Customer Responsibility: You will be responsible for paying your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable.
  • Defective Goods: If the item is defective or we sent you the wrong product, we will cover the return courier costs or arrange a collection in accordance with the CPA.

3. Job Placement Assistance & Third-Party Fees

  • No Guarantee of Employment: Teach Abroad Online offers tools, resources, and job placement assistance, but final hiring decisions rest entirely with external schools and platforms. We do not issue refunds for our courses or services on the basis of a user failing a third-party job interview or being denied a work visa.
  • External Costs: Any fees paid to third parties (e.g., embassy visa fees, document legalization, external notary services, background checks) are strictly between you and that entity. Teach Abroad Online is not liable for and cannot refund these costs.

4. How to Request a Refund or Return

To initiate a refund for a course or a return for a physical product, please follow these steps:

  1. Send an email to info@teachabroadonline.co.za
  2. Use the subject line: Refund Request – [Your Full Name] – [Order/Invoice Number].
  3. Clearly state your reason for requesting a refund or return.
  4. If returning a physical product, please include photos showing the current condition of the item and its packaging.

5. Processing and Payouts

  • Review Time: Once your request is received, our administration team will review your account activity (or inspect the returned item) and notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund within [e.g., 3 to 5] business days.
  • Method of Payment: Approved refunds will be processed back to the original method of payment (e.g., credit card, EFT, or payment gateway account) used during checkout.
  • Clearance Window: Depending on your banking institution or the payment gateway (e.g., PayFast, Yoco, etc.), it may take 5 to 10 business days for the funds to reflect in your account.