Refund Policy
Effective Date: January 21, 2025 | Last Updated: April 2026
The Institute of Data Science ("IODS") strives to provide high-quality digital content and teaching services. This Refund Policy outlines the terms under which refunds are available for our products and services. By purchasing or enrolling, you agree to these terms.
1. Digital Content (Courses, eBooks, Videos, Tutorials)
All sales of digital content are final once accessed or downloadeddue to the nature of digital goods. This is consistent with the EU Consumer Rights Directive (Article 16(m)), which permits non-refundability of digital content once performance has begun with the consumer's prior express consent.
Exceptions:
- If technical issues on our end render the content defective or inaccessible, contact us within 7 days of purchase for a replacement or refund.
- If you have not accessed or downloaded the content, you may request a full refund within 14 days of purchase (EU/UK statutory cooling-off period).
2. Subscription Plans
- Free Trial: No charge during the trial period. Cancel anytime before the trial ends to avoid charges.
- Monthly Plans: Cancel anytime. Access continues until the end of the current billing period. No partial refunds for unused days within a billing cycle.
- Annual Plans: Refund of unused portion available if canceled within 14 days of purchase or renewal. After 14 days, you may cancel but access continues until the end of the annual period.
3. In-Person Teaching Services
- 72+ hours before session: Full refund.
- Within 72 hours: Non-refundable.
- No-shows: Non-refundable.
- Cancellation by IODS: Full refund or rescheduling at your choice.
4. Online Teaching Services (Live Sessions, Cohorts)
- 48+ hours before session: Full refund.
- Within 48 hours: Non-refundable.
- No-shows: Non-refundable.
- Cancellation by IODS: Full refund or rescheduling at your choice.
- Cohort Programs: Full refund if withdrawn within the first 7 days and less than 20% of content has been accessed. After this period, refunds are prorated based on content consumed.
5. Enterprise & Institutional Agreements
Refund terms for enterprise and institutional partnerships are governed by the specific contract or service agreement. Contact admin@iods.ai for details.
6. How to Request a Refund
Email admin@iods.ai with:
- Your order number or account email.
- Reason for the refund request.
- Supporting documentation (e.g., screenshots for technical issues).
We will acknowledge your request within 2 business days and process approved refunds within 7-10 business days to your original payment method.
7. Non-Refundable Situations
Refunds are not available for:
- Digital content that has been accessed or downloaded.
- Missed sessions without timely cancellation.
- Services that have been fully rendered.
- Promotional or discounted purchases, unless otherwise stated.
- Certificates already issued.
8. Chargebacks
We encourage you to contact us before initiating a chargeback with your bank. Chargebacks for legitimate transactions may result in suspension of your account pending investigation. We reserve the right to dispute unauthorized chargebacks.
9. Consumer Protection Compliance
This policy complies with applicable consumer protection laws, including:
- EU Consumer Rights Directive (2011/83/EU): 14-day cooling-off period for unaccessed digital content; right to withdrawal for services not yet performed.
- UK Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013: Similar cooling-off protections for UK consumers.
- US State Laws: Compliance with applicable state consumer protection statutes.
- South Africa Consumer Protection Act (CPA): Right to return goods within 6 months if defective; 5-day cooling-off for direct marketing transactions.
- Nigeria Consumer Protection Framework: Right to refund for defective or misrepresented services.