Non-refundable
University application fees
Paid directly to the university or remitted on your behalf. Once paid, iStudyMate cannot refund them.
Legal & billing
Refund Policy
Clear terms for university fees, third-party costs and every stage of iStudyMate service.
Last updated29 July 2026
Fair review, based on real progress.
We assess each eligible request against work completed, services delivered and costs already committed.
At a glance
What happens to each type of fee?
Stage-based review
iStudyMate service fees
The unused portion may be refunded after completed service milestones and committed costs are deducted.
Provider terms apply
Third-party charges
Deposits, government and provider fees follow that provider's policy. Any amount recovered is passed on to you.
01
Our approach
Transparent from payment to outcome
At iStudyMate, we aim to make every step of studying in China clear and predictable. This policy explains how refunds are assessed for services purchased through iStudyMate. It should be read with our Terms of Service and your order confirmation.
How we calculate an eligible refund
Service fees paid−completed milestones−non-recoverable costs=eligible refund
02
iStudyMate service fees
Refunds follow the service stage
Service fees may cover profile development, document review, university and programme matching, application assistance, visa support, accommodation reservation, arrival support and on-campus registration.
01
Before work begins
The unused service fee is refundable, less any authorised and non-recoverable third-party cost.
02
After work begins
A partial refund may be issued after completed milestones and committed costs are deducted.
03
After completion
The fee allocated to a completed or delivered service is non-refundable.
Progress is assessed from your order scope, work records, documents delivered, applications submitted, bookings made and third-party receipts. A written calculation is available on request.
03
Service milestones
How completed work is assessed
ServiceAssessment basis
Profile development & document reviewDrafts, reviews and final materials already delivered.
University & programme matchingCompleted when the agreed shortlist or recommendations are delivered.
Application assistanceAssessed per institution; the handling milestone is complete once submitted.
Visa assistancePreparation, document review, appointment or submission work completed.
Accommodation reservationProvider deposits and cancellation rules, plus work already completed.
Arrival & on-campus registrationPreparation, reservations, coordination and support already delivered.
04
Eligibility
When a refund may be approved
May be eligible
- A duplicate or incorrect payment was made.
- You cancel an unused service before work begins.
- iStudyMate cannot provide a purchased service and no reasonable alternative is accepted.
- A material service failure attributable to iStudyMate cannot be corrected within a reasonable time.
Not automatically refundable
- Work or a service milestone has already been completed.
- A university, visa authority or provider refuses or delays an outcome.
- Required documents are incomplete, late, inauthentic or requirements are not met.
- Third-party fees have already been paid and cannot be recovered.
Admission, scholarship, visa and accommodation outcomes are controlled by universities, authorities and third-party providers. An unfavourable outcome alone does not make completed iStudyMate services refundable.
05
Request a refund
Send one complete request
Email our billing team with the details below. Complete information helps us review your case without delay.
- Full name and account email
- Order or payment reference
- Payment date and amount
- Service to cancel and reason
- Relevant supporting documents
Target response times
2 business daysAcknowledge a complete request
10 business daysProvide a review decision
10 business daysIssue an approved refund
Bank, payment-provider and third-party verification times may be additional.06
Policy updates & rights
Your purchase keeps its policy version
We may update this policy as our services develop. The version in effect when you purchased a service will continue to apply to that purchase unless a later version is more favourable to you or a change is required by law.
Nothing in this policy limits any non-waivable rights available under applicable consumer law. Where a signed service agreement or order contains more specific lawful refund terms, those terms apply to that service.
Effective 29 July 2026
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