Terms and Conditions

General Terms and Conditions for Microcredentials, Certificate Programmes, Degree Programmes and other Learning Offers

 

• Introduction

These General Terms and Conditions establish a common contractual framework for Learning Offers provided within the Digital4Security (D4S) initiative.

Digital4Security is a collaborative European education initiative bringing together higher education institutions and other organisations to develop, support and deliver high-quality educational opportunities in the broad field of Cybersecurity Management and Data Sovereignty. Learning Offers within D4S may include, among others, Microcredentials, Certificate Programmes, Degree Programmes, short courses, workshops, seminars and other educational formats provided by one or more participating institutions within the Digital4Security framework.

Each Learning Offer is governed by its own applicable contractual, academic and organisational documentation. These General Terms and Conditions are intended to complement, rather than replace or duplicate, such documentation.

The purpose of these General Terms and Conditions is to establish common contractual principles and a consistent baseline of consumer protection across D4S Learning Offers. They should therefore be read together with the Product Information and any programme-specific agreements, academic regulations or other documents applicable to the respective Learning Offer.

Before entering into a contractual relationship, participants receive the Product Information applicable to the respective Learning Offer together with any additional documents governing participation. These documents provide the information necessary for an informed enrolment decision, including, where applicable, the characteristics of the Learning Offer, admission requirements, fees, learning outcomes, assessment arrangements, academic regulations, applicable procedures and relevant contact information.

Where additional product-specific agreements or regulations are applicable, they form part of the contractual framework governing the respective Learning Offer. In the event of any inconsistency, mandatory legal provisions, programme-specific agreements and applicable academic regulations shall prevail over these General Terms and Conditions.

 

Definitions

For the purposes of these General Terms and Conditions:

 

Awarding Partner

Awarding Partner means the higher education institution responsible for the academic governance of a Learning Offer and for awarding the qualification upon its successful completion by the participant.

The Awarding Partner is responsible for ensuring that the Learning Offer complies with the applicable legal and academic requirements, including quality assurance. Unless expressly stated otherwise in the applicable Product Information, any contractual relationship established through enrolment in a Learning Offer is concluded between the participant and the Awarding Partner.

References to the Awarding Partner in the singular throughout these General Terms and Conditions shall, where applicable, also include two or more Awarding Partners jointly responsible for a Learning Offer and the qualification awarded.

 

Delivering Partner

Delivering Partner means an institution making substantial academic contributions to the design and/or delivery of a Learning Offer.

The Delivering Partner will ordinarily be the institution with which participants primarily interact during the Learning Offer through teaching, learner support, assessment activities or other educational services.

References to the Delivering Partner in the singular throughout these General Terms and Conditions shall, where applicable, also include two or more Delivering Partners jointly contributing to the Learning Offer.

 

Learning Offer

Learning Offer means any educational offering provided within the Digital4Security initiative, including, but not limited to, Microcredentials, Certificate Programmes, Degree Programmes, short courses, workshops, seminars and other educational formats.

 

Product Information

Product Information means the information made available to prospective participants before entering into a contractual relationship or otherwise participating in a Learning Offer, describing the respective Learning Offer together with the terms and conditions applicable to participation.

 

• Product Information

2.1 Depending on the respective Learning Offer, Product Information may be provided through one or more official communication channels, including the Digital4Security website at https://www.digital4security.eu, participating institutions’ websites, prospectuses, application systems, programme documentation, student contracts or other official communications.

2.2 D4S Learning Offers may differ in structure depending on the academic model, partner responsibilities and the type of qualification awarded. Accordingly, Product Information is required to include only those elements that are relevant to the respective Learning Offer.

Product Information includes, where applicable, without being limited to:

Overview of the Learning Offer

• the title and type of the Learning Offer;
• the Awarding Partner;
• the Delivering Partner;
• the principal characteristics of the Learning Offer;
• the qualification awarded upon successful completion;

Learning Design and Delivery

• learning outcomes;
• the level of the qualification within the applicable qualifications framework;
• duration;
• workload and ECTS credits;
• the language of instruction;
• the learning format, including online, hybrid or in-person delivery, as well as synchronous and asynchronous components;
• the location, venue or digital learning environment;
• the general teaching schedule and assessment periods;

Admission and Participation

• admission requirements and admission procedures;
• any minimum and/or maximum number of participants, or other conditions relevant to participation or delivery;
• participant status, rights, entitlements and obligations;
• relevant technical requirements;
• the duration of participation and access periods;
• points of contact for academic, administrative, technical or other enquiries;

Assessment and Academic Regulations

• the applicable assessment regulations and timelines, assessment formats and completion requirements;
• procedures for complaints and academic appeals; 
• information on academic integrity, academic misconduct and the use of artificial intelligence (AI);
• information on stackability, recognition or progression opportunities;

Fees and Financial Arrangements

• applicable fees and payment conditions;
• payment arrangements, including the institution receiving payment, invoicing arrangements and the available payment channels;
• eligibility criteria, conditions and procedures relating to funding arrangements, scholarships, exemptions or other forms of financial support;

Contractual Terms

• the institution with which the participant enters into the contractual relationship (where different from the Awarding Partner);
• the contractual process and any legal documents governing participation, such as a study contract;
• the allocation of responsibilities, rights and obligations between the Awarding Partner and Delivering Partner (where these differ from the General Terms);
• information required for exercising the statutory right of withdrawal, including the relevant contact point, practical arrangements (such as a model withdrawal form), and information on any repayment obligations where services have commenced during the statutory withdrawal period;
• conditions governing withdrawal or termination of participation after the statutory withdrawal period, including any applicable notice periods and financial consequences;

Legal, Data Protection and Intellectual Property

• references to any additional agreements, academic regulations or other documents governing participation;
• the applicable governing law and place of jurisdiction;
• procedures for dispute resolution;
• data protection information, including processing, data controllers, processors, retention periods and practical arrangements for exercising participants’ rights;
• intellectual property, copyright, permitted use of learning materials and participant submissions (where these differ from the General Terms);
• any confidentiality requirements relating to participation in the Learning Offer;
• arrangements applicable if the Learning Offer is cancelled, discontinued or materially changed after enrolment.

2.3 The Awarding Partner is responsible for providing the Product Information relating to its Learning Offer.

Where Product Information is communicated through Digital4Security communication channels, including the Digital4Security website, the Awarding Partner is responsible for confirming that the information relating to its Learning Offer is accurately and transparently presented.

The Awarding Partner is responsible for ensuring that the Product Information is made available to prospective participants in a complete and timely manner through at least one official communication channel. Where Product Information is communicated through multiple channels authorised by the Awarding Partner, the Awarding Partner is responsible for ensuring that the information is presented consistently across those channels.

2.4 The Delivering Partner is responsible for providing any complementary information relating to the delivery of the Learning Offer beyond the general Product Information, such as lecturer-specific information or detailed teaching schedules and assessment arrangements.

Where such complementary information is communicated through Digital4Security communication channels, the Delivering Partner is responsible for confirming that the information relating to their Learning Offer delivery is accurately and transparently presented.

The Awarding Partner is responsible for ensuring that the information required for the Learning Offer is made available in a timely manner and in accordance with the applicable academic regulations and any other legal requirements. Where necessary, the Awarding Partner shall coordinate with the Delivering Partner and other participating institutions to facilitate the provision of complete and consistent information.

2.5 Where prospective participants consider that information relevant to a Learning Offer (as referred to in Sections 2.2 – 2.5) is missing or unclear, they should contact the relevant contact point specified in the Product Information. Where no such contact point is specified, enquiries may alternatively be directed to service@digital4security.eu. Enquiries will ordinarily be answered within ten (10) working days.

 

• Academic Roles and Responsibilities

3.1 The Delivering Partner performs the academic responsibilities assigned to it for the respective Learning Offer in accordance with the applicable academic regulations and Product Information. These responsibilities may include the design and/or delivery of learning activities, learner support, assessment activities and other academic services.

3.2 The Awarding Partner performs the academic responsibilities assigned to it under the applicable academic regulations. These responsibilities may include admission decisions, quality assurance, assessment authorisation and examination review, issuing grades and academic records, awarding certificates, Microcredentials, ECTS credits, transcripts or degrees, where applicable. 

3.3 The Delivering Partner and Awarding Partner may be the same institution or different institutions.

 

• Admission and Enrolment

4.1 The applicable admission requirements and procedures are communicated in the Product Information.

4.2 The Awarding Partner, or another institution acting on its behalf, verifies whether applicants fulfil the applicable admission requirements and decides on admission.

4.3 Applicants may be required to provide complete, accurate and truthful information, together with supporting documentation relevant to the respective Learning Offer, including, where applicable, evidence of identity, previous education, professional experience, language proficiency or other information required for admission.

4.4 Access to a Learning Offer or its associated learning environment may, where applicable, depend on:

• successful admission or registration;
• acceptance of the applicable contractual terms and policies; and
• fulfilment of applicable payment requirements.

4.5 Access to learning materials, digital services or learning platforms does not replace or override any applicable admission requirements or academic regulations governing participation in the respective Learning Offer.

 

• Participant Obligations

5.1 Participants are responsible for providing complete, accurate and up-to-date information required for registration, admission, participation, assessment and certification.

5.2 Participants must inform the appropriate contact point identified in the Product Information without undue delay of any relevant changes, including changes to their contact details.

5.3 Participants are responsible for regularly checking the communication channels provided or required for the Learning Offer, including email accounts and learning platform notifications.

5.4 Participants must comply with the applicable academic regulations, examination requirements, academic integrity standards and codes of conduct specified in the Product Information.

5.5 Participants are responsible for protecting their personal login credentials, accounts and communication channels used for the Learning Offer and must not share access with third parties.

5.6 Participants shall not engage in behaviour that disrupts learning activities, infringes the rights of other participants, academic staff or participating institutions, or compromises the integrity of assessments.

5.7 Participants shall use any knowledge, methods, software or tools acquired or made available through a Learning Offer only in accordance with applicable law, the applicable academic regulations and any instructions provided within the respective Learning Offer. Unauthorised use, including against the Digital4Security learning environment, participating institutions or third parties, may result in termination of participation (see Section 12.5), academic or disciplinary measures and, where appropriate, reporting to the competent authorities.

5.8 Participants are responsible for reviewing certificates, transcripts, confirmations and other official documents provided to them and should report any inaccuracies within four (4) weeks after receipt. Mandatory rights to correction of academic records or personal data remain unaffected. 

5.9 Participants requiring specific learning support or reasonable adjustments are encouraged to contact the designated support channels. Digital4Security is committed to providing accessible learning environments wherever reasonably practicable and in accordance with the applicable equality and non-discrimination legislation.  

 

• Digital Learning Environment

6.1 Digital4Security Learning Offers may be delivered through a shared digital learning environment provided within the D4S framework and/or through digital infrastructures provided by participating institutions, as specified in the Product Information.

Depending on the Learning Offer, digital services may include learning management systems, communication tools, collaboration environments, assessment systems, examination tools, and other services required for participation.

6.2 Participants receive access to the relevant digital learning environment after completing the required registration, admission and payment steps, where applicable.

6.3 The specific digital tools, platforms and technical providers used for the delivery of Learning Offers may change over time due to technical, security, accessibility, academic or organisational requirements.

Such changes shall not materially reduce the participant’s ability to access and complete the Learning Offer.

6.4 Reasonable efforts will be made to provide reliable access to digital services. Temporary interruptions may occur due to maintenance, updates, security measures, or circumstances beyond reasonable control. Such interruptions do not give rise to compensation claims where reasonable efforts are made to restore access, and participants remain able to complete the Learning Offer, subject to mandatory applicable law.

6.5 Participants are responsible for ensuring that they meet the technical requirements communicated before enrolment, including access to a suitable device, internet connection and required software or services.

6.6 Live sessions may be recorded and made available to participants to support flexible learning and enable participants who cannot attend synchronously to access relevant learning content.

Recordings are provided for personal learning purposes within the Learning Offer and may not be downloaded, shared, published or distributed without permission.

Where live sessions are recorded, participants will be informed accordingly. Recording practices are subject to applicable data protection requirements. Any further arrangements relating to recordings are governed by the documentation applicable to the respective Learning Offer.

 

• Learning Materials, Intellectual Property Rights and Participant Submissions

7.1 Learning materials provided within D4S Learning Offers, including but not limited to videos, texts, presentations, exercises, datasets, software resources, assessments and other educational content, are provided exclusively for the participant’s personal learning purposes.

7.2 Unless expressly stated otherwise, all intellectual property rights remain with the respective rights holder, including the Delivering Partner, Awarding Partner, lecturers, authors or other contributors.

7.3 Participants may use provided learning materials for their own learning activities but may not:

• distribute learning materials to third parties;
• publish learning materials externally;
• commercially exploit learning materials;
• remove copyright notices or ownership information.

7.4 Reproduction of learning materials is permitted only to the extent necessary for personal learning purposes or where explicitly authorised.

7.5 Any open educational resources or materials provided under separate licence terms remain subject to those specific licence conditions.

7.6 Learning materials are designed to support participants in achieving the intended learning outcomes. Participants remain responsible for actively engaging with the Learning Offer, completing required activities and considering additional resources where academically appropriate.

7.7 Learning materials may be updated, replaced or adapted to reflect academic developments, technical requirements, quality improvements or advances in the relevant subject area.

7.8 Participant submissions made available to other participants as part of the Learning Offer, including for peer review or collaborative learning activities, may only be used for the educational purposes of that Learning Offer. Unless otherwise authorised, they must not be copied, distributed, published or used for other purposes.

 

• Changes to Lecturers, Dates and Delivery Arrangements

8.1 The Delivering Partner is responsible for selecting lecturers and academic contributors with appropriate academic or professional expertise for the relevant Learning Offer.

The Awarding Partner is responsible for ensuring that lecturers and academic contributors meet the requirements defined by the applicable academic regulations and quality assurance standards.

8.2 Lecturers and academic contributors may be replaced where required for academic, organisational or operational reasons.

Any replacement will have appropriate expertise and qualifications in the relevant subject area and will meet the applicable academic requirements.

8.3 Teaching schedules, live sessions, assessment windows, delivery formats and organisational arrangements may be adjusted where necessary for academic, organisational, technical or operational reasons, provided that such adjustments remain within the applicable academic regulations and academic calendar requirements of the Learning Offer.

Participants will be informed about relevant changes within a reasonable timeframe.

8.4 Where the Product Information specifies a minimum number of participants for a Learning Offer, the Learning Offer may be cancelled or postponed if that minimum number is not reached. Participants will be informed within a reasonable timeframe. Any options available to participants in such cases shall be determined by the Product Information applicable to the respective Learning Offer.

8.5 In exceptional cases, a Learning Offer may be postponed, rescheduled, substantially modified or cancelled where appropriate delivery cannot reasonably be ensured. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to, the unavailability of essential academic contributors where no suitable replacement can reasonably be arranged, changes affecting participating institutions, regulatory requirements, technical circumstances or other events impacting the quality or feasibility of delivery.

Participants will be informed within a reasonable timeframe, and appropriate solutions will be offered where possible, such as rescheduling, alternative delivery arrangements or transfer to another suitable Learning Offer.

8.6 Where a Learning Offer cannot be provided, fees already paid for the cancelled Learning Offer will be reimbursed. Further claims arising solely from such postponement, rescheduling or cancellation are excluded to the extent permitted by applicable law.

8.7 Adjustments under this section shall be designed to preserve the academic quality and objectives of the Learning Offer. Where a Learning Offer continues to be delivered, such adjustments shall ensure that:

• the intended learning outcomes continue to be addressed; 
• applicable academic standards and regulations are maintained; and 
• participants are not materially disadvantaged in their ability to complete the Learning Offer.

 

• Assessment, Completion and Certification

9.1 Where applicable, information on assessment, progression, completion and certification is provided in the Product Information. This includes, without being limited to, assessment formats, grading procedures, opportunities for reassessment or re-sits, progression requirements and completion criteria.

9.2 Participants are responsible for complying with examination rules, submission deadlines, academic integrity requirements and any identity verification procedures required for assessment.

9.3 Certificates, Microcredentials, ECTS credits, transcripts, academic degrees and other academic recognitions are awarded in accordance with the Product Information and the applicable academic regulations governing the respective Learning Offer.

9.4 Completion of an individual Learning Offer does not automatically guarantee admission to another Learning Offer or degree programme unless explicitly stated. 

9.5 Once a participant has submitted or started the first activity contributing to the academic evaluation of a Learning Offer, an academic record for this Learning Offer may be created.

The participant’s performance throughout the Learning Offer may be evaluated on the basis of multiple assessment components completed over time, in accordance with the applicable academic regulations.

Withdrawal from the academic participation and assessment process after the first assessment-relevant activity has been started or submitted is only possible under the conditions specified in the applicable academic regulations set out in the Product Information.

If a participant stops participating after the assessment process has started, incomplete or missing assessment components may be taken into account in the final academic evaluation in accordance with the applicable academic regulations.

 

•  Fees and Payment

10.1 Applicable fees, payment conditions and payment arrangements are communicated in the Product Information before a participant enters into a contractual relationship or otherwise participates in a Learning Offer.

10.2 Payments shall be made using the payment arrangements specified in the applicable Product Information.

10.3 Access to Learning Offers may depend on successful completion of the applicable payment requirements, unless alternative funding arrangements, scholarships or exemptions apply, as specified in the Product Information.

10.4 Participants are responsible for paying all applicable fees in accordance with the payment conditions specified for the respective Learning Offer.

10.5 The participant’s obligation to pay applicable fees remains unaffected if the participant does not start, attend, actively participate in or complete a Learning Offer. This also applies where the participant does not make use of available learning materials, teaching activities, support services or assessment opportunities. Mandatory statutory rights, including withdrawal rights and rights arising from a failure to provide the agreed Learning Offer, remain unaffected.

10.6 Failure to pay applicable fees may result in suspension of access, withholding of certification or termination of participation, subject to applicable legal requirements and academic regulations.

10.7 Unless otherwise stated in the Product Information or required by applicable law, participants who withdraw after the statutory withdrawal period are not entitled to a refund of fees already paid. Any exceptions, including those relating to illness, exceptional circumstances, sponsored participation or other grounds, are determined by the Product Information applicable to the respective Learning Offer or, where not specified therein, by the policies of the responsible Awarding Partner.

 

• Right of Withdrawal

11.1 Withdrawal Period

Participants who qualify as consumers have the right to withdraw from the contract within fourteen (14) calendar days without giving any reason.

The withdrawal period is fourteen days from the date of conclusion of the contract, unless mandatory applicable law provides otherwise.

For Learning Offers not requiring an admission or eligibility review, the contract is concluded when the participant completes the binding registration or ordering process and receives confirmation of the registration or order, together with the applicable withdrawal instructions and the model withdrawal form.

For Learning Offers requiring an admission or eligibility review, the participant submits a binding application for participation by completing the application process and accepting the applicable contractual conditions. The contract is concluded subject to the participant fulfilling the applicable admission requirements and being accepted by the Awarding Partner. The withdrawal period starts when the participant has submitted the binding application and has received confirmation of receipt, together with the applicable withdrawal instructions and the model withdrawal form.

If participation in the Learning Offer does not commence because the conditions for participation are not fulfilled or the participant is otherwise not admitted, no contract for the Learning Offer is concluded and no payment obligation arises, unless otherwise explicitly agreed for separate services.

The statutory right of withdrawal remains separate from academic assessment procedures. If a participant has already started or submitted activities contributing to the academic evaluation within a Learning Offer, Section 9.5 and the applicable study and examination regulations apply.

 

11.2 Exercising the Right of Withdrawal

To exercise the right of withdrawal, participants must inform the contact point specified in the Product Information by a clear statement expressing their decision to withdraw.

This may be done, for example, by email or other communication channels provided.

Participants may use the provided model withdrawal form, but this is not mandatory.

Participants may submit their withdrawal declaration to the contact point specified in the Product Information. Where no such contact point is specified, the withdrawal declaration may alternatively be sent to service@digital4security.eu. A model withdrawal form is annexed to these General Terms and Conditions and may be used for this purpose.

 

11.3 Start of Services during the Withdrawal Period

Participants may receive access to a Learning Offer before the withdrawal period has expired if they request or explicitly agree that access and educational services begin during this period.

If a participant exercises the statutory right of withdrawal after services have already started upon such request or agreement, a proportionate amount may be charged corresponding to the services already provided in relation to the full scope of the Learning Offer, as determined in accordance with the Product Information and applicable law.

Services already provided may include, where applicable:

• access to digital learning materials;
• access to the learning platform;
• participation in teaching activities;
• academic support;
• assessment-related services;
• other educational services already delivered.

 

11.4 Refunds

Where a valid withdrawal is exercised, payments already made will be refunded in accordance with applicable consumer protection laws.

Any legally permissible deduction for services already provided remains unaffected.

 

•  Termination and Access Period

12.1 The duration of participation, access periods and completion requirements applicable to the respective Learning Offer are communicated in the Product Information.

12.2 Where not specified otherwise, access to digital learning materials is provided for the duration required to complete the respective Learning Offer.

Extended access to learning materials may be provided in accordance with the policies of the Awarding Partner.

12.3 Participants may terminate their participation in accordance with the applicable contractual conditions and mandatory legal requirements.

12.4 Termination or withdrawal from a specific Learning Offer does not automatically result in the deletion, cancellation or invalidation of academic records or assessment processes already initiated.

Where a participant has started activities contributing to the academic evaluation of a Learning Offer, an academic record may be created, and the assessment process may continue to be documented and completed in accordance with the applicable study and examination regulations. This may include the recording of assessment attempts, completed, incomplete or missing assessment components, and the determination of a final academic outcome where provided for by the applicable regulations.

Assessment attempts and outcomes may be recorded for all Learning Offers, including Microcredentials and individual modules, particularly where these Learning Offers may contribute to, be recognised within, or be transferred into a degree programme or other academic qualification. Such records ensure that academic progression rules, including limitations on assessment attempts and recognition requirements, can be applied consistently.

Academic records, including assessment attempts, assessment results, grades, certificates, ECTS credits, transcripts or other evidence of participation and achievement, may be created, processed and retained where required for academic documentation, recognition, quality assurance, academic administration or legal purposes.

12.5 The responsible institution may terminate participation for good cause, in particular where a participant:

• seriously violates academic integrity rules;
• attempts to manipulate assessments or certification processes;
• substantially disrupts learning activities;
• infringes the rights of other participants, lecturers or participating institutions;
• fails to fulfil payment obligations despite appropriate notification.

Mandatory legal protections remain unaffected.

 

•  Data Protection

13.1 Personal data is processed for the purposes of:

• registration and admission;
• providing access to digital learning services;
• delivering Learning Offers;
• recording and providing access to learning sessions, where applicable;
• academic administration;
• assessment and certification;
• quality assurance;
• fulfilling legal obligations.

13.2 Data processing is carried out in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable data protection laws.

13.3 Depending on the Learning Offer, personal data may be processed by:

• the Awarding Partner;
• the Delivering Partner;
• authorised technical service providers;
• other participating institutions where required for programme delivery and/or quality assurance.

13.4 Personal data is shared only where necessary for the provision, administration, assessment, certification or quality assurance of the Learning Offer, or where legally required.

13.5 Digital learning services may include tools for:

• learning management;
• communication and collaboration;
• recording and replay of learning sessions, where applicable;
• assessment;
• identity verification;
• academic integrity checks.

13.6 Additional information on data processing, data controllers, processors, retention periods and participants’ rights is provided in the applicable data protection information for the respective Learning Offer.

 

• Liability

14.1 The participating institutions are responsible for providing Learning Offers with reasonable care and in accordance with applicable academic and professional standards.

14.2 Nothing in these Terms excludes or limits liability where such exclusion or limitation is prohibited by applicable law.

This includes, where applicable, liability for:

• intentional misconduct;
• gross negligence;
• damage to life, body or health;
• mandatory statutory liability.

14.3 Liability for minor disruptions, temporary unavailability of digital services or technical interruptions is limited where such events are outside the reasonable control of the responsible institution or service provider.

14.4 Participants are responsible for maintaining suitable technical conditions required for participation, including internet access, compatible devices and secure handling of login credentials.

14.5 The participating institutions are not responsible for failures resulting from participants’ own technical environments unless otherwise required by applicable law.

 

•  Operational Disruptions and Force Majeure

15.1 Learning Offers may be affected by circumstances beyond reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• technical infrastructure failures;
• cybersecurity incidents;
• natural events;
• public authority decisions;
• significant disruptions affecting partner institutions or service providers.

15.2 In such cases, reasonable efforts will be made to minimise disruption and provide appropriate alternatives where feasible.

15.3 Temporary changes to schedules, formats or technical solutions caused by such circumstances do not automatically create entitlement to compensation, provided that participants remain able to achieve the intended learning outcomes under reasonable conditions.

 

•  Amendments to these Terms and Conditions

16.1 These Terms and Conditions may be updated where required due to:

• changes in applicable laws, regulations or academic requirements; 
• further development of Learning Offers, services or digital infrastructures; 
• technical, security-related or operational developments; 
• quality improvements or adjustments to academic and administrative processes; 
• organisational changes within the D4S collaboration.

16.2 Participants will be informed of material changes within an appropriate timeframe.

16.3 Amendments may apply to ongoing Learning Offers where they are required for academic, organisational, technical or legal reasons, provided that participants are not materially disadvantaged.

Amendments shall not negatively affect:

• certificates, ECTS credits, grades or academic achievements already awarded;
• academic decisions already made regarding a participant’s status or progress;
• the participant’s ability to complete the Learning Offer according to its intended learning outcomes.

Where legally required, participant consent will be obtained before changes become effective.

 

•  Governing Law and Academic Responsibility

17.1 The academic and legal framework applicable to the respective Learning Offer is communicated in the Product Information. This includes, where relevant, admission requirements, assessment procedures, quality assurance, certification arrangements, the governing law and the place of jurisdiction.

17.2 Mandatory consumer protection rights under European Union law and applicable national laws remain unaffected.

17.3 These General Terms and Conditions are prepared in the English language. Where translations are provided, they are for convenience only. In the event of any inconsistency or ambiguity, the English version shall prevail, unless mandatory applicable law requires otherwise.

 

•  Complaints, Academic Appeals and Dispute Resolution

18.1 Information on the applicable contact points, complaints procedures, academic appeals and support services is provided in the Product Information.

18.2 Academic complaints, including matters relating to assessment, grading, academic progression or certification, are handled in accordance with the applicable academic regulations governing the respective Learning Offer.

Where no specific procedure is provided, the applicable procedures of the Awarding Partner apply.

18.3 Administrative, technical and other operational matters are handled through the support structures specified in the Product Information.

18.4 Where legally applicable, participants retain access to statutory consumer dispute resolution mechanisms.

 

•  Final Provisions

19.1 If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain unaffected.

19.2 The invalid provision shall be replaced by a legally permissible provision that most closely reflects the intended purpose, where permitted by applicable law.

19.3 These Terms and Conditions apply together with:

• the Product Information of the respective Learning Offer;
• applicable academic rules and regulations;
• privacy information;
• any additional mandatory documents required by the Awarding Partner or applicable law.

19.4 These Terms, together with the applicable Product Information and any additional agreements or academic regulations referenced therein, constitute the applicable framework for participation in the Learning Offer.

Any amendments, supplements or individual agreements require confirmation in text form unless mandatory law provides otherwise.

 

Annex A – Model Withdrawal Form

(Complete and return this form only if you wish to withdraw from the contract. Consumers may withdraw within 14 calendar days without giving any reason. Use of this form is optional.)