ANNEXES

Annex A

For on-campus students / and some parts are valid for online students

VBNN Smart Education Group© Students’ Regulation

General

Introduction:

VBNN Smart Education Group© is keen to maintain excellence in academic performance and quality education. This can be achieved only by disciplining the staff and the students of VBNN Smart Education Group©. In view of this, VBNN Smart Education Group© is happy to make regulations for students, which must be observed by all students while they are studying courses with us.

Regulation 1: Students must attend/watch at least 80% of lectures in an academic year.

Regulation 2: Students must submit required coursework or assignments, or appear at the written examination, without adopting any unfair means.

Regulation 3: Students must maintain, at all times, good appearance and behavior with fellow students and with all members of VBNN Smart Education Group© staff.

Regulation 4: Students must not behave intimidatingly under any circumstances.

Regulation 5: The student has a duty to provide accurate details relating to personal and previous academic issues.

Regulation 6: Students must not be involved in any act, business, or job, and must not enter into a contract in contravention of the laws of Switzerland.

Regulation 7: Students must not be involved in any form of behavior that amounts to bribery or attempts to bribe.

Regulation 8: Students must not remove, without permission, any materials, or deliberately cause loss or damage in any form or manner to any materials from the VBNN Smart Education Group© library, IT lab, or any other facilities.

Regulation 9: Students must not solicit any thought or philosophy or campaign to enhance racial hatred, or increase a sense of discrimination based on race, religion, or color.

Regulation 10: Students must follow the health and safety rules and procedures during their stay on the VBNN Smart Education Group© campus, where applicable.

Regulation 11: Students must not use any VBNN Smart Education Group© property or office equipment without prior permission.

Regulation 12: Students must not act in such a manner that negatively affects the course or academic integrity.

Regulation 13: Students must not act unlawfully or against the interests of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

Regulation 14: Students must avoid plagiarism, and any proof of plagiarism may result in removal from the course.

Regulation 15: If a student takes a study break, postpones the study start, or fails an exam, the student must pay the latest updated study fee. If the student refuses to pay the difference, this will be considered as failure by the student to meet his/her financial obligations, and VBNN Smart Education Group© reserves the right to cancel his/her study place without any refund.

Any deliberate and serious breach of any of the regulations will be considered gross misconduct on the part of the student.

Annex B

Disciplinary Procedures

B.1. Introduction:

The basic purpose of the disciplinary procedure is to keep our students in line with academic standards so that students can experience excellence in academic and professional studies.

B.2. Disciplinary Procedure Step-by-Step:

Stage 1: Initial Proceeding

Step 1: Write a letter explaining the gross breach of duty or misconduct.

Step 2: Request an explanation from the accused student about the breach or misconduct.

Step 3: Make a meticulous assessment of her/his previous academic performance and conduct.

Stage 2: Hold an Investigation

Step 1: Talk to the department’s personnel, i.e. where the misconduct or breach took place.

Step 2: Talk to witnesses, if there are any.

Step 3: Collect and collate the evidence regarding the misconduct from both parties.

Stage 3: Assessments

Step 1: Assess the alleged breaches or misconduct.

Step 2: Assess the answer made by the accused student.

Step 3: Assess the investigation findings.

Step 4: Make a comparative study of the alleged breach or misconduct, the accused student’s explanation, and the investigation findings.

Step 5: Assess the prima facie case of the allegation.

Stage 4: Post-Assessment Activities

Step 1: Confirm in writing to the student the date of the hearing, time, place, and the person who will conduct the hearing.

Step 2: Inform the student of the papers or documents that she or he is required to bring.

Stage 5: Final Hearing

Step 1: Listen to the accused student and take full notes of what she or he says.

Step 2: Take a good look at and meticulously assess the reasons and explanations about the alleged breach or misconduct.

Step 3: Report the result or findings of your investigations.

Step 4: Report the final decision of the hearing, i.e. whether she or he is in breach of duty or liable for gross misconduct.

Step 5: Confirm the decision of the final hearing in writing to the student.

B.3. Disciplinary Committee

DC

Consists of the Chairperson and 2 Members.

B.4. Explanatory Note:

• The Disciplinary Committee will be in charge of all disciplinary issues of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

• The Chairperson of the Disciplinary Committee will be able to delegate his/her power to any one of the two members, or another person, to decide on behalf of the Committee Chair.

• In the case of any disciplinary issue, the DC will form a sub-committee to investigate the matter and make decisions about the student in question.

• An appeal can be made against the decisions of the sub-committee, and the appeal must be made to the full Disciplinary Committee.

• The full Disciplinary Committee will then make final decisions by following the full disciplinary hearing procedure.

• There will be no further appeal against the decisions of the full Disciplinary Committee, i.e. the decision of the full Disciplinary Committee will be full and final.

Annex C

Student Appeal against Disciplinary Decisions

C.1. Appeal Procedure against Disciplinary Committee Decisions:

Rule 1: An aggrieved student has the right to make an appeal against the decisions of the Disciplinary Committee but must pay 900 Euro in order to open a case. The fee is applicable even if the complainant, at any point in time, decides to cancel his/her complaint.

Rule 2: The aggrieved student must make an appeal in writing, and it must be addressed to the Chairperson.

Rule 3: The aggrieved student must give details of the grounds and provide evidence, if any, relating to the grounds for appeal with the application.

Rule 4: The Disciplinary Committee must provide a particular date, time, and venue to hold a hearing of the appeal, and must send a letter to this effect as soon as possible.

Rule 5: On that date, the full Disciplinary Committee must be present and must listen to the aggrieved student. The Committee must also make a closer examination of the evidence, if any, that may be presented by the aggrieved student.

Rule 6: The Disciplinary Committee must listen to the witness, if any, of the aggrieved student and take full note of what the witness says.

Rule 7: The Committee must then make a meticulous assessment of the following issues for better decisions:

• Grounds raised by the aggrieved student;

• Evidence presented by the aggrieved student;

• Witness statements of the aggrieved student;

• Any other documents or evidence relating to his or her claim.

Rule 8: The Committee must listen to the legal representative or another type of representative and take notes of all the statements.

Rule 9: The Committee must assess the issues relating to the client as presented by the representative.

Rule 10: The Committee will then make a comparative study and assessment of all types of submissions, documents, and evidence, and take its final decision.

Rule 11: The Committee will read out its final decision to the aggrieved student in his/her presence or in the presence of his/her representative.

Rule 12: The Committee will send a copy of its decision in writing, and it must be signed and sealed.

Rule 13: After the decision of the Committee, there will be no further appeal.

C.2. The VBNN Smart Education Group© DC Hierarchy:

Disciplinary Appeal Committee

Disciplinary Committee

C.3. Explanatory Notes:

• VBNN Smart Education Group© will have a two-tier disciplinary committee, and they will be as follows:

  • Disciplinary Committee

  • Disciplinary Appeal Committee

• The Disciplinary Appeal Committee will be the apex in the hierarchy and will hear appeals only.

• The Disciplinary Committee will conduct the first hearing on the necessary assessment.

• The Disciplinary Committee will be accountable to the Disciplinary Appeal Committee.

• The Disciplinary Committee may be constituted of a minimum of one member.

• If the Committee is constituted of more than one member, one of the members will be the Chairperson of the subcommittee.

• The Chairperson must be a senior member in the hierarchy of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

Annex D

Complaints Procedure

D.1. Policy Overview

VBNN Smart Education Group© is keen to minimize all kinds of non-conformities and to encounter those non-conformities through an established system of receiving and dealing with complaints. Appropriate systems of receiving and dealing with complaints provide the gateway to learn the views of those who experienced the services of VBNN Smart Education Group©. This gives VBNN Smart Education Group© an opportunity to rectify non-conformities and thus brighten the image of the organization when corrective actions to remedy the non-conformities are taken.

Some complaints require payment of 900 Euro in order to open a case. If the matter requires our lawyer to be involved, then 300–700 Euro must be paid for each hour our lawyer needs. The rates are determined by our lawyer.

The complainant has to pay the fee even if he/she decides to stop his/her claim at a later point in time.

D.2. Who Can Complain?

The following people may bring complaints:

• Those who are not satisfied with any services received from VBNN Smart Education Group©;

• Students, or those acting on a student’s behalf;

• Visitors;

• Service users;

• Staff members.

D.3. Where to Complain?

You can contact the complaint department by email through the official contact details available on the VBNN Smart Education Group© website.

Note: If you contact the complaint department and they decide that a fee is applicable for your complaint, this fee should be paid even if you do not wish to continue with your complaint. The fee will appear in your file.

The complaint department is part of the quality department, so all complaints go first to the Quality Officer and then will be forwarded to the responsible person/department.

D.4. Reasons for Complaints

Complainants may bring complaints about any of the reasons set out below:

• That the advice provided was not appropriate or was wrong;

• That the personnel did not provide appropriate guidance;

• That the matter has been dealt with negligently;

• That VBNN Smart Education Group© did not update the complainant properly and in time, and thus the complainant failed to take appropriate action and suffered loss and damage;

• That the complainant received substandard services;

• That the complainant had been misled about the matter;

• That VBNN Smart Education Group© did not deal with the complainant’s problem expeditiously and thus caused him/her problems of a substantial nature;

• That VBNN Smart Education Group© charged in excess of the fee scheme;

• That VBNN Smart Education Group© had never provided the complainant with the services for which he/she had already paid.

You may also add any other reasons that suit your complaint. Please give details of the reasons as much as possible. State your reasons clearly and without any apparent ambiguity.

D.5. Purpose of the Complaints Procedure

The purpose of the Complaints Procedure is to establish an effective monitoring system in the organization. VBNN Smart Education Group© can identify any ongoing irregularities or ineffectiveness of systems when there is a complaint about the matter from an interested party. The complaints procedures are also used as indicators of standards of customer service that have been successfully established and tested.

When a complainant approaches VBNN Smart Education Group© with a genuine complaint, it is believed that the complainant has given VBNN Smart Education Group© a chance to rectify the errors, ineffectiveness, or unfairness in the system. It also helps VBNN Smart Education Group© to take appropriate policy decisions after careful consideration and investigation of the complaint. The most important purpose of the complaints procedure is to ensure that no student leaves the organization with a bad experience, dissatisfaction, or grievance.

D.6. Informal Complaints Procedure

D.6.1. Introduction

This is a less formal procedure where a complainant may raise his or her concern about the way a particular service was provided. The complainant may meet with the Complaints Officer and discuss the matter, which will then be dealt with immediately. However, if the matter is serious and complicated and the complainant is still dissatisfied, the Complaints Officer may accept the complaint as a formal one.

D.6.2. Report to the Complaints Officer

If a student, visitor, or other interested party is dissatisfied because of the way she or he was dealt with, the dissatisfied person may complain about the matter. The Complaints Officer will record the complaint in writing and will immediately look into the matter.

The email of the Head of the Quality Department is available through the official contact details of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

D.6.3. Investigation

The Complaints Officer will then immediately investigate the matter. If necessary, the Complaints Officer will contact the department from which the complaint emanated. If the complaint is able to be immediately resolved, the Complaints Officer will make a decision as to the resolution of the complaint and inform the relevant parties.

However, if it is not possible to investigate the matter on the same day, the Complaints Officer will provide a possible time frame to deal with the complaint, explaining to the complainant why it was not possible to give a decision immediately. If, upon investigation, the Complaints Officer feels that the situation is serious enough to warrant a formal complaint, the complainant will be advised of this and encouraged to pursue this.

D.6.4. Decision

If the Complaints Officer is able to resolve the complaint and provide a decision, this will be done orally but should be followed by written confirmation of the decision to the relevant parties. A copy of the written decision must be given to the senior management of the academic or administrative head.

If the Complaints Officer is unable to satisfactorily resolve the complaint, the advice of the Senior Management Team may be sought, or the complaint may be escalated to the status of a Formal Complaint.

D.7. Formal Complaints Procedure

If a complainant wishes to bring a serious complaint about any matter in relation to the way services are provided, or the way they have been dealt with, or if an informal complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily, the complainant may bring a formal complaint.

A complaint form should be completed, with documentary evidence attached as appropriate, and this should be submitted to the Complaints Officer for consideration. At this stage, the documentary evidence submitted does not need to be the original copies.

D.7.1. Letter of Acknowledgment

When the Complaints Officer receives a formal complaint, a letter of acknowledgment will be sent. The letter must set out the next steps to be taken, including the fee which should be paid by your side, if any, and indicate a time frame for the investigation. The maximum time for an investigation will be four weeks.

D.8. Complaint Fee

The fees are between 0 Euro and 900 Euro, depending on the case. This will be evaluated by the Complaints Officer. If the matter requires our lawyer to be involved, then 300–700 Euro must be paid for each hour our lawyer needs. The rates are determined by our lawyer.

D.9. Investigation

After receiving the formal complaint, the Complaints Officer must contact the department or the member of staff against whom the complaint has been brought. Details of the complaint will be provided for their prompt response. The Complaints Officer will consider the evidence brought by both parties and may interview witnesses if appropriate in order to accumulate further evidence.

D.10. Report of Findings

The Complaints Officer will report their findings in writing to the academic or administrative head and will inform both parties in writing of his/her decision in the matter, along with recommendations as to steps to be taken in order that the matter may be fully resolved.

The written decision must indicate the following:

• Background of complaint

• Summary of investigation

• Summary of evidence or documents and witness statements

• Summary of findings

• Decision

• Reasons for such decision

• Conclusion

The letter must clearly explain the steps already taken in relation to the complaint, such as suspension or reprimand.

D.11. Appeal of Decision

If the complainant is not satisfied with the decision given by the Complaints Officer, he/she may submit an appeal. The appeal will be heard by the academic or administrative head.

Appeals should be submitted in writing to the academic or administrative head within 14 days of the Complaints Officer’s original decision. Additional evidence which the complainant wishes to submit should be attached. The head will consider all evidence available, both new evidence and that from the Complaints Officer’s investigation, and shall provide the staff member or department against whom the complaint has been lodged the opportunity to respond to the accusations in writing.

The head will then complete a report, in line with the guidance above, and make a decision as to the outcome of the appeal. He/she may decide to support the original decision of the Complaints Officer or may make alternative recommendations as to the resolution of the complaint. The decision of the academic or administrative head will be final, and no further right of appeal will be offered.

The GTC is valid for all students unless it is contrary to Swiss law.

Annex E

Policy and Procedures for the Handling of Deposits, Fee Payments, and Refunds

E.1 Introduction

It is important that students pay their fees and any required deposits at the right time to avoid any problems with starting their studies. Students are encouraged to read the following carefully and, of course, get in touch with VBNN Smart Education Group© if there is anything they need to clarify.

E.2. Deposits

E.2.1. Deposits

For on-campus students

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of the VBNN Smart Education Group© programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration fee to accept their place.

B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, VBNN Smart Education Group© will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the visa application of overseas students.

Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer.

If a student pays directly to the VBNN Smart Education Group© bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number, if available, should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on the student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus. However, students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and to be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them. When we receive deposits, the details of the amount paid will be confirmed on the visa letter.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but VBNN Smart Education Group©. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fees with third parties or send money to VBNN Smart Education Group© by post. Some approved overseas representatives may accept bank drafts, made payable to VBNN Smart Education Group© only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives. If any deposit is paid, a receipt must be obtained from VBNN Smart Education Group© immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. VBNN Smart Education Group© advises students to email or inform us whenever they make payments to overseas agents/consultants. If students have any doubts, they should contact VBNN Smart Education Group© by phone, fax, or email.

E.2.2. Deposits

For on-campus students with student visa

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of the VBNN Smart Education Group© programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration fee to accept their place.

B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, VBNN Smart Education Group© will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the visa application of overseas students.

Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer.

If a student pays directly to the VBNN Smart Education Group© bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number, if available, should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on the student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus. However, students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and to be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them. When we receive deposits, the details of the amount paid will be confirmed on the visa letter.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but VBNN Smart Education Group©. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fees with third parties or send money to VBNN Smart Education Group© by post. Some approved overseas representatives may accept bank drafts, made payable to VBNN Smart Education Group© only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives. If any deposit is paid, a receipt must be obtained from VBNN Smart Education Group© immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. VBNN Smart Education Group© advises students to email or inform us whenever they make payments to overseas agents/consultants. If students have any doubts, they should contact VBNN Smart Education Group© by phone, fax, or email.

E.2.3. Deposits

For online students

A. All successful overseas applicants to any of the VBNN Smart Education Group© programs are required to pay a minimum deposit of 400 Euro plus 240 Euro non-refundable registration fee to accept their place.

B. Upon receiving the deposit and/or the required documents, VBNN Smart Education Group© will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents for the further steps.

Students can pay the deposit by cash or bank transfer.

If a student pays directly to the VBNN Smart Education Group© bank account, the first name and surname of the student and the student number, if available, should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

Deposits paid in person: If the students are already in Switzerland or if someone else pays the deposit on the student’s behalf, the deposits may also be paid by bank transfer or sometimes by cash to our Accounts Officer on campus. However, students are encouraged not to send cash in the post and to be very careful if carrying large amounts of cash with them.

Deposits to third parties: The tuition fees should not be paid to anyone else but VBNN Smart Education Group©. Students are reminded not to deposit tuition fees with third parties or send money to VBNN Smart Education Group© by post. Some approved overseas representatives may accept bank drafts, made payable to VBNN Smart Education Group© only. Students are encouraged not to pay any or all of their tuition fees to overseas representatives. If any deposit is paid, a receipt must be obtained from VBNN Smart Education Group© immediately, signed by an authorized person and stamped. VBNN Smart Education Group© advises students to email or inform us whenever they make payments to overseas agents/consultants. If students have any doubts, they should contact VBNN Smart Education Group© by phone or email.

E.2.4. Deposits

For on-campus students without student visa

A. After registration, the payment details will be sent to you either by email or by post.

B. VBNN Smart Education Group© will send a Confirmation of Acceptance Letter and other relevant documents which are necessary for the start of your study. For local students, payment can be made even after the start of the study. For that, please contact the Admission Officer through the official contact details of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

If a student pays directly to the VBNN Smart Education Group© bank account, the first name and surname of the student should be mentioned as a reference which will appear on the bank statement.

For local students, no deposit is required. The payment plan can be discussed with the Admission Officer.

E.3. Fees

Students may pay their tuition fees in a single payment at the time of enrolment or by installments.

E.3.1. Single Payment

Single payment should usually be made before the course start date. Students paying tuition fees in a single payment may receive a 5% discount.

E.3.2. Payment by Installments

All fees must be settled prior to the commencement of the course. If the installment option is chosen, an additional 90 Euro must be paid for each installment.

The following conditions will apply to those paying by installments:

For online students and for visa students, the first payment should be at least 50% of the study fee. For exceptions, please contact the Admission Office through the official contact details of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

Students who choose to pay by installment(s) must continue to do so until the full balance of the course fee is paid in full.

A facility to pay by installments may be withdrawn or charged interest from individuals who fail to meet installment deadlines promptly or whose cheques are dishonored.

E.4. Refunds

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© assumes that all prospective students will have thought carefully about taking up a course and therefore applying for admission.

2. However, VBNN Smart Education Group© understands that there are many reasons for wishing to withdraw from a course, both before and after courses have commenced. Consequently, the VBNN Smart Education Group© policy on refund of fees upon withdrawal is as follows: In the event of cancellation, for whatever reason, the following will apply:

   i. Cancellations must be made in writing and will only be considered to have been made on the date on which they are received by Admissions.

   ii. For further information, please see our policy.

3. Where cancellations are received after the course commencement date, for whatever reason, no refund will be given.

4. Overseas students should note that where a statement has been sent to Swiss Immigration to support a student visa application, VBNN Smart Education Group© must notify Swiss Immigration of any cancellation.

5. For visa students: For students who are not successful in obtaining a visa, a refund will be granted after deduction of the non-refundable registration fee of 240 Euro, upon receipt of a completed Refund Request Form and a copy of the official visa refusal letter issued by the relevant Swiss High Commission/Consulate. A copy of the judgment of the Swiss Immigration Tribunal may also be required where the appeal was rejected by the Tribunal. Any such request must be made within three months from the date of the refusal.

6. For visa students: No refund is permitted or shall be made if a student enters Switzerland on a student visa obtained on the basis of the VBNN Smart Education Group© Letter of Acceptance.

7. Where it is proved that a prospective student has submitted a forged document or documents, e.g. certificates, transcripts, etc., with a view to obtaining a VBNN Smart Education Group© Offer Letter, such a prospective student will not have his or her fees refunded by VBNN Smart Education Group©.

8. For visa students: International students who fail to obtain a visa must apply for a refund within three months of their visa refusal.

9. Although VBNN Smart Education Group© will always endeavor to respond to refund requests with a sense of urgency, under normal circumstances it takes up to six weeks to process a refund. The process will start from the day the Refund Application Form, along with other required documents, is submitted to VBNN Smart Education Group©.

10. In order to claim a refund of tuition fees, the student or sponsor must meet the following conditions:

• Advise the Head of Administration in writing of withdrawal from the course before the start date of the course, according to the policy.

• Complete and return the Refund Application Form along with the Student Card and other VBNN Smart Education Group© property, including all original documentation issued by VBNN Smart Education Group©.

• International students or their sponsors must return all original documents issued by VBNN Smart Education Group©, including acceptance/enrollment letters, receipts, etc., which were issued by VBNN Smart Education Group©, and proof of rejection of student visa, such as a letter issued by the Swiss Embassy / High Commission or Swiss Immigration Authorities confirming the refusal of visa/entry, and photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport.

No refund will be given to a student under the following circumstances:

a. Cancellation is due to a change in personal circumstances, including a family bereavement.

b. For visa students: If the student is asked to leave the country by the Swiss authorities, or if they leave Switzerland during the program period without permission from VBNN Smart Education Group© and are subsequently refused re-entry.

c. For visa students: If a visa is refused as a consequence of the student not having a minimum of 80% attendance over the period of the course enrolled in, or because of any illegal activities by the student.

d. If the disruption in studies is due to the student’s conviction, court proceedings, or litigation involving them.

Review of the Policy: VBNN Smart Education Group© may, at its discretion, review and alter its Policy and Procedures for the Handling of Deposits, Fee Payments, and Refunds at any time without giving prior notice to or consulting with anyone concerned or affected by this policy.

Important Note for all students: Registration fees are non-refundable. After starting the study, the study fee is non-refundable and the full study fee must be paid, including AQT tax and all other expenses, even if the student wishes to stop or withdraw from his/her study.

For more information about our Policy and Procedures for the Handling of Deposits, Fee Payments, and Refunds, please contact us or check our website for the policy.

Annex F

Terms and Conditions

Introduction

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© is a name registered with the Swiss Federal Institute of Intellectual Property under No. 845306, Nice Classification: 9, 41, 42.

2. VBNN Smart Education Group© is used in connection with education, training, digital learning, technology, and related services.

3. VBNN Smart Education Group© offers and/or supports a range of educational, training, online study, professional development, and related programs and services, including programs from diploma level up to doctorate level, where applicable.

4. These General Terms and Conditions, GTC, are part of the individual contract between VBNN Smart Education Group© and its students, learners, participants, or clients.

Conclusion of the Contract

1. The registration form sent directly from the webpage or by electronic mailing is a binding offer of the student.

2. After receipt of the Application and Registration Fee, according to § III.B, VBNN Smart Education Group© will send a Letter of Acceptance to the student.

3. The contract with the student becomes valid:

• With the reception of the Letter of Acceptance, if the student has his/her residence in Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or a Member State of the European Union or the EEA;

• After VBNN Smart Education Group© receives a down payment of 10% of the tuition fee if the student does not live in the above-mentioned countries.

Study Fees

General Remarks

1. All fees and other charges are published on the website of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

2. If, for any reason, the study fees published in a printed brochure are different from the study fees published on the official VBNN Smart Education Group© website, then the study fees on the official website shall prevail.

3. All prices are quoted in EUR but can be quoted in USD or CHF at the student’s request.

4. All quoted prices may change without prior notice.

5. In addition to these rules, regarding the handling of deposits, fee payments, and refunds, VBNN Smart Education Group© refers to Annex E of the Student Handbook in its most recent version.

Application and Registration Fee

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© will charge an Application and Registration Fee to be paid to the VBNN Smart Education Group© bank account within 15 days after filing the registration form according to § III.A.1.

2. If the student wishes to start his/her studies within these 15 days, according to § III.B.1, the payment of the Application and Registration Fee must be made upon the instructions of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

3. The Application and Registration Fee is not refundable.

Tuition Fee

1. Tuition Fee must be paid at least 15 days before our intake.

2. The Tuition Fee includes the costs for e-study materials, but not the costs for the shipping of study materials or any other printed materials by post or any other shipping method.

3. The early payment discount of 5% applies if the Tuition Fee has been received 30 days before the course starting date.

4. In case a study program is canceled by VBNN Smart Education Group©, the Tuition Fee will be returned to the student.

5. If a student fails to meet his/her financial obligations despite appropriate notices, VBNN Smart Education Group© reserves the right to cancel his/her study place.

6. The Tuition Fee will not be returned if the student resigns before the study program is completed.

Scholarships

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© grants some limited scholarships to students under the prerequisites described on the webpage.

2. Scholarships can only be granted to students who paid at least the Application and Registration Fee according to § III.B.1.

Data Protection and Data Security

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© shall strictly comply with Swiss data protection laws and agrees not to disclose personal data or information to which it had access during the execution of the contract, to protect such data and information, and to use it only to the extent necessary for the fulfillment of the contract.

2. VBNN Smart Education Group© shall not disclose or give access to such data to third parties unless necessary for the execution of the contract.

3. VBNN Smart Education Group© shall take all technical, organizational, and contractual data security measures to avoid disclosure in any form.

4. The student agrees that:

• VBNN Smart Education Group© keeps the personal data of the student for 10 years after the end of the contract;

• VBNN Smart Education Group© may exchange personal data of students for payment purposes, such as payments by credit cards, etc.;

• VBNN Smart Education Group© may transfer data to state authorities in case of official requests.

Termination and Withdrawal of the Contract

Termination

1. The contract will be terminated without written notice after the expiration of the agreed contract period. The parties can agree upon an extension of the contract.

2. The contract can be terminated by written notice 30 days before the start of the next semester. The dates of the semesters are published on the webpage.

3. VBNN Smart Education Group© can terminate the contract if the student does not comply with his/her disciplinary duties as set out in § VII of the most recent Student Handbook, according to the procedural rules established in Annex B and C of the most recent Student Handbook.

Withdrawal

1. In a case of withdrawal earlier than 30 days before the course starting date as set out on the webpage, VBNN Smart Education Group© will refund two-thirds of the Tuition Fee.

2. In a case of withdrawal later than 30 days before the course starting date as set out on the webpage, VBNN Smart Education Group© will refund one-third of the Tuition Fee.

3. In a case of withdrawal after the course starting date, no fees are refunded anymore.

Performance of the Courses

1. VBNN Smart Education Group© study programs are held only with a sufficient number of students.

2. VBNN Smart Education Group© reserves the right to cancel any study program in case of an insufficient number of students, or due to circumstances beyond its control.

3. On the student’s request and under exceptional circumstances, VBNN Smart Education Group© can postpone the starting date of a study program to the next semester. This decision has to be taken by the Quality Department of VBNN Smart Education Group©.

Disciplinary Measures

1. Students are expected to comply with the VBNN Smart Education Group© Code of Conduct and Exam Code of Conduct as set out in Annexes 2 and 3, as well as with the laws of Switzerland.

2. VBNN Smart Education Group© reserves the right to expel students for disciplinary reasons. Regarding the disciplinary procedures, Annex B and C of the most recent Student Handbook are applicable.

Miscellaneous

1. In addition to this VBNN Smart Education Group© GTC, the most recent version of the Student Handbook and its Annexes form part of the VBNN Smart Education Group© regulatory framework.

2. VBNN Smart Education Group© has the right to change the contract, including starting dates and Tuition Fee, any time needed.

3. All VBNN Smart Education Group© documents, including all annexes and the handbook, are subject to change without prior notice.

4. Students and alumni accept and will accept the Quality Assurance, including accreditations, validations, certifications, memberships, etc., which VBNN Smart Education Group© offers from the day of their application until the day of their graduation. It is highly recommended to apply for a joint/dual award program for more national and international acceptance when applying for a job or further study. The student who does not apply for the dual awards takes full responsibility in case the single award is not recognized in his/her country. Even with dual awards, there is no guarantee of recognition of any diploma in the student’s country. In case the joint program is terminated, the student will be automatically moved to a joint program with another school. If there is no other joint program possible, the student will be moved to the single program, only the VBNN Smart Education Group© diploma, and the difference in fee, maximum 990 Euro, will be added to the student’s financial file.

5. Students and alumni do not have the right to object or ask for any other Quality Assurance. In case VBNN Smart Education Group© loses an accreditation, certification, membership, partner, etc., the student has no right to request it back, or request a refund or anything else.

Jurisdiction and Applicable Law

1. This contract, including all annexes, programs, and handbooks, shall be governed by substantive Swiss law, excluding the Swiss conflict of law rules.

2. For any controversy arising between VBNN Smart Education Group© and a student or an agent, the place of jurisdiction shall be Zurich, Switzerland.

NOTE: The updated policy replaces all previous policies. If you register with us, you confirm that you have read the updated policy and accept it.

All VBNN Smart Education Group© documents, including the Policy, GTC, and the full website, are written in English. Anything you see in another language is an auto-translation. The English version is the valid one, and we do not take any responsibility for any mistake caused by auto-translation.

This Policy has been legally reviewed and approved by MME Legal Switzerland.