GENERAL

1. Terms & Conditions

These are the Terms and Conditions of the agreement between Study Group USA Higher Education LLC (‘Study Group’), as a representative of CSU SM University (‘University’), and the Student (‘Student’). If the Student is under the age of 18, the term ‘Student’ includes the responsible party advocating on behalf of the Student (i.e. parent, legal guardian, representative or sponsor).

1a. The Terms and Conditions outlined in this document are effective upon completion of the confirmation process, as detailed in Section 4 below. These Terms and Conditions supersede any promises, representations and warranties, whether written or oral, made by or on behalf of the Student, the University, or Study Group.

1b. The Student should read these Terms and Conditions carefully before paying their non-refundable application fee and signing their application for admission. If necessary, the Student should obtain translating assistance to fully comprehend these Terms and Conditions prior to signing the Acceptance of Offer Form.

2. Changes to Terms & Conditions

Study Group reserves the right to amend the Terms and Conditions from time to time. The Student agrees to comply with the most current version of the Terms and Conditions, as amended from time to time, which can be found online at https://www.studygroup.com/csusm-termsconditions.

2a. All Students are bound by the regulations, policies and procedures of the University as amended from time to time. The most current versions are available at CSU SM University Student Policies at https://www.csusm.edu/dos/advocacy/polpro.html

2b. In accordance with clause 3a, all Students admitted directly to the University are subject to the rules of the University in which they are enrolled. Students must assume full responsibility for compliance. Rules governing alcohol, controlled drugs and other serious offenses will be strictly enforced. Students are reminded that international students in the United States must comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in order to retain valid student visas. Violations of such laws will render the Student liable for immediate dismissal from the program and repatriation to the home country, if not legal prosecution for violation of the laws of the state or federal jurisdictions involved. The obligation to pay the tuition and fees by the due date is unconditional. No portion of such fees so paid or outstanding will be refunded or cancelled notwithstanding the subsequent absence, suspension, expulsion, dismissal or withdrawal of the Student for any reason. Admission is subject to eligibility and availability.

OFFER & CONFIRMATION

3. Confirmation of Offer Upon admission to the University, the University issues a written offer. In order to accept the offer, the Student must sign the Acceptance of Offer Form and return it to Study Group together with any further requirements as stated in the offer. This denotes completion of the confirmation process and acceptance of these Terms and Conditions.

4. Commitment Fee

For the Fall 2024 intake, see the Confirm Your Place promotion details below. The Student is required to pay a Commitment Fee of $2,000 directly to Study Group, details of which will be provided by Study Group.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND POLICIES

5. Participant Responsibility

The price for the University Program does not include the following expenses:

5a. The costs of housing, dining fees, insurance, general fees, and other University fees are billed by, and paid directly to, the University. PLEASE DO NOT PAY THESE TO STUDY GROUP.

5b. Meal and housing costs during the few times the University is officially closed. This is usually limited to the Christmas holiday (3-4 weeks when all dining halls, and some residence halls are closed) and Spring Break vacation (approximately 10 days when residence halls remain open, but dining halls are closed).

5c. Personal spending money.

5d. Insurance for pre-existing medical conditions, i.e., ailments which exist prior to arrival in the U.S.

5e. University textbooks and other necessary school supplies.

5f. Air fare to and from U.S. domestic airport closest to the University campus in the U.S. (a round trip ticket is required).

6. Full Payment

The balance of the tuition fees for the first term must be paid to the University one month before the published Program start date. Once Students are registered for the term classes, Students will have one week from the time of invoicing to pay their bill to the University for room, dining, insurance and fees. All fees for second or subsequent study terms must be paid two months prior to the term start date. Pricing is subject to change. See Section 19 for price amendment details.

6a. Any variation to standard payment terms must be made in advance and agreed to in writing. The Student will not be permitted to register for their Program and courses until full payment has been made.

6b. The University may offer a payment instalment plan. The Student may choose this method of payment at the time of receiving their invoice from the University.

7. Overdue Payment

Students with outstanding balances will be placed on hold by the University, and will be barred from attending classes, or moving into accommodations, until payment is made in full. Failure to make payment in full by the payment deadline may lead to penalties and may result in a revocation of the I-20, which will impact the ability of the Student to remain in the U.S.

8. Payment Process

The Commitment Fee shall be paid to Study Group. All other fees are to paid directly to the University.

8a. Certain payment options will carry a processing fee of 2.5%. We reserve the right to alter this charge from time to time. If you choose to pay in your local currency, a foreign exchange rate will apply. The applicable exchange rate can be viewed online at the time and date of the payment. Bank charges and commission for both the sending and receiving banks will be paid by the sender of funds, or they will be applied to the Student’s account.

9. Pre-Arrival Cancellation

If a confirmed Student cancels prior to the published start of scheduled classes, the University will refund all monies paid, less any reasonable costs incurred.

9a.Cancellation Due to Exceptional Circumstances

If a confirmed Student cancels prior to the published arrival date due to a documented, exceptional circumstance (e.g. bereavement, illness, etc.), a refund of the tuition fee may be awarded at the sole discretion of the University. Supporting documentation must be provided by the Student to the University in accordance with University policies.

9b. Program Cancellation

If the University cancels a Program prior to the Student’s start date, the University, will refund all monies paid by the Student.

9c. Cancellation Notification.

Cancellation may occur when the Student provides a written notice of cancellation in line with University policies.

10. Withdrawal

Once classes begin, the Student is subject to University withdrawal policies as outlined at https://www.csusm.edu/enroll/services/withdrawal.html.

10a. Charges Other Than Tuition

All additional required fees, such as Residence Hall Fees, Dining Services Fees, General Student Fee, Chapel Fee, Course or Lab Fee, Administrative Fee and Applied Music Fee, are subject to the policies set by the University.

10b. Withdrawal Due to Suspension or Dismissal

Students who are suspended or dismissed from any Program will not receive a refund for money paid for tuition or other University charges.

11. Transfer

Students seeking transfer to a different institution between the date of initial arrival in the U.S., and the first day of classes will forfeit tuition paid. Fees paid to the University (i.e. room, board, fees), will be refunded on a prorated scale after official notification from the Student to the University Cashier’s Office.

11a. Students seeking transfer to a different institution after the initial term, prior to the first day of classes of the next term, will receive a full tuition refund and a refund or prorated refund of University fees (e.g. housing, transit, health insurance, etc.) for the upcoming term. If the Student is seeking transfer after the beginning of classes in subsequent terms, the withdrawal policy outlined in Section 11 applies.

12. General Refund Policy

All refunds will be sent to the account of the individual from whom Study Group or the University has received the original direct payment. Refunds will be paid in the form of payment originally received if possible.

12a. If funds cannot be returned to the original account (e.g. account closed), Study Group or the University may, at its discretion, make a refund to an alternate account so long as the alternate account complies with the Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act and its implementing regulations at the time of the refund. In the event no compliant alternate account is available for the payment of the refund within six months of the original request, all monies are forfeited.

13. Deferrals

If an applicant accepted by the University defers to the next intake, all funds received will be applied to the next intake and will not be refunded. Applicants may be granted deferrals for up to two semesters. Applicants who request subsequent deferrals will be encouraged to reapply.

13a. Applicants who have made a payment and would like to defer a Program are required to complete a deferral request form in accordance with University policies. The request to defer will then be submitted to the University and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The University reserves the right to determine eligibility for deferral. Deferrals are not granted for financial reasons. Deferral requests are evaluated on the merits and are not automatically approved.

13b. Students with a medical necessity must provide notification and written documentation to Study Group prior to the published Program start date. Deferrals in this situation will be granted at the discretion of Study Group and/or the University on a case-by-case basis.

13c. If an applicant is accepted and has paid their Commitment Fee but receives a visa too late to begin classes on time, the applicant may defer to the next intake, if the exact same Program is offered. If the same Program is unavailable within 6 months of the deferral, the applicant will receive a full refund of Commitment Fee. All funds received will be applied to the next intake and will not be refunded. If the exact Program is available within six months’ time and the applicant chooses not to defer, the applicant will forfeit any Commitment Fee paid.

POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

14. Student Conduct & Rules

All Students are subject to the rules of the University. The Student must assume full responsibility for compliance. Student Policies and Procedures for the University are available at https://www.csusm.edu/dos/advocacy/polpro.html

14a. By signing the Acceptance of Offer Form the Student is acknowledging they agree to adhere to University policies, including, but not limited to all housing, and rules including payment, withdrawal, and cancellation regulations at the University. Rules governing alcohol, tobacco, controlled drugs, and other serious offenses will be strictly enforced. International students in the U.S. must comply with both the letter and the spirit of the law in order to retain valid student visas. Violations of such laws/policies will render the Student liable for immediate dismissal from the Program and repatriation to the home country, and possible legal prosecution for violation of the laws of the state or federal jurisdictions involved. No refund will be given in cases of suspension, expulsion or administrative separation.

15. Appeals

The Student may challenge decisions through established procedures for appeals. Information regarding the University’s appeals procedures is available at https://www.csusm.edu/dos/advocacy/polpro.html

16. Late Arrivals

All Students are expected to arrive and start their Program on the date listed on the I-20 as the Program Start Date. All late arrivals must be approved in advance and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Commitment Fees, tuition, accommodation costs, or other fees will not be prorated for late arrivals. An unapproved late arrival may result in the Student being unable to attend classes for the semester and/or enter the U.S. and may also require that the Student return to their home country until the next available term.

17. Health Insurance

U.S. based health insurance is mandatory for all Students. An approved insurance plan will be automatically added to the Student’s invoice or directly invoiced by the University. Not all services are covered by the insurance provided, and the Student is responsible for any outstanding balances for non-covered services. Insurance policies based in countries outside of the U.S. will not be accepted as reasonable substitutes, except for pre-approved governmental-sponsored programs.

18. Pricing

Prices for Programs, fees, and insurance are subject to change without notice. Current pricing can be found at https://www.csusm.edu/global/admissions/tuitionandfees.html. Published prices are relevant only for the year specified. Prices are adjusted at a minimum annually to reflect amendments made by the University and Study Group to their tuition and fees.

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

19a. Maintaining Good Standing

The Student must meet attendance, course grade, and GPA requirements as specified in the University Handbook in order to maintain the status of academic good standing.

19b. Progression

Progression to the next term is dependent on successfully meeting all attendance, course grade, and GPA requirements as specified in the relevant University Student Handbook which is available at https://www.csusm.edu/dos/studres/standards_student_conduct.html. The University may have additional requirements for progression. These additional requirements (if any) will be reviewed during orientation.

20. Attendance Criteria

Students are expected to attend classes in accordance with the University attendance requirements for the Program, as outlined in the relevant University Handbook. Students who fail to meet attendance requirements and policies may be subject to penalties and/or discipline, including loss of immigration status. Students whose grades do not meet minimum Program standards may be required to repeat coursework, be dismissed or administratively separated from the Program. The Student will not receive a refund if they lose immigration status due to class absences.

21. Vacation, Holidays, and Closures

The Student should familiarize themselves with the University’s calendar (see https://www.csusm.edu/academic_programs/calendars.html) for holidays and vacations. Classes will not be held on designated school vacations and may be cancelled on public holidays. Study Group does not make reimbursements for classes not offered due to planned or unplanned school closures. All other vacations or absences are in accordance with the University policies.

LEGAL

22. Student Information & Communication

The Student must supply Study Group with personal email addresses and mobile/cell numbers prior to arrival, to ensure that communication, to include transmission of Student reports, may always be maintained. Contact information must be up to date and operational. Any changes must be reported to Study Group by the Student within 24 hours of the change occurring.

22a. Upon issuance of a University email address, which is at the time of receiving the official acceptance letter from the University, the Student is required to check the University email address daily. The Student will be held responsible for complying with all communications sent to that email address. Missing an email will not be an acceptable explanation for non-compliance with official requests.

23. Data Protection

Any information provided to Study Group may be held on computer and shall be used in accordance with U.S. law, including FERPA, HIPAA, and ADA. Information provided to Study Group is held and processed for the purpose of administering the Student’s application and may be carried forward to the Student’s official student record, which holds data in electronic and paper form on personal details, academic and administrative history, and on relevant financial transactions. Upon completion of the Student’s Program, the parts of their student record which the University needs to retain will be archived. Some information will also be processed for the purpose of managing the relationship with the Student as an alumnus. Other information will be destroyed. Throughout, the Student’s personal data will be held in accordance with current U.S. data protection law.

23a. Study Group respects the Student’s privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information. Further information on how Study Group protects your personal information can be found in the Student Privacy Notice: https://corporate.studygroup.com/land/student-privacy-notice.

24. Damage and Liability

Neither Study Group, the University, nor their staff or representatives, will be liable for any loss, damage, or injury to persons or property, except where the liability is specified by applicable law. Neither Study Group, the University, nor their staff or representatives will be liable if, for any reason--including low enrollment, they are not able to supply a service due to circumstances beyond their control.

24a. Any reference in these terms to liability of Students shall be deemed to imply liability on any financial sponsor, and such liability is joint and several. Students are responsible for payment for any damage caused by them to Study Group property, including fixtures and fittings in University-approved accommodation. Occupants of shared accommodation are jointly and severally liable for the proper care of rooms, fixtures and fittings and the University reserves the right to recover costs for damage or exceptional cleaning.

24b. The Student agrees to indemnify Study Group and its agents with regard to any financial obligations or liabilities that the Student may personally incur or any damage or injury to the person or property of others that the Student may cause while participating in this Program. The Program begins with the Student’s outbound flight to the U.S. and terminates when the return flight lands. The Student realizes that any airline’s liability for loss or damage to baggage or property, or for death or injury, is limited by the terms outlined by the airlines. We also understand that it is the Student’s responsibility to obtain a passport and any required visa.

24c. Study Group is not responsible for any loss or injury suffered by the applicant at any time while participating in the Program, including but not limited to losses or injury suffered during periods of independent travel or absence from the Program. The Student releases Study Group from all liability related to such actions.

25. Medical

The Student gives permission for the administration of first aid and appropriate non-prescription medication and gives permission to the University to seek medical, dental or optical treatment when required. The Student consents to any x-ray examinations, anesthetic, medical or surgical diagnosis or treatment, or hospital care which is deemed advisable by, and is rendered under, the general supervision of any licensed physician or surgeon, whether such treatment or diagnosis is rendered at the office of said physician or surgeon or at a hospital. It is understood that this authorization is not given in advance of any specific diagnosis, treatment or hospital care being required, but is given to provide authority and power on the part of the University to give specific consent to any and all such diagnoses, treatments, or hospital care which the aforementioned physician or surgeon, in the exercise of her/his best judgment, may deem advisable.

26. Disclaimer

Study Group takes great care in compiling and providing Programs, facilities, and other arrangements in official online and print formats, and we believe all materials and services available to be accurate at the time of delivery. Study Group regularly reviews materials and Programs, which may be subject to change without notice.

27. Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Study Group is an equal opportunity provider. Study Group and the University are committed to the elimination of discrimination and the provision of equal opportunity in education and employment. In compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, Study Group and its partners do not discriminate in any of policies, procedures, or practices. on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy. This non-discrimination policy covers admission into and access to and employment in all Programs and activities, including, but not limited to, academic admissions, financial aid, educational services, and employment.

28. Severability

If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is held to be invalid, illegal, void, or unenforceable, then such provision shall be modified by the proper court or other authority to the extent necessary and possible to make such provision enforceable, and such modified provision and all other provisions of these Terms and Conditions shall be given effect separately from the provision or portion thereof determined to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable and shall not be affected thereby.

29. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the domestic laws of Maryland, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule that would cause the application of the laws of any other jurisdiction. Each of the parties submits to the jurisdiction of any state court sitting in Maryland, in any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these terms and conditions and agrees that all claims in respect of the action or proceeding may be heard and determined in any such court. Each party also agrees not to bring any action or proceeding arising out of or relating to these Terms and Conditions in any other court. Each of the parties waives any defense of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any action or proceeding so brought and waives any bond, surety, or other security that might be required of any other party with respect thereto.

30. Applying for a Visa

Upon completion of required materials and forms, the University will provide the Form I-20 to the Student. An I-20 is required to start the process of obtaining a student visa to enter the United States. The Student will also be prepared to present financial documentation to the US consular office in the Student’s home country. It is recommended that all students apply for their visa as early as possible. The Student must notify their Study Group academic enrolment advisor directly once their visa status is known.

Study Group USA Higher Education LLC
200 S Wacker Dr Fl 31
Chicago, IL 60606

Confirm Your Place Terms and Conditions

Overview: This document contains important information about the Study Group USA Higher Educations LLC (“Study Group”) Confirm Your Place reduction (“CYP”). CYP is being made available to ensure you can continue your education journey in the US. CYP is available to all students applying for the Fall 2024 intake at California State University San Marcos. It provides assistance as it reduces the amount of the deposit/confirmation fee amount required to confirm your place for the Fall 2024 intake.

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT. Should you have any questions about CYP, please contact your educational representative for more information.

Eligibility: To be eligible for CYP you must be a student who on or after 24 March 2024:

1. has accepted an unconditional offer from Study Group, or has been notified by Study Group that you have satisfied all conditions on a conditional offer such that the offer is now unconditional; and
2. has accepted an unconditional offer before the Confirmation Deadline stated in Table 1 below; and
3. will be attending the Fall 2024 intake in accordance with Table 1.

Table 1 - Fall 2024 Intakes 

Important notes:

• The standard Terms and Conditions stated within your Offer Letter apply to the reduced deposit.
• You are not entitled to the CYP reduction if you applied to the Fall 2024 intake prior to 24 March 2024.
• Study Group reserves the right to decline the CYP for any student or withdraw the offer of the CYP Study Group’s discretion.