ALX Africa Payment & Cancellation Policy

Last updated on 31 July 2024.

1. GENERAL
   1. These terms outline the Payment and Cancellation Terms & Conditions for sponsored and self-funding students of our ALX Africa Online Learning Programmes.

1. 2 These Payment and Cancellation Terms & Conditions apply to:
   1. Learners signing up for ALX Africa programmes;
   2. All successfully accepted learners;
   3. All training courses and programmes offered by Sand Tech Holdings Limited (“Sand”).

1.3 By enrolling for a programme, learners agree to accept these terms.

2. ADMINISTRATION FEES – TECH LITE

2.1 All successfully accepted learners (self-funded and fully sponsored) will be charged a one-time, non-refundable administration fee to confirm enrollment into the programme.

2.2 Fully sponsored learners will only be charged the administration fee set out below. Self-funded learners will be charged as per the table under section 3 below.

2.3 The administration fees per programme are set out below:

Programme	Retail Value for African Learners	2024 Admin Fee	Pay in Full (discount 20%)	Pay as you Learn	50/50 instalments
Career Accelerator (AiCE)	$3000	$0	$0	$0	$0
AWS Cloud Computing	$7,500	$150	$120	$50/month (3)	$75 (2)
Front-End Web Development	$9,500	$200	$160	$66.67/month (3)	$100 (2)
Back-End Web Development	$9,500	$200	$160	$66.67/month (3)	$100 (2)
Salesforce Administrator	$7,500	$175	$140	$58.33/month (3)	$87.50 (2)
Data Analytics	$7,500	$150	$120	$50/month (3)	$75 (2)
Data Science	$12,500	$300	$240	$30/month (10)	$150 (2)
Virtual Assistance Program (VA)	$1500	$0	$0	$0	$0
ALX Professional Foundations	TBC	$0	$0	$0	$0

Pathway Payment Plan

Programme	Access Fee (until 31st July 2024)	Pay in Full:	Monthly instalments
ALX Pathway	$20	$40	$5 (x8)

3.PAYMENT TERMS

ACCESS FEE – ALX PATHWAY

3.1 All successfully accepted learners into ALX Pathway will be charged a non-refundable Access Fee. This fee provides access to ALX Tech Hubs, the Professional Foundations programme, the ALX community, events, infrastructure, and learning systems. It does not cover any partner eligibility requirements or application fees that arise thereafter. 

NB: This is not a tuition fee, but instead a fee that provides access to the ALX ecosystem. Partner fees and eligibility requirements may also apply in addition.

Programme	Access Fee	Payment Options
ALX Pathway	$40 USD	Option 1: Pay in full, fee of $40 USD. Option 2: Pay in monthly instalments of $5 USD per month over the 8 months of Pathway Foundations.

3. 1.1 The administration fees and programme fees for the chosen programme must be paid in accordance with the tables above: either in monthly subscription fees amounting to the full Programme Cost; or Pay-in-Full, One-Time Payment offered at the rate reflected in the corresponding column above. Enrolment is not complete until Sand Tech Holdings Limited (“Sand”) has received full payment of the above-mentioned fees. 

3.2 Pay-as-you-learn Monthly Payments

3.2.1 If a learner chooses to pay monthly, the first month’s fee will be due before payment deadline communicated. Enrollment is not complete until Sand has received full payment of the first month’s fee. All subsequent payments are subject to the monthly billing cycle, which is 10 days prior to the first of the following month. Payment obligations in respect of Monthly Subscription Fees will cease if a learner withdraws from the program ahead of the next billing cycle. Payment confirmation will be emailed to the payer’s email address that is provided at the point of sale and for each billing cycle. It is the learner’s sole responsibility to follow up on whether payment has been received by Sand.

3.3 Pay-in-Full, One-Time Payments
3.3.1 If a learner chooses to pay the Pay-in-Full One-Time Payment, the Pay-in-Full One-Time Payment for the chosen program will be due before the last business day of the enrollment period. Enrollment is not complete until Sand has received full payment of the associated program fees. Payment confirmation will be emailed to the payer’s email address that is provided at the point of sale. It is the learner’s sole responsibility to follow up on whether payment has been received by Sand.

3.4 Methods of Payment

3.4.1 Accepted applicants will receive an automatically generated invoice which includes a payment link from Stripe, our robust global payment gateway.

3.4 .2 Accepted payment methods are VISA, Mastercard, American Express or an International Wire Transfer made payable to Sand Tech Holdings Limited.  Mobile money is a valid option in some regions as well. Sand reserves the right to update or change payment methods at any time. In the event that a payment method is discontinued by Sand, Sand will endeavour to provide learners with a 90-day notice before any changes take place. Learners may change between accepted methods of payment at any time. 

3.4.3 Another accepted payment method in some markets is Fawry Pay. Fawry Pay’s responsibility is limited to payment collection on behalf of Sand Tech Holdings Limited. For any other issues related to Fairy payments, please contact Sand. 

3.4.4 Pay-as-you-learn: In respect of monthly payments, if the initial payment has been made via Card, the fees will be deducted automatically as per the dates mentioned above.

3.4.5 Sand will send an email to the applicant confirming enrollment is all fees have been received timeously. Learners bear the responsibility to ensure that Sand have received the funds.

3.4.6 50/50 instalments with first payment due upon completion of your Foundations Module, no later than ten days after receiving the payment request email.

4. VARIATIONS/PROMOTIONS

4.1 Sand reserves the right to amend the above-mentioned fees and/or run promotions in respect of the fees. Promotions will only be available to learners that are first-time registrants. Learners will be notified in the event of any pricing changes. Changes in pricing will not affect learners that have registered prior to the change in pricing.

4.2 Our programmes are constantly undergoing changes in order to be as impactful as they can be for learners. Through these iterations, they inevitably change in length of programmes as content is added or subtracted. This iteration process may lead to  varying costs for future cohorts.

5. CANCELLATION OR RESCHEDULING

5.1 Cancellation/rescheduling by the Learner

5.1.1 A learner giving notice of cancellation/reschedule more than five (5) full business days prior to programme start date is eligible for a refund of the applicable administration fee or reschedule without penalty.

5.1.2 A learner giving notice of cancellation/reschedule on or after the fifth  (5th) full business day prior to programme start date is not eligible for refund and is subject to approval and a reschedule penalty may apply.

5.1.3 To request a reschedule within the qualifying period,  a future date must be identified and coordinated with Sand immediately. In the event that the request is accepted, the rescheduled date is limited to one time and only for the same programme. The rescheduled programme must begin up to a maximum of twelve months from the original programme date.

5.1.4 For no-shows, payment is non-refundable. “No Shows” is defined as the learner not showing up on the date the programme starts, and there was no prior communication from the learner to cancel or reschedule the programme.

5.2 Cancellation/rescheduling by Sand Tech Holdings Limited

5.2.1 Sand may at its sole discretion cancel or reschedule any programme for any reason, including the occurrence of a Force Majeure event (which includes, but is not limited to any event that is not in Sand’s control that prevents any course or program from being delivered or completed) and will attempt to provide at least seven (7) business days notice when cancelling or rescheduling. However, programs may be canceled or rescheduled without warning. 

5.2.2 Program fees paid up to the point of cancellation or rescheduling will be refunded to enrolled learners if the delivery or completion of a course or program is affected by a Force Majeure event.

5.2.3 If a course or program is canceled or rescheduled for any reason other than a Force Majeure event, Sand will at the learner’s request, refund the fees paid for the canceled program or credit the fees toward the fees chargeable for a rescheduled program.

5.2.4 Sand  assumes no liability for any costs that may be incurred in the unlikely event of a programme cancellation or rescheduling.

5.5 ALX Pathway Access Fee:

5.1.1 ALX Pathway includes a $40 USD Access Fee. This fee can be paid in full or in monthly instalments for $5 USD for the duration of Pathway Foundations.

5.1.2 The monthly Access Fee of $5 USD paid monthly over 8 months of Pathway Foundations. Full Access Fee of $40 USD will be due by completion of the 8 months of Pathway Foundations. Monthly payments will be communicated with option to pay by the last day of the month (e.g. 31st July, 31st August, 30th September, 31st October).

5.1.3 By paying the Access Fee, participants will have the opportunity to secure their spot in ALX Pathway. If the Access Fee is not paid, the participant’s spot will not be secured in ALX Pathway and can result in them losing their seat.

5.1.4 Accepted participants to ALX Pathway will be able to pay the Access Fee at any time throughout the 8 months of Pathway Foundations, excluding the first instalment of $5 USD, which is due by 6 October 2024 to confirm enrolment into the programme. ALX reserves the right to consider measures to ensure participants fulfil their payment obligations prior to completing their ALX Pathway Programme.

6. SUBSTITUTION OF LEARNERS

6.1 Substitutions of one learner for another for a specific enrollment are NOT accepted.

7. DISCLAIMER, LIMITATION OF LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY

7.1 No warranty

7.1.1. SAND MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY ABOUT THE ALX PROGRAMS OR THE PAYMENT METHODS MENTIONED HEREIN, INCLUDING ANY REPRESENTATION THAT THE COURSES OR PAYMENT METHODS WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE. WE PROVIDE THESE SERVICES (INCLUDING CONTENT AND INFORMATION) ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS.

7.2. Limitation of Liability

7.2.1 TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, NEITHER SAND, NOR ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AFFILIATES WILL ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS, COSTS, DAMAGES OR LOSSES INCURRED OR SUFFERED BY ANY LEARNERS AS A RESULT OF:

7.2.1.1 a program being canceled or rescheduled for any reason;

7.2.1.2 failed payments;

7.2.1.3 any learner’s failure to confirm receipt of payments by Sand;

7.2.1.4 payments made using incorrect banking details;

7.2.1.5 any learner’s misconduct, misrepresentation, negligence, or provision of inaccurate information;

7.2.1.6 any action or omission by a third party.

7.2.2 TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, SAND, INCLUDING ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AFFILIATES, WILL NOT BE LIABLE IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.

7.2.3 SAND, INCLUDING ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, AFFILIATES WILL NOT BE LIABLE TO LEARNERS IN CONNECTION WITH THESE TERMS FOR ANY AMOUNT THAT EXCEEDS THE TOTAL FEES PAID OR PAYABLE BY LEARNERS TO SAND FOR THE SERVICES/PROGRAMS.

7.3 Indemnity:

7.3.1 Learners hereby agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Sand, its directors, employees, contractors, affiliates from and against any third-party claims, demands, losses, expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from:

7.3.1.1 your enrollment in any of the ALX programmes;

7.3.1.2 your violation of these terms;

7.3.1.3 your violation of any rights of a third party.

8. GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION

8.1 Regardless of your country of residence, Sand and the learners agree that the laws of Mauritius, excluding conflict of laws rules, shall exclusively govern any dispute relating to these terms.

8.2 Learners and Sand agree that claims and disputes can be litigated only in Mauritius, and Sand and learners each agree to personal jurisdiction in those courts.

9. OTHER IMPORTANT TERMS

9.1 If a court with authority over these terms finds any part of it unenforceable, the court may modify the terms to make that part enforceable while still achieving its intent. If the court cannot do that, learners and Sand agree to ask the court to remove that unenforceable part and still enforce the rest of these terms.

9.2 These terms (including additional terms that may be provided by Sand when learners engage ALX programmes) is the only agreement between learners and Sand regarding the ALX programmes and supersedes all prior agreements for these programs.

9.3 If Sand does not act to enforce a breach of these terms, that does not mean that Sand has waived its right to enforce these terms.

9.4 Learners may not assign or transfer these terms (or participation in the ALX programmes) to anyone without Sand’s prior consent. However, learners agree that Sand may assign these terms to our affiliates or a party that buys it without your consent.

9.5 What does ‘fully sponsored’ mean? Will I still need to pay the administration fee?

If you meet our eligibility requirements, and if you are able to successfully motivate for a sponsored place,  you will not need to pay the programme costs. You will, if you are applying to one of the tech programmes, be required to pay the administration fee to enrol into your programme.

When will I need to pay?

Accepted applicants will be required to pay their first instalment upon completion of the compulsory 2-month Foundations module. Learners will receive their first reminder 10 days prior to their payment deadline via email. At this point, learners have the option to pay the administration fee in monthly instalments, or in full with a 20% discount on their total administration fee.

How does payment work?

A.ALX offers flexible payment terms:

1.Monthly instalments with the first payment due upon completion of your Foundations module, no later than ten days after receiving the payment request email, or by managing your payment in the payment app as per the deadline communicated there.

2.One-time payment upfront with 20% discount. This payment is due upon completion of your Foundations module, no later than ten days after receiving the payment request email.

B. You can either pay for the ALX Administration fee yourself or have someone pay for you on your behalf. We accept all major credit cards, Apple and Google Pay, PayPal and mobile money payment options. You will have the option to pay in local currency or in USD. Some markets have cash options as well.

Can I pay in my local currency?

Learners can choose to pay either in their local currency or in USD. ALX fees are charged in USD and therefore are subject to exchange rate fluctuations.

Will I be able to pay through a local or international payment provider available in my country?

 ALX accepts a wide variety of payment methods, including (but not limited to):

Egypt: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, ApplePay, GooglePay, FawryPay

Ethiopia: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, TeleBirr, CBEBirr, M-Pesa, Hello Cash, EBirr

Ghana: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, ApplePay, GooglePay, MTN, Vodafone, Airtel

Kenya: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, M-Pesa, Airtel

Morocco: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, ApplePay, GooglePay, Cash Payments

Nigeria: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, All Major Banks, Bank Transfer, ApplePay, GooglePay, POS, NQR, eNaira, PayAttitude, Paga,  1Voucher

Rwanda: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, MTN, Airtel

South Africa: Debit and Credit Cards, Paypal, All Major Banks, 1Voucher, ApplePay, GooglePay, Zapper

Other African markets: many of the above options are available in other African countries as well

NB. For bank transfers, please check with your provider as bank charges may apply.
NB. For all non-card transactions (such as bank transfers, Applepay, GooglePay, FawryPay or mobile transactions) a 2% non-refundable processing fee may apply.

What happens if I drop out or am unable to complete the course, will I receive a refund?

The administration fee is a non-refundable fee that is compulsory for learners to complete their programme. You will not receive a refund if you are unable to complete the programme, however you will be able to defer to a later cohort. Please note that the deferment cut-off date is at the end of week 2 of your programme. After this date you will not be able to select to defer and will be considered as having dropped out of your programme. If you do decide to defer to another cohort, you will not be required to pay the administration fee again.

NB. Please note that deferment is not possible for learners in Data Science.

I am unable to start my programme for this cohort, am I still able to defer?

You will be able to defer your participation in 2024. You have two options:

1.If you defer BEFORE before confirming your enrollment and completing your administration fee, your fee will roll over to the next cohort and you will need to complete payment upon completing your 2-month Foundations module. 

2.If you defer AFTER you have confirmed enrollment and paid some or all of your administration fee, your place will roll over to the next cohort and you will NOT need to pay the full administration fee again. Please note that the deferment cut off date for Tech Lite Cohorts  is at the end of week 2 of your programme. After this date you will not be able to select to defer and will be considered as having dropped out of your programme.

NB: ALX continuously evolves its programme portfolio and we cannot guarantee that your selected programme will be available in the next cohort.

10. HOW TO CONTACT US

10.1 For general inquiries, you may contact us online or by email at [email protected].

10.2 For legal notices or service of process, you may write to us at the following address:

     Sand Tech Holdings Limited

     Attn: Legal Department

     Ref: ALX Payment Terms and Conditions

     6th Floor, Tower A, 

    1 Exchange Square, 

    Wall Street, 

    Ebene 72201, 

    5th Floor, The CORE Building,

    No. 62, ICT Avenue, Cybercity,

    Ebene, Mauritius

10. 3 You agree that the only way to provide us legal notice is at this address.