These terms and conditions (these “Terms”) apply to all undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship (each an “Award”) made to students at GISMA Business School (“GISMA”), studying a degree programme commencing their courses on or after 1 June 2020. These Terms cover the process of applying for and eligibility requirements for the Awards and your and GISMA’s respective obligations if your application for an Award is successful.
By completing and submitting an application for an Award (an “Application”), you accept and agree to be bound by these Terms and any further terms and conditions which are specific to certain Awards and of which you are notified by GISMA (“Further Terms”). In the event of conflict between these Terms and any Further Terms, the Further Terms shall prevail.
For the avoidance of doubt, you remain bound by these Terms and any Further Terms in addition to the financial and contractual obligations of GISMA’s terms and conditions applicable to your enrolment on a course with us which are available on the website at www.gisma.com. If you accept your place at GISMA prior to the outcome of your Application, and your Application is unsuccessful, you remain liable for your course fees under the terms and conditions.
Eligibility for an Award
Application, Selection and Notification Process
(each being “Forbidden Content”). Failure to comply with this paragraph 5 will result in immediate disqualification of your Application for that Scholarship Year.
Payment of your Award
What happens if you win an Award but decide to defer your place on a course?
Use of your personal data & publicity
General
GISMA will not be liable for any losses direct, or otherwise, incurred by you or any sponsors you may have.
GISMA scholarship that is solely applicable for the June/July and September/October intake of 2020. The following additional Terms apply:
1. Overview
1.1 Delivery modes, terminology:
1.1.1 Online streaming delivery (streaming): ‘live’ sessions, virtual equivalent to face-to-face delivery, following similar structure and pace.
1.1.2 Face-to-Face delivery (F2F): presential. on campus in Germany.
1.1.3 Online delivery (online): via learning platform which are not ‘live’ sessions.
1.2 The pricing is per term, this is equivalent to an accreditation level:
1.2.1 PG Certificate
1.2.2 PG Diploma
1.2.3 Master’s degree (Dissertation)
1.3 Due to the current Covid-19 border closure and until further notice, all students must start their Programme via online streaming delivery.
1.4 There are three pathways available to students who start their programme with the online streaming option:
1.4.1 Students who are granted a visa to come to Germany for the start date of the following term, can continue with face to face classroom delivery on campus permitted the campus re-opens in accordance with governmental regulations.
1.4.2 Students who are not granted a visa or cannot apply for a visa as the Covid-19 border closure continues but wish to continue the programme can complete the programme via Online delivery and/or apply for intermission to make visa arrangements.
1.4.3 Students who are not granted a visa to come to Germany to join the following term, they can leave the programme with a relevant exit qualification.
2. University of Law – Online and Blended Learning Programmes
2.1 Applicable to the University of Law programmes intakes after 1st April 2020.
2.2 Until further notice, all University of Law intakes as advertised on the GISMA website will additionally be offered and run via online streaming delivery. The University of Law aims to offer face to face delivery on campus in Germany as soon as the travel and teaching restrictions are lifted, and we decide it is possible to teach on-site. This notice pertains to the following programmes:
2.3 April and July Programmes
o MSc Strategic Business Management
o MSc Corporate Financial Management
o MSc International Marketing
2.4 October Programmes
o MSc Strategic Business Management
o MSc Corporate Financial Management
o MSc Leadership and Human Resource Management
o MSc International Marketing
o MSc Global Accounting
o MSc Project Management
o MSc Cyber Security and Data Management
o MSc Business Intelligence and Analytics
o MSc Financial Risk Management
o MSc Financial Compliance
o MSc Digital Marketing
o MSc Digital Sales and Management
o BA Business Management
o BSc International Business Management
o BSc Digital Business Management
o BSc Digital Marketing
o Foundation Year Programme
3. Application procedure and delivery modes
3.1 Applications are open. Due to the current Covid-19 border closure and until further notice, all students must start their Programme via streaming delivery.
3.2 See 1.4 for pathways after the first term depending on your visa status.
3.3 GISMA cannot guarantee students are granted visa for blended-learning programmes.
3.4 In the event of force majeure which leads to the situation that classroom lectures cannot be held, or in the event of illness of the lecturer, GISMA shall be entitled to realize online tutorials, live webinars, interactive exercises, online seminars and similar digital offerings instead of classroom lectures, as well as to make available digital textbooks and study materials (e.g. PDF files), which in such cases shall be deemed as equivalent fulfilment of services.
4. Modes of Graduation
4.1 All students who start their programme via online streaming delivery, are offered the following modes of graduation:
4.1.1 Full MSc degree obtained via online delivery from the University of Law.
4.1.2 Full MSc degree started via blended learning by combining online streaming delivery and face to face delivery on campus in Germany from the University of Law.
4.1.3 Exit certificate after completion of the modules and the corresponding credits have been earned, according to the University of Law requirements.
5. Course Cancellation by GISMA
5.1 Valid reasons for course cancellation by GISMA are:
5.1.1 GISMA is unable to run classes on-site or via online or streaming delivery means due to governmental or international restrictions.
5.1.2 Force Majeure Event.
5.1.3 Insufficient student numbers registered for the given programme.
6. Refunds provision
6.1 Students who have started their programme under these terms and conditions may apply for a refund under these special circumstances, in addition to the regular terms set out in the study contract:
6.1.1. Full refund if:
6.1.1.1. Students register to the programme via online streaming delivery and within eight weeks after the start date wish to cancel their study contract with GISMA. A fee of 150€ administration cost will be induced.
6.1.1.2. This rule only applies when students:
6.1.1.2.1. Do not have a confirmed visa appointment and/or:
6.1.1.2.2. Do not wish to take intermission for a term, to allow for visa appointment/processing.
OR
6.1.1.2.3. Do not wish to continue studying via online mode.
6.2 Any refund made by GISMA Global GmbH will be paid to the original payer using the original method of payment.
6.3 All applications for refunds must be made via GISMA online refunds portal.
6.4 Applications for refunds which are not submitted in accordance with the above will not be considered. For more details, please see the GISMA Refunds Policy
7. Post Study Opportunities
7.1 Only students who complete their degree successfully on campus in Germany, can qualify for the 18-months post-study visa for Germany. This means students start their Programme via online streaming delivery but must continue with the second term via face to face delivery on campus in Germany.
7.2 Important notes:
7.2.1 Students who complete the Programme via online delivery do not qualify for a post-study visa.
7.2.2 Students can only switch from online to face to face delivery if a valid visa can be obtained.
7.2.3 GISMA cannot guarantee a visa is granted for blended-learning Programmes.
8. GISMA Student Support
8.1 All relevant student support services will be offered in full to blended-learning students. This includes the range of student and visa support, study consultations with programme managers and career services, including students contact with companies and recruiters. As required, services will be delivered via a digital tools and online communication means.
9. Learning Environment
9.1 Access to Learning Environment
9.1.1 Students will be able to access their learning environment, programme materials and tutor support once they have accepted the GISMA offer and the School has authorised their access in partnership with the University of Law.
9.1.2 Students’ access will last for the duration of the programme and will cease once they have completed it or withdrawn.
9.2 Module(s) access
9.2.1 Access to the learning environment, programme materials and tutor support will be available for the time duration for which students have paid their programme fees. Following completion of a module, access to the learning environment and the programme materials only (but expressly not tutor support in respect of that module) will continue for the remaining duration of the programme of which that module is a part.
9.2.2 Additional reading is not included as part of the programme or programme materials. Programme materials and tutor support are designed to provide the information required to complete the programme successfully.
9.2.3 The University of Law reserves the right to change the online learning platform and the tools used for programme delivery at any time.
10. Access to Online Resources
10.1 GISMA does not guarantee availability of the online resources and other added-value services due to reasons beyond their control, including technical faults and limitations.
10.2 Fair usage policy applies to access of study material, including study videos. GISMA reserves the right to restrict access based on operational requirements (including bandwidth consumption) to ensure fair access to all students.
- completed an online application
- been accepted by the admissions department
- paid a deposit
1.1 Summary of GISMA Global student ambassador programme scheme Successfully referring a friend or family member to one of our courses could mean up to €200 discount for you on your tuition fee. See below for full terms and conditions.
To be eligible to student ambassador programme you must be either
OR
To be eligible to be referred, the referred party must not have submitted any enquiry or application GISMA Global or have enrolled on a course offered through GISMA Global, before they are referred using the form here.
All referrals must be made online on our website here. No other forms of referral will be accepted.
To receive the €200 tuition fee discount the referred party must have enrolled onto a postgraduate course, be outside of any money back guarantee period and GISMA must have received the first instalment towards their tuition fees.
This offer only applies to students who enrol directly to GISMA and is not open to those who apply through an agent.
Company sponsored students are not eligible for student ambassador programme scheme.
Our decision about referral is final and GISMA Global retains the right to remove this offer without notice.
The chosen reward (e.g. €200 discount on tuition fee) will be issued via email after the student ambassador programme application has been approved and all conditions have been met.
After the discount is approved, the student receives a new payment plan with adjusted instalments.
Both referrer and referee will be notified when the student ambassador form is submitted. By completing the form, the referrer agrees to be contacted by GISMA Global regarding this offer. If the referee is not interested in studying with us, we will not contact them again or keep their details on file.
WEBSITE TERMS OF USE – PLEASE READ THESE TERMS BEFORE USING THIS SITE
Our Website Terms of Use (“Terms”) (together with the documents referred to in it) set out the terms between you and us under which you may access our websites www.gisma.com. These Terms apply to all users of our Sites, including registered users or guests. Use of our Sites includes accessing, browsing, or registering to use our Sites. Your use of our Sites means that you accept, and agree to abide by, its Terms. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use our Sites.
1.1 All students enrolling with GISMA Business School (“the School”) are expected to have read, understood and agreed to the terms and conditions as set out herein (the “Terms and Conditions”).
1.2 The Terms and Conditions below set out the terms and conditions between you (“the Student”) and the School. Please ask for help in your own language, if you need it.
1.3 Only sign the application form if you fully understand and accept its contents, including these Terms and Conditions.
1.4 If you do not understand this application form, you must get the contents translated into your first language.
2.1 When booking a place on the course, Students must pay at least 50% of the total course fees before the course starts (“the Deposit”).
2.2 All Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable, unless the cancellation is made in writing within 14 days of the booking (please refer to Section 4 below in relation to cancellation).
3.1 All fees are inclusive of VAT and are payable in Euros (€).
3.2 Students will receive a confirmation of enrolment letter when their deposit has been received.
3.3 The remaining 50% of the total fees must be paid seven days after the start of the course.
3.3 When paying by bank transfer, Students must allow up to 10 working days for payment to reach the School.
3.4 Students are liable for all bank charges and will be billed for any such charges on their first day if necessary.
3.5 The School does not accept payment of fees by cheque.
3.6 OVERDUE ACCOUNTS: Students must pay their fees on time. The School reserves the right to charge interest at 5% above the base interest rate as published in the German Federal Gazette by the Central Bank of Germany (Deutsche Bundesbank) on overdue amounts, accruing daily from the date that the payment first fell due.
3.7 Once a Student is unconditionally enrolled, any amendments that are required to be made to course offer letters or enrolment letters less than 7 days before the start of the course will be subject to an amendment fee of 30 € (“the Amendment Fee”).
3.8 Except for course upgrades or extensions, requests for changes after the course has begun are subject to the Amendment Fee. Changes must comply with the Student’s conditions of stay as expressed in their VISA (where applicable).
4.1 Cancellation right: The Student has the right to cancel their enrolment agreement with the School within 14 days without providing grounds.
The cancellation period for any such cancellation expires after 14 days from the day of entering the enrolment agreement.
4.2 Notice of cancellation: In order to act upon their cancellation right, the Student must inform the School (GISMA Business School, Dessauer Straße 3-5, 10963 Berlin, Germany) of their decision to cancel the enrolment agreement by means of an explicit declaration (for example with a letter sent my mail, fax or email). The Student can use the standard cancellation form enclosed (see Annex 1); the standard form is not, however, required.
To meet the deadline for the cancellation period, it is sufficient when the Student sends the notice about the exercise of the cancellation right before the end of the deadline.
4.3 Consequences of cancellation: If the Student cancels the enrolment agreement, the School shall return all payments to the Student that it has received (excepting additional costs resulting from the Student’s decision to require delivery by any other means than the most cost efficient means that the School offers as a standard) without undue delay, at the latest within 14 days from the day on which the School receives the notice of the cancellation of the enrolment agreement, including delivery costs. For repayment, the School will use the same method of payment that the Student used for the original payment, unless something else has been explicitly agreed upon with the Student; in no case will the School charge the Student a fee for the repayment.
Should the Student have required that the provision of services begin during the cancellation period, then the Student must pay the School a reasonable amount corresponding to the value of the portion of the services provided up until the Student notifies the School of the exercise of the cancellation right concerning the enrolment agreement in comparison with the total scope of the services anticipated under the enrolment agreement.
Subject to Clause 4 above, the following shall apply:
5.1 No refunds or course transfers are permissible after the start of the course save as permitted within these Terms and Conditions. Students may not reduce the number of course weeks in order to increase the number of course hours per week. Students may not reduce the number of course hours per week and convert these into one-to-one classes.
5.2 The Student may apply to cancel the course booking subject to the following conditions:
6.1 It is the Student’s sole responsibility to ensure that he/she is familiar with the most up to date VISA regulations. Students on a VISA must familiarize themselves with German immigration regulations and at all times abide by the conditions of their VISA. The School accepts no liability for incomplete or inaccurate applications being supplied. International Students must book and attend a full time course in order to meet the requirements of their VISA or Study Permit. Please note that a full time German language course is defined as minimum of 20 academic hours per week.
6.2 When a Student has not received a response on their VISA application from the German Embassy at least two weeks before the start date of the course, it is the Student’s sole responsibility to notify Student Services (by emailing info@gisma.com) and to request a deferral (please see Clause 7 below). Students who fail to notify Student Services at least two weeks before the start date of the course will be subject to a late notification charge of 350 € if applying for a refund due to a VISA refusal.
6.3 If a Student receives refusal from the VISA authorities, the Student has no more than forty-five (45) calendar days from the date of the refusal (as indicated on the refusal letter) to either request a deferral (please see Clause 7 below) or apply for a refund. If a Student does not apply for a course deferral or apply for a refund within forty-five (45) calendar days of their refusal letter and two weeks from the start date of their course, the Deposit is forfeited and there is no entitlement to a refund of any Deposit paid.
6.4 Where a Student’s VISA application has been refused, an application for a refund must be made at least two weeks’ before the start date of the course.
6.5 Subject to Clause 6.6 below and where the Student has informed the School in writing at least two weeks’ before the start date by emailing info@gisma.com , and if the refund application is approved, they will receive a full refund, less an administrative fee of 200 € (plus any courier fees) if the following documents are provided: (1) Copy of the VISA refusal letter; (2) Copy of the Student’s passport showing both a photograph and signature; and (3) Where the payee was not the Student, an original authority letter from the Student authorising the repayment to the payee.
6.6 If a Student´s VISA application is refused on the grounds that the Student failed to provide necessary documents, demonstrate adequate financial support, or for other reasons which the Student can be held accountable, the School accepts no responsibility to refund. The Student is held responsible if the VISA application was made late and their enrolment has already been processed.
7.1 Students may defer their place on a course by up to one academic year from the start date of the course.
7.2 All applications for deferrals must be received by the School at least 30 days before the start date of the course. The School reserves the right to charge a deferral fee, which will be no more than 5% of the total course fees paid.
7.3 Where a Student had deferred their course and then wants to withdraw from the course, no refund will be given, except in exceptional circumstances. The School has sole discretion in determining whether or not the Student’s circumstances are exceptional.
Upon arrival, Students must provide appropriate photographic ID (including a Passport or ID card) and a copy of their VISA. The School will take copies of all relevant documents. All information will be stored in accordance with our data protection policy.
9.1 To comply with VISA regulations, Students are allowed a holiday period that is determined in accordance with their course duration. A maximum of 4 weeks may be taken at any one time.
9.2 Two weeks’ written notice must be given for all holiday requests.
9.3 The holiday allowances are as follows and holiday must be taken in blocks of 5 days, Monday to Friday, and please note the following:
9.4 Students must inform The School’s academic management team upon arrival about the number of weeks they intend to take during their period of study.
9.5 Public Holidays: Classes are not held and School facilities are closed on public holidays. If the Monday is a public holiday, the course start date will fall on a Tuesday. Compensation will not be made for classes not offered on public holidays.
10.1 Students must provide the School with explanations for any absence(s). Any absences of 3 days or longer must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate.
10.2 The School will notify relevant authorities where the Student has recurrent unexplained absences. This may affect the Student’s VISA status.
11.1 The School reserves the right to change classrooms, teachers, location, and daily schedules where necessary, and subject to reasonable notice being provided to Students.
11.2 The School reserves the right to close classes and courses that are poorly attended or undersubscribed as well as to offer Students alternative courses/schedules at an equivalent value, to change published course and accommodation information, including fees.
11.3 The academic hour is 45 minutes in duration, unless otherwise stated. Courses run from Monday to Friday.
11.4 If after an unconditional offer has been made, it in fact arises that a Student is found to be at a level which is not suitable for their booked course, the School reserves the right to offer the Student another course which would be appropriate for their level. In such instances, the course may have fewer lessons or a different timetable.
Please note that in order to obtain a certificate confirming the level of study, a minimum of 85% attendance is required.
13.1 Students must comply at all times with the Student Code of Conduct.
13.2 The School reserves the right to expel a Student without refund in the event of breaching the Student Code of Conduct. The School’s decision is final.
13.3 Students who are found to have cheated on or plagiarized their pre-arrival test will be subject to an investigation, and should it be deemed appropriate, Students may be expelled and reported to the authorities.
14.1 Force Majeure: Neither the School nor its representatives are liable in cases where the school is unable to fulfil any services to which they are contractually bound because of strikes or other reasons that are beyond their reasonable control such as an act of God, terrorism, war, or severe weather.
14.2 Students’ attention is particularly drawn to the following clause: The liability of the School (and its Group, Associated and/or Affiliated companies) is excluded for losses arising from their negligence (except in the case of liability for death or personal injury), breach of contract or otherwise will be limited to the full amounts paid by the relevant Student for the course.
14.3 We accept no responsibility for Students’ personal property, and Students are strongly advised to take appropriate insurance. The School is not liable for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage incurred by any Student or prospective Student when partaking in any social activity organised by the School or booked through the School. Proof of personal liability, accident and health insurance is compulsory for all Students.
14.4 For any injury to a participant’s life, body or health, the School will only be held liable if this is due to the fault of the School and/or its staff. For any other damage to the participant, the School is only responsible for such arising from a deliberate act and gross negligence, if there is no infringement of the duties as laid out in the contract. For any damage or injury caused by a Student, the Student will be held directly liable. The School may have recourse if held responsible for any damage or injury caused by a Student. The School is not liable for events beyond its control.
14.5 Students must report on their application form any mental or physical illness, allergy, disability or condition that may affect their ability to complete their course, or that may affect any other student, member of staff or host family.
Students must bring any problems to our attention immediately to enable the School to assist. The School does not accept retrospective complaints or queries. Please email info@gisma.com
All Students of the School acknowledge that it is an accredited academic institution which is committed to maintaining and improving its reputation as such. Accordingly, by agreeing to become a Student of the School, all Students consent to not engage in any action which might cause either their own personal academic reputation or the reputation of the School to fall into disrepute.
Any verbal agreements made by a member of the School staff, or the Student, or any of the School’s international agents, partners, or organisations, will only be binding if confirmed in writing by the School with signature of the Managing Director.
For Students attending Hannover Campus and/or Berlin campus, these Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of the state of Lower Saxony and Germany and shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Hannover/Lower Saxony courts.
19.1 The minimum age of Students accepted onto our courses is 18.
19.2 Students must pay a registration fee of 50 €. Please note that should the Student cancel their course in line with Clause 4 above, the fee of 50 € may be refunded.
19.3 Course discounts are valid from the dates advertised. Discounts cannot be applied retrospectively to bookings.
19.4 Course books: Students will need to pay 40 € for the course book that they will use in class. If they return it in good condition at the end of the course, they will be given a 25 € refund.
If any provision or provisions of these Terms and Conditions shall be held to be invalid, illegal, unenforceable or in conflict with the law of any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.
Stand:
07.12.2017