Horrible experiences with a company that should have pride in helping their students

I am extremely sad, demotivated and disappointed. I wish I never decided to study with Charterquest. I did not wish to complain about their classes but after the treatment I received when asking for a refund for the subjects for which classes has not yet started I think it is a good idea to give students a more honest and clear idea of what they are getting into with this company.

I booked and paid for the discounted combo pack of 4 subjects, deferring two subject to a later date to see how the first two go. I went into this contract thinking they understood the uncer*****y in booking and paying for 4 subjects upfront but I feel like they do not even care.

The fees are high to study CIMA with them, granted CIMA fees are high. Compared to the other company I studied with while doing my degree (Edgebusiness school and SOFA school of accounting) they do not compare and they are R2000 more expensive. Firstly study notes are not printed for you, you only get access to them and then you have to print them yourself and above the costs already paid. I received the hand book and question and answer book. The projector does not enlarge the words for us to see clearly mostly you have to follow the study text and your own notes. Although the method of classes is suited to some students it was not suited to my needs, what was dealt with in class I could easily go through on my own.

I attended P2 and E2 classes part time. I did not feel ready by revision time to even attend the revision classes as they are related to the mocks which were a disaster to write (I need more time to practice). I was not prepared, even though I did do exercises at home and during lunch at work. I was told by the lecturer I need to put in more hours which I did not have time for.

I decided to contact them and let them know I want to cancel classes for the subject I have not taken yet and receive a refund. This is well in advance of them even booking the classes and since then class time and dates have changed as well. I even suggested they take the full price for the subjects I did take and only refund me for the amount above of which should only now be allocated to the classes as I would be taking them now. Services have not yet been rendered, no overhead should have been incurred and allocated to these classes as they have not yet occurred. Books received would be returned in condition received.

I was told this is not allowed for in the contract and there is no problem with the classes and costs have already been incurred for the classes (I have requested a budget seeing what costs they have incurred for the services not yet rendered. I went into a contract with them in good faith and they broke my trust with their greed. I explained I was not ready for the exams and for future subjects and that I think a safer route for me would be to book and pay for one subject when I am ready than have it be deferred to 2020 (what happens in the case if i am not ready by then to take the classes?) very inflexible company with no consideration for the uncer*****y we feel as students especially doing it part time while working. Would it not be a better option to keep my trust as a client?

Their mission talks about ethical framework and "designed to exceed our clients’/students’ exams preparation expectations" my expectations were not met and I believe they gave no consideration as to if a student is ready for or not. I feel exhausted and frustrated

Please consider using another company before using this one, if you do decide to go to classes with CharterQuest I implore you not to book classes for more than one subject; should you not be ready they will not take it into account. Take it one step at a time.

----I have lost faith in both Charterquest and CIMA.----

I still do not understand the reason I cannot be refunded for services not yet rendered, I tried to be amiable about this to ensure they don’t lose money they worked for but this feels contrary to our contract law. I will escalate this further in time.

In conclusion I do not feel they will be able to help me achieve my goals and have caused me to lose faith in CIMA as well as they recommended this company.

Good luck to whoever reads this I hope I at least saved you the effort, time and money I wasted.