How to cancel Kaplan in canada and protect your refund

What you need to know about Kaplan

Kaplan is an international education provider offering language courses, test preparation (including IELTS), and professional certifications across Canada with physical locations in Toronto and Vancouver, plus online programs available nationwide. When you enrol with Kaplan, you enter into a binding contract governed by location-specific terms and conditions. Understanding those terms before you cancel is your strongest lever for securing the refund you deserve. At Yafee, we help Canadian students navigate cancellation with precision and recover funds they thought were lost.

Why cancellation policies vary by location

Kaplan's refund rules differ significantly by program, campus location, cancellation timing, and reason. A student in Toronto who cancels within 7 days of enrolment may recover 100 percent of tuition, while the same student cancelling 15 days before start loses 20 percent. For IELTS test registrations, you forfeit 50 percent of your fee if you cancel between 14 and 5 days before your test date. These thresholds are strict and enforceable. Knowing your exact cancellation deadline and the refund percentage that applies to your specific program transforms cancellation from uncertainty into a calculated decision.

Common reasons canadian students cancel

Life circumstances shift rapidly. Study permit or visa refusals force withdrawals after you have paid tuition. Medical emergencies prevent test attendance on exam day. Job offers arrive unexpectedly and change your timeline. Financial hardship surfaces mid-course. A program does not match your learning style or pace. None of these reasons automatically entitles you to a full refund, but several are recognized by Kaplan's terms as valid grounds for partial or full recovery. Your responsibility is to document your reason and invoke the specific clause that protects it.

Your consumer rights under canadian law

Canada's consumer protection framework and provincial statutes establish your rights when cancelling an education contract.

Federal and provincial consumer protection acts

Canada's Competition Act and provincial consumer protection statutes (including Ontario's Consumer Protection Act and British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act) require education providers like Kaplan to disclose material terms clearly and honour them in writing. You have the right to receive a copy of your enrolment contract before payment. You have the right to a written cancellation confirmation within a reasonable timeframe. You have the right to request itemized refund calculations if Kaplan withholds fees.

If Kaplan refuses a refund you believe you are entitled to under the published terms, you can escalate to the provincial consumer authority. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (if your campus is in Toronto) or the British Columbia Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (if your campus is in Vancouver). These bodies investigate unfair practices and can compel refunds. Yafee recommends keeping this escalation option in reserve-it often motivates companies to settle promptly.

Your legal position regarding written confirmation

Do not accept verbal cancellation confirmations. Kaplan must provide you with a written record stating the cancellation effective date, the refund amount, and the refund timeline. This document is your legal evidence in any dispute. Without it, you have no proof Kaplan received your notice or processed your withdrawal. Always request this confirmation explicitly in your cancellation letter or email, and follow up in writing if it is not provided within 5 business days. The burden of proof rests with the company under consumer protection law, not with you.

Cancellation methods and how to choose

Kaplan accepts written cancellation notices by email and physical mail, each offering different protections.

Email cancellation: speed and digital record

Email is faster and creates a digital timestamp that proves when Kaplan received your notice. Send your cancellation to the administrative email address listed on your invoice or the campus contact page. Use a professional subject line: "Formal Cancellation Notice-[Your Full Name]-Student ID [Your ID]." This clarity ensures your message reaches the right department and does not get lost in general inboxes. Yafee advises copying the campus director or student services manager on your email to ensure senior staff see the request.

Registered mail: proof of delivery

Physical mail with registered delivery (Canada Post's "Registered Mail" service) creates proof of delivery that email alone cannot provide. This method is slower but legally unassailable-if Kaplan claims they never received your notice, you hold the postal receipt proving otherwise. Obtain the address from Kaplan's official website or your enrolment documents. Write your cancellation letter by hand or type it, sign it, and send it via Registered Mail with the signature required on delivery option.

Combining both methods for maximum protection

Yafee recommends using both email and registered mail together. Send your cancellation email immediately for speed, then follow with registered mail within 2 business days. This dual approach covers you if Kaplan claims they did not receive email (technical failure), while the email establishes your intent at the earliest possible moment. Keep all receipts, email confirmations, and delivery receipts in a folder-these are your legal evidence if a dispute arises.

Step-by-step cancellation process

Follow this structured process to cancel your Kaplan enrolment and document every action.

Step 1: retrieve your enrolment contract and terms

1. Locate your original enrolment agreement and student handbook-these outline your campus-specific refund policy.
   • Check your email for a welcome letter from Kaplan that includes a link to your terms and conditions.
   • Log into your Kaplan student portal (if applicable) and download your enrolment contract from the "My Account" or "Documents" section.
   • Call your campus directly and request a copy be emailed to you if you cannot locate it online.

Step 2: calculate your refund entitlement

1. Review the refund schedule in your contract and identify which refund tier applies to your cancellation date.
   • Count the days from your enrolment date to your intended cancellation date.
   • Match that number to the refund percentage table in your contract (e.g., "Within 7 days: 100 percent refund; 8-14 days: 80 percent refund; 15+ days: 50 percent refund").
   • Write down your refund percentage and the calculation: [Total Tuition] × [Refund Percentage] = [Your Refund Amount].
   • Note any administrative fees, deposits, or non-refundable materials that may be deducted (these are governed by your terms).

Step 3: prepare your cancellation letter

1. Write a formal cancellation letter that includes these elements:
   • Your full name and student ID (so the cancellation reaches your record).
   • Program name and start date (e.g., "IELTS Preparation-Start Date: January 15, 2025").
   • Intended cancellation date (e.g., "I request effective cancellation as of January 20, 2025").
   • Brief reason for cancellation (e.g., "Visa refusal" or "Medical emergency"), if applicable.
   • Request for refund: "I request a full refund of [amount], calculated in accordance with the refund schedule in Section [X] of my enrolment agreement."
   • Request for written confirmation: "Please provide written confirmation of this cancellation, the effective date, and the refund amount within 5 business days."
   • Your contact information (phone number and email address).

Step 4: send your cancellation by email

1. Compose a professional email to the address on your invoice or campus contact page.
   • Subject line: "Formal Cancellation Notice-[Your Full Name]-Student ID [Your ID]".
   • Paste your cancellation letter into the email body.
   • Attach a PDF copy of your signed letter if you have prepared one.
   • Copy your campus director or student services manager if their email is listed on the website.
   • Request read receipt to confirm delivery.
   • Send immediately and save a copy to your records folder.

Step 5: send your cancellation by registered mail

1. Prepare a physical copy of your cancellation letter and mail it via Canada Post Registered Mail.
   • Print two copies: one to sign and mail, one to keep for your records.
   • Sign both copies in blue ink (blue ink indicates an original, not a photocopy).
   • Obtain the address from your enrolment documents or Kaplan's official website (do not rely on an email signature).
   • Take the letter to Canada Post and request Registered Mail with signature required on delivery.
   • Request a delivery confirmation receipt showing the date and signature of the recipient.
   • Store the receipt and your copy in a safe folder-this is your proof of delivery.

Step 6: follow up and obtain written confirmation

1. After 5 business days, verify that Kaplan has sent you written cancellation confirmation.
   • Check your email (including spam and promotion folders) for a confirmation message.
   • If no confirmation has arrived, call the campus student services line and ask to speak with someone who can verify receipt of your cancellation.
   • Document the name, date, and time of the call in your records.
   • Request that written confirmation be emailed to you the same day; follow up in writing if it is not sent within 24 hours.
   • The confirmation must state: cancellation effective date, refund amount, refund method (e.g., original payment card), and expected refund timeline (typically 10-30 business days).

Step 7: monitor your refund and escalate if necessary

1. Track the status of your refund from the effective cancellation date.
   • If your refund method is a credit card, check your card statement 14 days after the effective date for a credit or reversal.
   • If your refund method is bank transfer, verify your bank account 20-30 days after the effective date.
   • If your refund has not appeared by 5 business days past the promised timeline, send a follow-up email requesting a refund status update with a tracking reference.
   • If Kaplan does not respond within 3 business days or refuses to refund, escalate to the provincial consumer authority (see escalation section below).

Refund timelines and payment methods

Kaplan processes refunds on specific timelines and through specific channels depending on how you originally paid.

Common mistakes that delay or forfeit your refund

Cancelling Kaplan is straightforward if you avoid these frequent errors-most delays are preventable with attention to detail.

Failing to meet the cancellation deadline

Kaplan's refund percentages drop sharply as you approach your program start date. A student who cancels 6 days before start may forfeit 50 percent of tuition, while cancelling 8 days before start recovers 80 percent. Yafee advises submitting your cancellation immediately if you know you will not attend-do not wait for confirmation of a visa or job offer. The email or registered mail receipt showing the date you sent your notice is your proof of timeliness, not the date Kaplan processes it. Send at least 14 days before start to maximize your refund.

Submitting cancellation verbally or informally

Telling your instructor, calling student services casually, or messaging Kaplan via social media does not count as formal cancellation. Kaplan will not act on informal requests, and you have no paper trail if a dispute arises. Always submit cancellation in writing via email or registered mail. If a staff member says "I will note that in your file," request written confirmation by email the same day. Verbal assurances evaporate in disputes.

Not requesting written confirmation of cancellation

Without a written cancellation confirmation from Kaplan stating the refund amount and effective date, you cannot prove Kaplan processed your request. If Kaplan later claims they never received your notice or processed it differently, you have no legal evidence. Always request confirmation explicitly in your cancellation letter, and follow up if it is not provided within 5 business days.

Closing your bank account before the refund arrives

If your refund is being returned to a bank account and you close that account before the refund is deposited, the refund may be rejected or delayed indefinitely. Keep the original payment account open for at least 30 days after your cancellation effective date. If you must close the account, contact Kaplan in advance and request the refund be sent to an alternative account or method.

Accepting partial refunds without confirmation of the calculation

If Kaplan offers you a refund amount, verify it against your contract's refund schedule before accepting. Ask Kaplan to provide a detailed breakdown showing [Total Tuition] − [Administrative Fees] × [Refund Percentage] = [Refund Amount]. If the math does not match your contract, dispute it in writing before accepting the payment. Once you accept, you may forfeit the right to claim additional funds.

After cancellation: what to expect

Cancellation is complete when you receive written confirmation and your refund, but several steps follow to protect yourself.

Verify your refund has been applied

Once the refund timeline has passed (typically 20-30 business days), check your payment account or bank statement to confirm the credit has been applied. If using a credit card, the refund may appear as a credit or reversal rather than a new transaction. Take a screenshot of the refund and file it with your cancellation confirmation. This screenshot is your evidence that Kaplan fulfilled its obligation.

Confirm your student record is marked cancelled

Log into your Kaplan student portal (if it remains active) and verify your enrolment status shows "Cancelled" or "Withdrawn." If the portal still shows you as "Active," contact student services immediately and request the status be updated in writing. A record marked "Cancelled" prevents Kaplan from attempting to charge you for future sessions or materials.

Request removal from mailing lists

Once cancelled, you may still receive emails about course schedules, materials, or promotions. Send a follow-up email to the cancellation contact requesting removal from all mailing lists. Yafee recommends this step especially for students who cancelled due to visa refusal or relocation-you will not be returning, and continued recruitment emails can be frustrating.

Escalate if refund does not arrive

If your refund does not appear by 5 business days after the promised timeline, escalate to the provincial consumer authority. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (Toronto campus) or the British Columbia Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Vancouver campus) with copies of your cancellation letter, confirmation of cancellation, and proof that the refund timeline has passed. These authorities can investigate Kaplan's delay and compel payment if warranted.

When and how to escalate to consumer authorities

If Kaplan refuses your refund or fails to process it, provincial consumer protection laws provide escalation routes.

Grounds for escalation

You have the right to escalate if Kaplan: (1) refuses a refund you are entitled to under your published terms; (2) fails to provide written confirmation of cancellation within 5 business days; (3) does not process a refund within 30 business days of the effective cancellation date; (4) deducts fees or charges not disclosed in your contract; or (5) claims they never received your written cancellation notice (and you have registered mail proof of delivery).

Contact the ontario ministry of government and consumer services

If your campus is in Toronto, file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services. You can submit a complaint online at ontario.ca/page/consumer-protection or call 1-800-889-9768. Provide copies of your enrolment contract, cancellation letter, any communication with Kaplan, and refund confirmation (or proof of non-payment). The ministry will contact Kaplan and request a written response. If Kaplan's response does not satisfy your claim, the ministry can conduct a formal investigation.

Contact the british columbia office of the superintendent of financial institutions

If your campus is in Vancouver, file a complaint with the British Columbia Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) or the Consumer Protection BC office. You can file online at consumerprotectionbc.ca or call 1-888-564-9963. Provide the same documentation as noted above. British Columbia's consumer protection framework covers education providers, and OSFI can compel Kaplan to honour your refund.

Document all communication

Before escalating, save all emails, cancellation confirmations, refund tracking information, and call logs. Create a chronological summary: "January 15-Sent cancellation email; January 20-Received confirmation of cancellation (see attached); January 30-Refund expected by this date; February 5-Refund not received; February 6-Called student services, spoke with [Name], promised investigation." This chronology demonstrates good faith and establishes a clear timeline of Kaplan's non-compliance. Yafee advises attaching this summary to your formal complaint to the consumer authority.

Pricing and refund comparison by cancellation timing

Your refund depends on when you cancel relative to your program start date and enrolment date.

Checklist for successful cancellation

Use this checklist to ensure you have completed every step and documented your cancellation properly.

• □ Retrieved your enrolment contract and identified your campus-specific refund schedule.
• □ Calculated your refund entitlement (tuition amount × refund percentage).
• □ Prepared a formal cancellation letter including your name, student ID, program name, intended cancellation date, and reason (if applicable).
• □ Sent cancellation via email with read receipt and copied your campus director.
• □ Sent cancellation via Canada Post Registered Mail with signature required and obtained a delivery receipt.
• □ Received written cancellation confirmation from Kaplan stating effective date and refund amount within 5 business days.
• □ Verified cancellation confirmed matches your contract's refund percentage (calculate [Tuition] × [Percentage] to check).
• □ Monitored your payment method (credit card or bank account) for refund deposit 20-30 business days after effective date.
• □ Took a screenshot of the refund when it appeared and filed it with your cancellation confirmation.
• □ Verified your student portal status changed to "Cancelled" or "Withdrawn."
• □ Requested removal from Kaplan mailing lists via follow-up email.
• □ Escalated to provincial consumer authority if refund did not arrive by 30 business days after effective date.

Final step: escalate or declare success

Cancelling Kaplan is complete when you receive your refund and your student record shows cancelled status. At this point, your obligations to Kaplan are fulfilled. You have no further tuition liability and should not be contacted for payment.

If at any stage Kaplan refuses your refund or fails to process it, do not delay escalation. Contact your provincial consumer authority immediately with copies of your cancellation letter, written confirmation, and proof that the refund timeline has passed. These authorities have investigated hundreds of education provider disputes and can compel refunds when companies refuse to honour their terms. Yafee has helped thousands of Canadian students navigate cancellations and recover funds they believed were lost through persistent documentation and escalation. The same framework and persistence will work for you-maintain clear records, send all notices in writing, and escalate quickly if Kaplan does not comply.