How to cancel Udemy and stop recurring charges in singapore
Understanding Udemy and why you might want to cancel
Udemy is a global online learning platform that hosts thousands of video courses spanning programming, business, creative skills, and personal development. In Singapore, you can purchase individual courses for lifetime access or subscribe to monthly plans that unlock broader course libraries. Most learners begin with genuine intent, but priorities shift, budget constraints tighten, or course needs evolve. If Udemy no longer aligns with your learning goals, Yafee guides you through cancelling cleanly and reclaiming any refund you're entitled to under Singapore consumer law.
How Udemy subscriptions and purchases work
Udemy operates on two distinct models. First, one-time course purchases: you pay once and retain lifetime access to that course material. Second, recurring subscription plans such as the Udemy Personal Plan: you pay a monthly or annual fee in SGD and gain access to thousands of courses during your active subscription period. Once your subscription ends, you lose access to those courses unless you've purchased them individually. This distinction matters when you cancel-one-time purchases do not generate recurring charges, but subscriptions do.
Where Udemy stands with singapore consumers
Udemy maintains no physical office or registered mailing address in Singapore; their corporate headquarters in San Francisco, USA, handles all formal communications, cancellations, and legal correspondence. This means you will conduct all cancellation communications digitally through your account dashboard or via their online support channels. Yafee recommends preserving digital records of every cancellation step: confirmation emails, screenshots of your account settings, and timestamps. These records become critical evidence if a dispute arises with Udemy or if you need to escalate to a consumer authority.
Your consumer rights and cancellation protections in singapore
Singapore's Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act establishes your statutory rights when purchasing goods or services at a distance (including online) and protects you against unfair contract terms and misleading conduct.
Cooling-off periods and statutory protections under the consumer protection (Fair trading) act
The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act does not establish a universal cooling-off period for digital services in Singapore; however, it prohibits misleading advertising and unfair contract terms that disadvantage you significantly. Udemy's own 30-day refund policy for course purchases is often more generous than your statutory minimum entitlement. If Udemy refuses a legitimate cancellation or wrongfully withholds a refund, you can escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS). Yafee advises documenting Udemy's refusal in writing before you escalate.
Your right to cancel subscriptions and recurring charges
You hold the absolute right to cancel any recurring subscription at any time without penalty or hidden fees. The Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act supports this right by preventing suppliers from imposing unfair charges for early termination. If Udemy blocks your cancellation, charges you after you've cancelled, or refuses to honour a refund you're owed, that conduct breaches the Act. Your legal position is strong: document the refusal, take screenshots, and report it to CASE if Udemy does not respond within 14 days. Yafee's experience shows that formal escalation to CASE typically resolves such disputes within 30-60 days.
Your legal position regarding refunds and partial payments
You are entitled to a pro-rata refund if you cancel mid-billing cycle and have paid for a full month or year. For example, if you paid S$25 for a month and cancel after 10 days, you should receive approximately S$15 back (20 days remaining). Udemy may deduct administrative costs, but these must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in their terms. If Udemy refuses to refund any portion you're entitled to, cite Section 4 of the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (unfair contract terms) and escalate to CASE. Yafee has helped thousands of Singapore consumers recover these partial refunds.
Udemy subscription and course pricing in singapore
Pricing varies depending on your subscription plan and the device or platform through which you purchased. The table below reflects current representative pricing for Singapore customers based on Udemy's official SGD pricing.
| Plan or purchase type |
Price (SGD) |
Billing cycle |
What you get |
| Udemy Personal Plan |
S$22-S$30 per month |
Monthly (recurring) |
11,000+ courses; 7-day free trial; cancel anytime |
| Individual course purchase |
S$6.98-S$24.98 |
One-time |
Lifetime access to one course; no recurring charge |
| Udemy Business Team Plan |
S$40 per user per month |
Annual billing |
13,000+ courses; admin controls; analytics dashboard |
| Annual subscription |
S$55-S$75 per year |
Yearly (recurring) |
Same as monthly plan; pro-rata refund available on cancellation |
Reasons to cancel and when cancellation makes sense
You may cancel Udemy for several legitimate reasons: budget constraints, completion of desired courses, inadequate course quality, change of career direction, or discovery of better alternatives. Cancellation makes immediate sense if you no longer use the platform, if Udemy's course catalogue no longer meets your needs, or if you've found a competitor service that better serves your learning style. Do not delay cancellation if you wish to avoid being charged in your next billing cycle.
When to cancel before your next billing date
If your next billing date falls within 7 days and you've decided to cancel, act immediately. Udemy processes cancellations instantly in most cases, but delays can occur if you use a third-party payment method or if there are system issues. Cancelling early ensures you are not charged for the following cycle. If Udemy charges you after you've cancelled, contact their support team within 48 hours and reference your cancellation confirmation email as proof of your prior cancellation request.
When to keep your subscription
Retain your Udemy subscription if you are actively completing courses, if the monthly cost is within your budget, or if you plan to return to learning within the current billing cycle. If you have a 7-day free trial remaining and are unsure, use that period to assess whether the course quality and breadth justify the S$22-S$30 monthly cost. Yafee recommends calculating your cost per course: if you plan to complete 5 courses per month, your cost per course is approximately S$4.40-S$6.00, which is competitive for accredited video-based learning.
How to cancel your Udemy subscription step-by-step
Cancelling your Udemy subscription takes fewer than 5 minutes if you follow these steps precisely. Your cancellation takes effect immediately, and you retain access to purchased courses and your account data indefinitely.
Step 1: log into your Udemy account
- Open your web browser and navigate to www.udemy.com.
- Click the Sign In button in the top right corner.
- Enter your email address and password, then click Sign In.
- If you've forgotten your password, click Forgot password? and follow the email reset instructions.
Step 2: navigate to your account settings
- Once logged in, click your profile icon or avatar in the top right corner of the page.
- Select Account from the dropdown menu.
- You will be taken to your Account Settings page.
Step 3: access your subscription and billing information
- On the Account Settings page, scroll down to find the Subscriptions or Billing section.
- Click View subscription details or Manage subscription.
- Your active subscription (if any) will be displayed with your next billing date prominently shown.
Step 4: initiate cancellation
- Click the Cancel subscription button next to your active plan.
- Udemy may display a brief survey asking why you're cancelling. This is optional, but Yafee recommends completing it so Udemy understands user feedback.
- Review the cancellation summary: it will confirm the date your subscription ends and when your access to included courses ceases.
Step 5: confirm your cancellation
- Click Yes, cancel my subscription or the equivalent confirmation button.
- Udemy will display a confirmation message on screen: "Your subscription has been cancelled."
- You will receive a confirmation email at your registered email address within minutes.
- Take a screenshot of the on-screen confirmation and download the confirmation email immediately. Save both to your device or cloud storage as permanent records.
Step 6: verify cancellation in your account
- Return to your Account Settings and revisit the Subscriptions section.
- Your subscription should now display as Cancelled with an end date.
- If it still shows as active, wait 15 minutes and refresh the page. Udemy's system may require a brief delay to process the cancellation fully.
What happens after you cancel your Udemy subscription
Cancellation is final and irreversible once you confirm it. Understanding the post-cancellation timeline protects you from unexpected charges and ensures you reclaim any refund you're entitled to.
Immediate effects of cancellation
Your subscription cancels immediately upon confirmation, but you retain full access to all courses you have already purchased individually. Courses included with your Personal Plan become inaccessible once your subscription billing period ends (not immediately). For example, if your subscription runs until 30 January 2025 and you cancel on 20 January, you retain access to Personal Plan courses until 30 January. After that date, only your individually purchased courses remain accessible indefinitely.
Refunds and billing timeline
If you cancel mid-cycle, Udemy will calculate your pro-rata refund and process it within 5-7 business days to your original payment method. If you paid by credit or debit card, the refund appears as a credit to your account within this timeframe. If you paid via PayPal or another third-party method, the refund is transferred to that account first, then to your linked bank account (typically 2-5 additional business days). Yafee advises checking your payment method's transaction history after 7 business days if the refund does not appear in your primary bank account.
Confirmation that no future charges will occur
After cancellation, Udemy should not charge you again unless you manually resubscribe. Monitor your bank statements or credit card for 60 days following cancellation to confirm no unexpected charges appear. If Udemy charges you after you've cancelled, you have the right to dispute the charge with your bank under Singapore's consumer protection framework. Contact your bank's dispute resolution team and provide them with your cancellation confirmation email and screenshots. Most banks reverse unauthorised post-cancellation charges within 30 days.
Obtaining a refund and disputing charges
Your refund entitlement depends on when you cancel relative to your billing cycle and Udemy's refund policy aligned with the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act.
How to request a refund if Udemy does not process one automatically
- Log into your Udemy account and navigate to your Account Settings.
- Scroll to the Billing history section and locate the most recent charge.
- Click the three-dot menu (...) next to that charge and select Request refund or Contact support about this charge.
- In the form that appears, select the reason: I was charged after cancelling my subscription or I want a refund for my recent subscription payment.
- Attach a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation email and explain your refund request clearly.
- Click Submit. Udemy's support team will respond within 48-72 hours.
If Udemy refuses your refund claim
If Udemy denies your refund without a valid reason, you can escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE). CASE operates a dispute resolution service that mediation between you and Udemy at no cost. To lodge a complaint with CASE: visit www.case.org.sg, complete the online complaint form, and provide copies of your cancellation confirmation, billing statements, and Udemy's refusal email. CASE will contact Udemy and attempt to resolve the dispute within 30 days. If mediation fails, you retain the right to pursue the matter in the District Court under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, though court proceedings typically cost between S$500 and S$2,000 in legal fees.
Disputing charges with your bank
If Udemy charges you after cancellation and refuses to refund, you can dispute the charge directly with your bank. Contact your bank's customer service line and request a chargeback or dispute for unauthorised post-cancellation charges. Provide your bank with: your cancellation confirmation email, screenshots of your account showing the cancellation, and copies of the disputed charge statement. Your bank will initiate an investigation and typically reverses the charge provisionally within 5-10 business days while the dispute is adjudicated. Final resolution occurs within 30-60 days.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Udemy
Cancellation is straightforward, but small errors can lead to delayed refunds or continued charges. Avoid these pitfalls and protect your rights under Singapore consumer law.
Mistake 1: forgetting to take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation
If a dispute later arises, Udemy may claim they have no record of your cancellation request. A screenshot of the on-screen confirmation and a downloaded copy of the confirmation email are irrefutable proof that you cancelled on a specific date. Without this evidence, you cannot escalate to CASE or your bank convincingly. Take both records immediately after cancellation completes.
Mistake 2: cancelling after your next billing date has passed
If you cancel after your billing cycle renews, you will be charged for the full cycle and may receive only a pro-rata refund for the unused portion. To avoid this, calculate your next billing date (visible in your Account Settings) and cancel at least 48 hours before that date. This ensures Udemy processes your cancellation before the charge is applied.
Mistake 3: confusing course purchases with subscription cancellation
Cancelling your subscription does not affect courses you have purchased individually; those remain in your account indefinitely. However, courses you were accessing via your Personal Plan subscription become unavailable once your subscription ends. Before cancelling, download or save course materials you wish to keep, as you will lose streaming access after your subscription period concludes.
Mistake 4: not following up if Udemy ignores your refund request
If Udemy's support team does not respond to your refund request within 72 hours, escalate immediately to CASE rather than waiting. Yafee advises maintaining a timeline: record the date you submitted your refund request, the date you receive each response (or lack thereof), and the date you escalate to CASE. This timeline strengthens your case if you must pursue court action later.
Mistake 5: attempting to cancel via email without confirmation
Emailing Udemy's support address requesting cancellation is not a reliable cancellation method. Always use the in-app cancellation process because it generates an immediate confirmation email and system record. If you only email support, Udemy may claim they never received your request or lost your email in their queue. The in-app process is faster, clearer, and legally safer.
Preventing unwanted Udemy subscriptions in the future
After you've cancelled, take these steps to prevent accidentally resubscribing or encountering similar issues with other online services.
Review your payment methods and recurring subscriptions
Log into your Udemy account one final time and confirm your payment method is removed or outdated so you cannot be charged if your account is compromised. Then, conduct an audit of all subscriptions across your email accounts: check your credit card or bank statements for recurring charges you no longer recognise, and cancel any services you no longer use. Yafee recommends doing this quarterly.
Set calendar reminders for renewal dates
If you resubscribe to Udemy in the future, set a phone or email reminder for 3 days before your renewal date. This gives you a buffer to cancel if your circumstances change, ensuring you do not pay for a cycle you will not use.
Use payment alerts from your bank
Most Singapore banks offer SMS or email alerts when a charge exceeds a threshold (e.g., S$15) or when a recurring payment is processed. Enable these alerts so you receive immediate notification if Udemy charges you after cancellation or if an unfamiliar service attempts to bill you. This early warning lets you dispute unauthorised charges quickly.
Udemy's corporate headquarters and primary contact point for Singapore consumers is located in the United States; they maintain no physical office in Singapore. For cancellation, refund disputes, or complaints, use the following escalation path.
Step 1: contact Udemy support directly
Visit www.udemy.com/support or click Help in your account menu. Submit your query via their online support form or live chat. Responses typically arrive within 24-72 hours. Provide your full name, email address, account username, and a clear description of your issue (e.g., "I cancelled my subscription on [date] but was charged on [date]; I have attached my cancellation confirmation email"). Attach screenshots or copies of all relevant communications.
Step 2: escalate to consumers association of singapore (CASE)
If Udemy does not respond within 5 business days or refuses your claim unfairly, lodge a complaint with CASE. Visit www.case.org.sg, complete their online complaint form, and submit scans of your cancellation confirmation, billing statements, Udemy's responses, and any other evidence. CASE will contact Udemy on your behalf and attempt mediation. This service is free and usually resolves disputes within 30 days.
Step 3: report to the competition and consumer commission of singapore (CCCS)
If CASE mediation does not resolve your dispute and you believe Udemy has breached the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act (e.g., by refusing a legitimate refund or continuing to charge after cancellation), you can file a formal complaint with the CCCS. Visit www.cccs.gov.sg, navigate to Consumer Complaints, and complete their complaint form. Provide detailed evidence of Udemy's conduct and your cancellation attempts. The CCCS investigates breaches of consumer law and may pursue enforcement action against Udemy.
Step 4: dispute with your bank or payment provider
If Udemy continues to charge you after cancellation and neither CASE nor CCCS intervention succeeds, contact your bank's dispute resolution team. Request a chargeback for all unauthorised post-cancellation charges. Most banks complete chargeback investigations within 30-60 days and reverse charges if you provide evidence (your cancellation confirmation email and statement excerpts showing duplicate charges).
Udemy corporate address (for formal legal correspondence)
Udemy, Inc.
600 Harrison Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
USA
Note: Udemy does not maintain a legal office or representative in Singapore; all formal legal correspondence must be sent to their San Francisco headquarters via registered mail or courier. This process is slow; escalating to CASE or your bank first is more efficient for most Singapore consumers.
Comparison of Udemy alternatives in singapore
If you've cancelled Udemy because the platform no longer meets your learning needs, these alternatives may serve you better. The table below compares subscription cost, course breadth, and cancellation policies.
| Platform |
Monthly cost (SGD) |
Course categories |
Cancellation policy |
| Coursera |
S$39-S$49 |
University-accredited; 5,000+ courses |
Cancel anytime; pro-rata refund if within 7 days |
| Skillshare |
S$32 per month |
Creative and design focus; 25,000+ projects |
Cancel anytime; 7-day money-back guarantee |
| LinkedIn Learning |
S$35 |
Professional development; 16,000+ courses |
Cancel anytime; 1-month free trial |
| edX |
Free (verified certificates paid) |
University courses; STEM-focused |
Audit courses free; cancel anytime |
Final checklist before and after cancelling Udemy
Use this checklist to ensure you complete every step correctly and protect your rights throughout the cancellation process.
| Action |
Before cancelling |
After cancelling |
| Verify next billing date |
Check your Account Settings to know when you'll be charged next |
Confirm in Account Settings that your subscription shows as "Cancelled" |
| Download course materials |
Save any course videos or notes you wish to keep before subscription ends |
N/A |
| Take cancellation screenshot |
N/A |
Screenshot the on-screen confirmation immediately after cancelling |
| Save confirmation email |
N/A |
Download the Udemy confirmation email to your device or cloud storage |
| Monitor for refund |
N/A |
Check your bank account 5-7 business days later for pro-rata refund |
| Verify no future charges |
N/A |
Check bank statements 60 days after cancellation to confirm no new charges |
Summary and next steps
Cancelling Udemy in Singapore is your right under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act, and the process takes fewer than 5 minutes if you follow the step-by-step guide above. You are entitled to a pro-rata refund if you cancel mid-cycle, and Udemy cannot impose penalties or hidden fees for cancellation. Always take a screenshot of your cancellation confirmation and download your confirmation email immediately-these are your legal proof if a dispute arises.
If Udemy refuses to honour your cancellation or delays your refund beyond 7 business days, escalate to the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE) or dispute the charge with your bank. Yafee has helped thousands of Singapore consumers cancel recurring subscriptions and recover unfair charges by documenting every step and following the legal escalation path outlined above. Your cancellation records are your strongest defence; treat them as legal documents and preserve them indefinitely. Visit www.yafee.com to access additional resources on consumer rights, subscription cancellation templates, and dispute resolution guides tailored to Singapore's consumer protection framework. Take action today, reclaim your money, and avoid future unexpected charges.