General Terms & Conditions

Summary

Serious learning demands clarity, discipline, and respect for the process itself. Our work is a partnership, sustained by trust and by the integrity of those who take part in it. These Terms and Conditions exist to uphold that standard, ensuring that every engagement reflects the commitment, continuity, and high standards which define Academeum.

Service Specification – The scope of Services and applicable fees are set out in Our Offer. Where there is any inconsistency, these Terms prevail unless Our Offer expressly states otherwise.

Payment – All Services must be paid in full before tuition begins. Cleared funds must reach Academeum no later than 48 hours before the first scheduled session.

Scheduling – Tutorials require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellation or rescheduling; otherwise, the full fee is charged. Classes and Seminars, once booked, are non-refundable and non-transferable. If Academeum or a Teacher cancels and no reasonable alternative is possible, any unused prepaid fees for the affected session will be refunded or credited.

Access & Equipment – Clients are responsible for ensuring that Students have suitable devices, software, and a stable internet connection for online tuition. Academeum cannot accept liability for disruption or loss of service caused by inadequate access or equipment.

Conduct & Confidentiality – Courtesy, discretion, and professionalism are expected at all times. Students must participate constructively and respect any reasonable academic or behavioral standards set by Academeum. Breach of confidentiality or serious misconduct may lead to termination without refund.

Compliance – Clients must disclose whether they, the Student, or close associates are subject to sanctions, are Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), or present a material regulatory or reputational risk.

Data Protection – Academeum complies with Swiss and international data protection law. Personal data is collected only as required, safeguarded with appropriate measures, and never sold or shared with unrelated third parties.

Intellectual Property – All teaching materials, methodologies, and course structures remain the property of Academeum or the Teacher. Sessions may not be recorded without prior written consent.

Non-Solicitation – Teachers engaged by Academeum may not be approached directly for tuition during the Agreement and for 12 months afterwards.

Liability – Academeum’s liability is limited to the total fees paid in the preceding 12 months, except in cases of personal injury, death, gross negligence, or unlawful intent. Academeum is not liable for indirect losses, force majeure events, or technical failures outside its control.

Termination – Either Party may terminate the Agreement with 14 days’ written notice. Refunds for unused Services are made in line with the detailed Terms.

Governing Law – These Terms are governed by Swiss law, with jurisdiction in the Canton of Zug. Academeum may also bring proceedings in the Client’s domicile or in any jurisdiction where the Client conducts business or holds assets.

Note: This Summary is provided for ease of reference only. The full Terms and Conditions that follow constitute the contractually binding agreement between Academeum and the Client.

All enquiries are welcomed and handled with the same discretion and care that define our teaching. You may contact us at legal@academeum.org

Academeum’s General Terms and Conditions

1. Definitions

1.1 “Academeum” refers to Academeum AG, a company incorporated in Switzerland, identification number CHE249.396.160, with its registered office at Chamerstrasse 176, 6300 Zug, Switzerland.

1.2 “Client” refers to any individual or entity engaging Academeum’s Services on behalf of a Student. If the Student is over eighteen (18) years of age, they may also act as the Client.

1.3 “Student” refers to the person receiving the Services.

1.4 “Services” refers to the educational offerings provided by Academeum, including but not limited to online Tutorials, Classes, Seminars, and Consultations. Consultations include one-to-one or group advisory sessions directly related to the planning, delivery, or support of a Student’s tuition with Academeum.

1.5 “The Parties” refers collectively to Academeum and the Client.

1.6 “Teacher” refers to an independent contractor engaged by Academeum to deliver the Services. Teachers retain discretion in lesson planning and execution within Academeum’s academic framework and are responsible for their own tax, social security, and statutory obligations. Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed as creating an employment, partnership, or agency relationship between Academeum and the Teacher.

1.7 “Our Offer” refers to the written document issued by Academeum to the Client setting out the Services, applicable fees, and any specific terms. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and Our Offer, these Terms shall prevail unless Our Offer expressly states otherwise.

1.8 “Agreement” refers to the legally binding contract between Academeum and the Client, comprising these General Terms and Conditions and Our Offer.

1.9 Headings are provided for convenience only and shall not affect interpretation.

2. Contract Formation

2.1 The Client shall provide complete and accurate information including:

(a) full name, contact details, and billing address of the Client;

(b) full name and date of birth of the Student;

(d) the Student’s academic history and any special educational needs or requirements; and

(e) any other information necessary for Academeum to provide the Services.

2.2 The provision of information to Academeum by the Client about their requirements and a request for Services constitutes an invitation to treat. Academeum is under no obligation to make an offer.

2.3 Academeum provides Services on a selective basis. Participation in a Consultation or Assessment does not oblige Academeum to make an Offer. Academeum may decline to provide Services where, in its sole discretion, it determines that the Student’s objectives, requirements, or circumstances are not aligned with the delivery of the Services as described in these Terms. 

2.4 Academeum may, at its sole discretion, assess a request against its available resources, and may contact the Client for further information. These steps are preparatory only and do not constitute a binding offer. 

2.5 If Academeum elects to proceed, it shall issue Our Offer to the Client outlining the Services proposed and specifying the related fees. 

2.6 The Agreement is formed only when the Client confirms acceptance of Our Offer and these Terms and pays any fees required in advance in accordance with clause 4.

2.7 Any verbal statements, side agreements, or informal understandings are of no legal effect unless expressly confirmed in writing by Academeum. Written confirmation must come from an authorized representative of Academeum and clearly identify the agreed variation. 

2.8 The Client confirms that they have read and understood Academeum’s Privacy Notice and consents to the processing of personal data as described therein.

3. Obligations of the Parties

3.1 Academeum shall deliver the Services with reasonable skill and care and in accordance with its teaching methodologies and structures, which are based on established educational research and professional practice. 

3.2 Teachers engaged by Academeum undergo a rigorous selection process, including interviews, reference verification, and credential checks, to ensure alignment with Academeum’s professional, pedagogical, and ethical standards. 

3.3 While Academeum exercises due care in the selection and oversight of Teachers, no representation or warranty is made as to the suitability of any particular Teacher, and Academeum accepts no liability for their acts or omissions except in cases of gross negligence or unlawful intent. 

3.4 The Client shall ensure that the Student has access to suitable equipment, software, and a stable, high-speed internet connection for participation in online Services. 

3.5 The Client shall ensure that the Student participates in the Services in a manner that is respectful, non-disruptive, and consistent with any reasonable behavioral standards notified by Academeum in writing. Repeated failure to do so shall constitute a material breach of this Agreement. 

3.6 Academeum does not guarantee academic results, which depend on the Student’s effort, participation, and engagement, as well as other factors beyond Academeum’s control.

3.7 The Client shall promptly disclose if they, the Student, or any immediate family member or close associate:

(a) appear on any sanctions list maintained by the UN, Swiss Confederation, EU, USA, or UK authority;

(b) are a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) as defined under applicable law; or

For the purposes of this clause, “immediate family member” includes a spouse or partner, parent, child, sibling, or any person living in the same household. “Close associate” includes any person with whom there is a close business or personal relationship. Any change in such status during the Agreement must be notified to Academeum without delay. Failure to provide accurate and timely disclosure under this clause constitutes a material breach and entitles Academeum to terminate the Agreement immediately under clause 7.4 and to recover from the Client any loss, liability, or expense incurred as a result.

4. Fees and Payment

4.1 All Services shall be paid in full in advance. No session shall be delivered until cleared funds are received in Academeum’s account at least forty-eight (48) hours before the first scheduled session.

4.2 The standard payment term shall be ten (10) days net from the invoice date. Where the Client requests an earlier start date, payment shall be made immediately to meet the clearance requirement in clause 4.1.

4.3 Fees are as set out in Our Offer and are payable in the currency specified therein. If no currency is specified, fees are payable in Swiss francs (CHF).

4.4 Invoices not disputed in writing within ten (10) days of the invoice date shall be deemed accepted.

4.5 Payment is considered made only once funds are received in Academeum’s account in full and without restriction. If payment is reversed, recalled, or disputed after Services have been delivered, the Client remains liable for the full amount and any associated recovery costs.

4.6 All payments shall be received net of bank charges, currency conversion costs, or deductions of any kind. Any shortfall resulting from such deductions or fluctuations shall remain payable by the Client. The Client shall not be entitled to set off or withhold payment against any claim or counterclaim without Academeum’s prior written consent.

4.7 Invoices not settled by the due date shall be deemed overdue. From the day after the due date, statutory default interest of five percent (5%) per annum shall apply until full payment is received. Academeum also reserves the right to charge reasonable reminder fees of up to CHF 30 (or the equivalent amount in the currency of the invoice) per reminder and to recover any costs incurred in connection with collection, including legal or enforcement expenses.

4.8 Academeum may suspend Services for non-payment without waiving its right to full payment. Suspension of Services for non-payment shall not relieve the Client of their payment obligations. Academeum is under no obligation to reserve specific tuition slots during the suspension.

4.9 In accordance with Art. 21 para. 2 no. 11 MWSTG:

(a) educational services provided by Academeum, including Tutorials, Classes, Seminars, and educational Consultations directly linked to the planning, delivery, or support of a Student’s tuition with Academeum, shall be exempt from Swiss VAT;

(b) services not qualifying for exemption, including advisory work unrelated to the tuition of a specific Student, shall be subject to Swiss VAT at the prevailing standard rate; and

(c) where a service comprises both exempt and taxable elements, Academeum may apportion the fee at its discretion, in accordance with Swiss VAT law.

5. Scheduling and Cancellation

5.1 The scheduling of Services is set out in Our Offer and agreed in writing between the Client and Academeum.

5.2 All scheduling, cancellation, and lesson-related communication, including but not limited to changes to lesson times, confirmation of attendance, and discussion of fees, must be conducted via Academeum’s designated channels (including Academeum email addresses, our scheduling system, and any other platform specified by Academeum).

5.3 Clients and Students shall not use personal contact details of Teachers for lesson-related arrangements unless expressly authorized in writing by Academeum. Any arrangements made outside Academeum’s designated channels without such authorization shall not be valid or binding on Academeum and may result in suspension or termination of the Services without refund.

5.4 Tutorials

(a) A minimum of forty-eight (48) hours’ notice is required for cancellation or rescheduling; otherwise, the full fee shall be charged.

(b) Shortening a session with less than forty-eight (48) hours’ notice shall result in full charges for the original duration.

(d) If a Student arrives more than twenty (20) minutes late without prior notice, the session may be treated as a no-show.

(e) Cancellations shall be communicated to Academeum and the Teacher in writing by sending an email to scheduling@academeum.org .

5.5 Classes and Seminars

(a) Once booked, Classes and Seminars are non-cancellable and non-transferable.

(b) Non-attendance by the Student should be notified in advance by sending an email to scheduling@academeum.org and copying the Teacher on the email.

(c) Refunds shall not be given for non-attendance. These are planned sessions involving multiple participants and require substantial preparation and resource allocation in advance.

(d) Students arriving more than 20 minutes late may not be admitted. This policy ensures minimal disruption and maintains the quality of the learning environment for all participants.

5.6 Extenuating circumstances (serious illness, bereavement, emergencies) may be considered at Academeum’s sole discretion but shall not oblige a waiver of fees.

5.7 If Academeum cancels a session and cannot provide a reasonable alternative, unused prepaid fees for that session will be refunded.

5.8 If a Teacher becomes unavailable, Academeum will make reasonable efforts to arrange a suitable alternative to ensure the agreed Service continues with minimal disruption. If this is not possible, any remaining pre-paid sessions will be refunded.

5.9 If a Teacher cancels a session and no rescheduling is possible within a reasonable period, the full value of the affected session will be credited to the Client’s account. This credit may be applied to any future Service within twelve (12) months.

6. Liability

6.1 To the fullest extent permitted by law, Academeum’s total aggregate liability for all claims in any twelve-month period shall be limited to the total amount paid by the Client for Services in that same period, except for claims arising from personal injury or death caused by gross negligence or unlawful intent.

6.2 Academeum shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages.

6.3 Academeum shall not be liable for technical failures beyond its control, including, but not limited to internet outages, poor connectivity, software malfunctions, and any other similar problems that prevent the provision of Services.

6.4 The Client shall indemnify Academeum against any claim, loss, or expense arising from the Client’s or Student’s breach of the Agreement, misconduct, or unlawful acts.

6.5 Academeum does not warrant the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information provided in the course of its Services. Any reliance on such information shall be at the Client’s and Student’s own risk.

7. Termination

7.1 Either Party may terminate the Agreement by providing fourteen (14) days’ written notice via email or registered post. Termination takes effect upon receipt of such notice by the other Party. This right may be exercised at any time and without the need to state a reason.

7.2 By requesting that Services begin within this fourteen day period, the Client expressly waives withdrawal rights once tuition has commenced. Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit any mandatory consumer rights applicable under law.

7.3 Fees remain payable for all Services scheduled to occur within the notice period. If fees have been prepaid for Services beyond the notice period, Academeum shall refund the unused portion within fourteen (14) days of termination, less any non-recoverable costs already incurred in preparation for those Services.

7.4 The Client acknowledges that tuition slots are reserved on a dedicated basis, and that short-notice changes frequently result in unrecoverable loss of teaching capacity. The retention of fees within the notice period constitutes a genuine pre-estimate of this loss.

7.5 Academeum may terminate the Agreement immediately without refund if the Client or Student commits a material breach of these Terms, engages in misconduct, fails to disclose information required under clause 3.7, or provides false or misleading information in relation to the Services. 

7.6 If Academeum terminates the Agreement for the provision of Classes or Seminars before the end of the academic year, any refund shall be calculated pro rata for the sessions not yet delivered as at the effective date of termination.

7.7 Termination shall not affect any accrued rights, obligations, or liabilities of either Party. All provisions which by their nature are intended to survive termination shall remain in full force and effect, including but not limited to clauses relating to confidentiality, indemnity, and limitation of liability.

7.8 In the event of any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, the Parties shall first seek to resolve it through good faith discussions before pursuing any formal proceedings.

8. Non-Solicitation

8.1 During the Agreement and for twelve (12) months thereafter, the Client shall not, without Academeum’s written consent, directly or indirectly solicit, engage, or employ any Teacher, nor facilitate such engagement by another party. Breach will result in a contractual fee equal to the greater of CHF 5,000 or three (3) months’ average Service fees for that Teacher, representing a genuine pre-estimate of Academeum’s loss (including recruitment, training, and opportunity costs). This provision is intended as liquidated damages and not as a penalty. Where actual losses exceed this sum, Academeum reserves the right to claim the difference.

8.2 The Parties agree that the sum payable under this clause is a genuine pre-estimate of Academeum’s loss arising from such breach, reflecting the average costs of recruitment, training, anticipated loss of business, and opportunity costs, and is not a penalty. This provision is without prejudice to Academeum’s right to seek additional damages if actual loss exceeds the stated sum.

9. Data Privacy and Confidentiality

9.1 Academeum treats all Client and Student information with the utmost discretion and in full compliance with applicable Swiss and international data protection laws. Personal data shall be collected only to the extent necessary to deliver our Services to the highest professional standard, as described in our Privacy Notice.

9.2 All personal data, academic records, proprietary materials, and communications shall be stored securely and accessed only by those with a legitimate need to do so for the purposes of fulfilling the Agreement. We employ industry-standard encryption, secure authentication, and continuous monitoring to safeguard information.

9.3 Academeum shall not sell, trade, or otherwise make available personal data to unrelated third parties. Where we work with selected service providers, such as payment processors, IT support, or Teachers, they are contractually bound to maintain confidentiality and to process data solely for the agreed purpose, subject to equivalent or higher data protection standards.

9.4 The Client has the right to access their personal data, request corrections, and, where legally permissible, request deletion. Any such request should be addressed to privacy@academeum.org.

9.5 In addition to the obligations above, the Parties shall maintain strict confidentiality regarding all proprietary information, business processes, know-how, and other non-public information disclosed in connection with the Agreement. This obligation extends to any third parties engaged by either Party and binds their officers, employees, contractors, and representatives. Such information may be used solely for the purpose of fulfilling the Agreement and shall not, without prior written consent, be disclosed, adapted, reverse-engineered, or used, whether directly or indirectly, to compete with Academeum or to provide services of a similar nature outside the scope of this Agreement. Disclosure is permitted only where required by law. These confidentiality obligations are continuing and survive termination of the Agreement indefinitely.

10. Intellectual Property and Recording

10.1 All academic materials, teaching methodologies, curricula, lesson plans, and other works provided by Academeum or its Teachers remain the intellectual property of Academeum or the Teacher who created them.

10.2 Clients and Students are granted a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for personal educational use only. Redistribution, reproduction, adaptation, commercial use, or competitive use of these materials without prior written consent from Academeum is strictly prohibited.

10.3 No recording (audio, video, or screen capture) of any session, including Consultations, is permitted without prior written consent.

10.4 This clause applies worldwide, survives termination, and entitles Academeum to injunctive relief in addition to any other remedies available under law.

11. Amendments and Notices

11.1 Amendments or modifications to the Agreement must be in writing and signed by both Parties.

11.2 Academeum may update these General Terms and Conditions. Clients will be notified of any changes and will have a period of fourteen (14) days from the date of notification to review and accept these changes. Continued use of Services constitutes acceptance.

12. Entire Agreement

12.1 These General Terms and Conditions and Our Offer together constitute the entire agreement between Academeum and the Client concerning the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, understandings, negotiations, representations, warranties, and discussions between the Parties, whether oral or written or implied.

12.2 The Parties acknowledge that they have not relied upon any statement, promise, assurance, or representation not expressly set out in this Agreement, except in the case of fraudulent misrepresentation.

13. Severability

13.1 Should any provision of the Agreement be declared to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court or other competent authority, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

13.2 Where a provision is found invalid, illegal, or unenforceable, the invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision shall be deemed modified to the extent necessary to make it enforceable with as precisely equivalent economic, legal, and commercial objectives as the original.

14. Waiver

14.1 No failure or delay by Academeum in exercising any right, power, or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof.
14.2 Any waiver of any right or provision shall be in writing, signed by an authorised representative of Academeum, and shall apply only to the specific instance and purpose for which it is given.
14.3 A single or partial exercise of a right does not preclude any other or further exercise of that right or any other right.

15. Assignment

Clients may not assign or transfer any of their rights or obligations under the Agreement without the prior written consent of Academeum.

16. Force Majeure

Neither Party shall be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to war, strikes, pandemics, natural disasters, or governmental restrictions. In such cases, Academeum may substitute alternative service formats, including but not limited to pre-recorded content, written assignments, or rescheduled sessions. Substitution of format shall not entitle the Client to a refund, provided that the substituted format is reasonably capable of fulfilling the educational purpose of the affected session.

17. Language

The Agreement is in English. If translated into any other language, the English language version shall prevail.

18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Agreement shall be governed by Swiss law. Subject to any mandatory consumer protection laws, the courts of the Canton of Zug, Switzerland, shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Academeum may, at its sole discretion, bring proceedings against the Client in the courts of the Client’s domicile, in any jurisdiction where the Client conducts business, or in any jurisdiction where the Client holds assets. Nothing in this clause shall limit Academeum’s right to seek provisional or protective measures in any competent jurisdiction.

These General Terms and Conditions were last updated on 21 August, 2025.