Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Last Updated: November 12, 2025
These Terms & Conditions ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the Melsoft International School website (melsoft.org), mobile apps, online platforms, courses, programs, and related services (collectively, the "Services") provided by Melsoft International School (formerly Melsoft Academy), a division of Melsoft Academy (Pty) Ltd, a privately owned South African registered company with registration number 2020/035996/07, accredited by QCTO, SAQA, and MICT SETA ("Melsoft," "we," "us," or "our").
By accessing or using the Services, registering for an account, enrolling in a program, or making a payment, you agree to be bound by these Terms, our Privacy Policy, Honor Code, and any additional terms specific to certain programs (e.g., refund policies or subscription terms). If you do not agree, do not use the Services. These Terms form a legally binding agreement between you and Melsoft.
If you are under 18 years old (or the age of majority in your jurisdiction), you must have a parent or legal guardian review and agree to these Terms on your behalf, and they will be responsible for your compliance.
1. User Accounts and Registration
Eligibility: You must be at least 13 years old to use the Services. Users under 18 require parental/guardian consent and supervision. You represent that you can form a binding contract, comply with these Terms and applicable laws (including South African laws like POPIA for data protection), and are not barred from using the Services. Account Creation: To access certain features (e.g., courses, Melsoft Circle), you must create an account with accurate, complete information.
You agree to update your details as needed. You may not share your account credentials or use another's account. Melsoft reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts for violations. Security: You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your password and account. Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use at support@melsoft.org.
2. Services and Programs
Description: The Services include accredited programs (e.g., NQF Level 4-5 qualifications), bootcamps (3-6 months), short courses (1-4 weeks), Melsoft Circle (free entry program with mentorship/webinars), learnerships (SA-only, sponsored), and podcasts. Content may include videos, quizzes, assignments, forums, and interactive elements. Enrollment and Access: Enrollment is subject to availability and payment (where applicable). Access is granted for the program duration or subscription period. We may modify, reschedule, or cancel content at our discretion due to unexpected events, with notice where possible. Certificates and Credits: Upon successful completion (meeting all requirements, e.g., assessments, attendance), you may receive a certificate of completion or SAQA-recognized qualification.
Certificates do not confer university credits unless specified. No formal relationship is established with partner institutions. Job Guarantee: For eligible programs (e.g., bootcamps/accredited with 100% guarantee), we commit to job/internship placement within 3 months post-graduation, subject to conditions: full program completion, active job search participation, meeting performance criteria, and availability in your region. If unmet, we offer extended support or partial refund (up to 50%, at our discretion). No guarantees for short courses or free programs.
Free Trials and Melsoft Circle: Free trials (e.g., 7 days) allow limited access; no payment required unless upgraded. Melsoft Circle is free but may require registration; content is for personal use only. Changes to Services: We may update, interrupt, or discontinue Services/features at any time. Your continued use constitutes acceptance.
3. Payments, Refunds, and Cancellations
Payments: Fees are in ZAR or USD (toggle available). Payment methods include credit cards, bank transfers, or partners (e.g., Paystack/Stripe). Subscriptions (e.g., SuperGrok) auto-renew unless canceled. Prices exclude taxes; you are responsible for applicable duties. Subscriptions: Monthly/annual plans renew automatically. Cancel via account settings; effective at billing period end.
No prorated refunds. Refunds: Short Courses/Bootcamps: Full refund within 7 days of purchase if no certificate earned or <25% content accessed. Accredited Programs: Full refund within 14 days of enrollment or before starting; partial (50%) within 30 days if <50% completed. No refunds after. Free Trials: No charge; cancel anytime to avoid billing. Job Guarantee: If eligible and unmet, partial refund (up to 50%) after good-faith efforts documented. All refunds processed within 30 days, minus processing fees. No refunds for violations or third-party purchases (e.g., app stores). Cancellations: For learnerships/sponsored programs, follow sponsor terms. We may cancel for non-payment or breaches.
4. Intellectual Property and Content Ownership
Our Content: All Services content (courses, videos, materials) is owned by Melsoft or licensors (e.g., Content Providers). You are granted a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable license for personal, non-commercial use during access. No ownership transfer. User Content: Submissions (e.g., assignments, forum posts) remain yours, but you grant Melsoft a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide license to use, modify, distribute for Services improvement/operation. Do not submit confidential info. Prohibitions: No copying, distributing, modifying, or creating derivatives of content without permission. Attribute sources; no plagiarism (see Honor Code). Feedback: Suggestions/feedback grant us unrestricted use without compensation.
5. User Conduct and Honor Code
Acceptable Use: Use Services lawfully, respectfully. Prohibited: harassment, cheating, IP infringement, malware, unauthorized access, or disrupting Services. Honor Code: For assessments/certificates: No plagiarism, AI misuse for submissions, or sharing answers. Violations may result in suspension, certificate revocation, no refunds. Community Guidelines: In forums/Melsoft Circle, be inclusive; no spam, offensive content. We may moderate/remove posts.
6. Privacy and Data Protection
We collect/use data per our Privacy Policy (compliant with POPIA, GDPR where applicable). By using Services, you consent to processing for education, marketing (opt-out available), and improvements. For minors: Guardians consent to data use. Security: We implement measures, but no absolute guarantee.
7. Disclaimers and Warranties
Services are provided "AS IS" without warranties (express/implied, including fitness, non-infringement). We disclaim liability for content accuracy, interruptions, or third-party links. No guarantee of job outcomes beyond specified programs; success depends on effort/market. Content may change; no liability for errors/omissions.
8. Limitation of Liability
To the maximum extent permitted by SA law, Melsoft (including affiliates, employees) shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, punitive damages, or loss of data/profits, arising from Services use. Total liability limited to fees paid in the past 6 months (or R1,000 if free user). You indemnify us against claims from your misuse. Claims must commence within 1 year.
9. Termination
You may terminate your account anytime; we retain data per policy. We may suspend/terminate for breaches, non-payment, or at discretion (with notice where possible). No refunds for violations.
10. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
Governed by South African laws, without conflict principles. Disputes: First, informal resolution via support@melsoft.org. If unresolved, exclusive jurisdiction in Johannesburg courts. For EU/UAE users: Additional consumer protections apply.
11. Changes to Terms
We may update Terms; continued use constitutes acceptance. Significant changes notified via email/site (30 days advance).
12. Miscellaneous
Force Majeure: No liability for events beyond control (e.g., pandemics, outages). Severability: Invalid provisions don't affect others. Assignment: We may assign Terms; you may not without consent. Entire Agreement: These Terms supersede prior agreements.
