Getting a full refund from Udemy for a self-paced course, especially when it falls outside their 30-day money-back guarantee, can be challenging but not impossible. This guide outlines various strategies to increase your chances of securing a refund.
Understanding Udemy’s Refund Policy
Before requesting a refund, it’s crucial to understand Udemy’s official policy:
- 30-Day Refund Guarantee: Udemy typically offers a full refund if the request is made within 30 days of purchase.
- Refund Exclusions: Courses purchased through third-party vendors, those paid via Udemy credits, or those abused through excessive refunds may not be eligible.
- Refund Method: If you paid via credit card, PayPal, or another direct payment method, you’ll receive a refund in the same form. If the refund is denied or restricted, you may receive Udemy credits instead.
If you are beyond the 30-day period or your request is otherwise ineligible, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Contact Udemy Support Directly
The first and most effective approach is to contact Udemy’s customer support. Here’s how:
- Go to Udemy’s Help Center: https://support.udemy.com
- Select “Contact Us” and choose “Request a Refund.”
- Be Polite & Clear: Write a detailed and respectful message explaining your request.
Key Points to Include in Your Message
- Reason for Refund: Provide a legitimate reason. Here are a few common reasons that have worked:
- “The course did not match the description or promotional materials.”
- “The course content is outdated or low-quality.”
- “I am unable to access the course due to technical difficulties.”
- “I purchased the wrong course by mistake.”
- Supporting Evidence: If possible, attach screenshots or details demonstrating the issue.
- Request for an Exception: Politely ask for an exception if you’re past the refund window.
Example Refund Request Email
Subject: Request for Refund – Course [Course Name]
Dear Udemy Support Team,
I recently purchased the course [Course Name] but found that it does not meet my expectations due to [reason, e.g., outdated content, misleading description, instructor quality, etc.].
I understand that my purchase may fall outside the usual 30-day refund window, but given the circumstances, I would greatly appreciate an exception. I have attached some supporting details for your reference.
Please let me know if there are any possible solutions, including a refund or Udemy credits.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Udemy Email Address]
Step 2: Escalate via Social Media or Public Channels
If Udemy support denies your request, the next step is to escalate it through public-facing platforms.
Where to Contact Udemy Publicly
- Twitter (X): Tweet @UdemySupport and explain your issue.
- Facebook & LinkedIn: Post a complaint on Udemy’s official pages.
- Trustpilot & Reddit: Share your experience and tag Udemy. Companies often respond to public complaints.
Example Social Media Post
@UdemySupport I purchased a course that was outdated and misleading. I contacted support for a refund, but my request was denied. I believe this is unfair—can you reconsider?
Step 3: Dispute the Charge via Your Payment Provider
If Udemy refuses your refund, you can dispute the transaction through your credit card company, PayPal, or bank.
How to Dispute a Charge
- Check Your Bank/PayPal Dispute Policy: Most providers allow charge disputes within 60–120 days.
- State the Reason for Dispute:
- “The service did not match the description.”
- “The product was defective or misleading.”
- Provide Evidence: Include Udemy’s denial response and course screenshots.
🚨 Warning: Frequent chargebacks can lead to Udemy banning your account.
Step 4: Request a Partial Refund or Udemy Credits
If a full refund isn’t possible, ask for:
- A Partial Refund (e.g., 50% back).
- Udemy Credits to use on another course.
This often works as a compromise.
Final Tips
- Act Quickly: The sooner you request a refund, the higher the chances.
- Be Professional: A polite and well-structured request works better than an aggressive complaint.
- Consider Future Purchases: If you want to continue using Udemy, avoid excessive refund requests to prevent account restrictions.
By following these steps, you significantly increase your chances of getting a refund—even if Udemy’s policy doesn’t explicitly allow it. 🚀
