Leaving a private course: what must I pay?
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Detailed explanation, checklist and sources
As a consumer you can terminate a private education contract governed by Dutch rules on services. This does not always mean nothing remains payable. Check withdrawal rights, teaching already provided and the final account first.
On this page
1. Does this apply to my course?
This concerns a consumer personally contracting for private teaching under Dutch law. Check the contracting party and agreement. Employer contracts, publicly funded education, statutory tuition and DUO funding require separate assessment. The label mbo or hbo alone does not identify the contract type.
2. Can I still withdraw?
For education contracted online or by telephone, a 14-day withdrawal period generally runs from concluding the contract, subject to exceptions. Missing mandatory information can extend it. Starting lessons alone does not remove withdrawal rights. An express request for early performance with proper information may require proportionate payment. Full performance can end the right if express advance consent and acknowledgement of losing it were given. Separate digital content and fixed-date leisure activities have their own exceptions; check them.
3. Can I stop later?
After the withdrawal period, or where it does not apply, a consumer service assignment can still be terminated. Article 7:408 BW excludes damages merely for terminating. It does not remove reasonable remuneration for work or reimbursable expenses. Less favourable standard terms cannot undermine this statutory protection.
4. What payment is reasonable?
Request an itemised account of teaching, materials, expenses and payments. Early termination may require a reasonable share of the fee, considering work done, your benefit and the reason for ending. The full fee is not automatic: article 7:411 sets additional conditions and savings must be deducted. A fixed percentage or an administration-fee label does not prove the amount is justified.
5. How do I give clear notice?
Write which agreement you are ending and on what date. If exercising withdrawal, say so expressly and keep evidence of timely sending. Do not wait for a cost calculation before withdrawing. Separately request confirmation and an itemised account crediting advance payments. Merely missing classes or reversing a debit is not clear notice.
6. What if we disagree?
Explain precisely which charge you dispute and request evidence. Do not pay blindly or ignore demands or court papers: a dispute does not automatically suspend deadlines. Check a disputes committee's membership requirements and rules, or obtain advice on court proceedings, evidence and costs. Defective teaching involves different grounds from changing your mind; do not assume a full refund.
Draft: terminate a course and request an account
Fill in the fields. Select withdrawal only if applicable. Keep proof of sending; your requested response date is not automatically a statutory deadline.
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I attended one class. Must I pay for the entire year?
Not automatically. Check withdrawal first; otherwise assess reasonable remuneration and the conditions for any full fee. One class alone proves neither loss of withdrawal rights nor liability for a whole year.
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View the current application processSources
Need personal assistance? Request a lawyer through our chat. We explain the next step; submitting a request does not engage a lawyer. The links below support the legal information.
Burgerlijk Wetboek 7 · artikelen 408, 411 en 413 ↗ACM ConsuWijzer · Klus, opleiding of opdracht annuleren ↗ACM ConsuWijzer · Bedenktijd ↗Het Juridisch Loket · Stoppen met opleiding of cursus ↗Sources may be in Dutch. General information about Dutch law, not individual legal advice.