Non-refundable deposits any leeway with pregnancy?

[TwilightP]

Hi all,

Recently tested positive on pregnancy test (6 weeks) but I was due to start a Master’s course with a private college in Ireland this summer.

I contacted the course coordinator letting her know my preferences to start the course as planned and complete one semester before baby arrives in Feb. She advised that deferring the course mid year wasn’t possible and a 1 year deferral was the only option, ie. Starting the course the following August 2026. I asked for the policy and it states that the €500 non-refundable deposit would be lost if deferring. I completely understand it’s a non-refundable deposit but also feel as because I’m pregnant and not deferring for no reason I might have grounds to ask for this back or for it to be put towards my fee’s for the following year (have already paid half for this year).

She asked me to let her know asap as she will offer my place this year to someone else. Just to note that I had applied to get on the previous year intake and was put on a waitlist so every year they have a number of people on a waitlist should anyone drop out or defer, ie. they’re certainly not loosing out on any money.

Just wondering if anyone has any experience with something similar?

thanks in advance.

Definitely worth asking for it to be moved forward rather than lost. If it's in their terms and conditions they dont have to do it, but since they have someone lined up to take your place hopefully they would.

The deposit probably covers the time and faff that it takes from an admin perspective to move you and then get the next person on board - unless there’s a separate admin fee for deferral?

There is no harm in asking but they may well say it is to cover the admin around moving you to next year and getting someone new in for this year.

I would question that policy. If you defer then you are covering your admin fees through your deposit.

Pregnancy isn't an illness however and is avoidable so not sure if valid reason for special case.

Always worth a push back.

I dont think anyone would be deferring for no reason

It costs money to administrate the changes - who but you should pay this?

Your pregnancy is a matter of choice - it's not outside your control like an illness.