§1 Scope of Application

These General Terms and Conditions (GTC) govern the contractual relationship between Vienna City Film Academy (hereinafter referred to as the “Academy”) and the participant (hereinafter referred to as the “Student”) with regard to all courses, diploma programs, workshops, and other educational services offered either online or on-site.

By registering for a course – whether via the website, email, or registration form – the Student acknowledges and accepts these GTC as legally binding.

§2 Conclusion of Contract

1. The contract is concluded upon confirmation of registration by the Academy.

2. The Academy reserves the right to refuse any registration without stating reasons.

3. All prices are stated in Euro.

Rights of the Students

§3 Quality of Educational Programs

The Academy undertakes to conduct its programs in accordance with the published curriculum and in line with recognized professional standards in Austria.

The Academy reserves the right to further develop or adjust course content for quality improvement purposes, provided that the essential character of the program remains unaffected.

§4 Educational Materials

1. Short programs include a defined training curriculum and, where applicable, a single designated textbook.

2. Long-term programs and diploma programs (Directing & Filmmaking) include the currently valid full curriculum (currently 3 textbooks) in both printed and digital formats.

3. All educational materials are intended solely for the personal use of the Student.

§5 Certificates and Diplomas

Upon successful completion, Students receive a certificate of participation, diploma, or graduation certificate depending on the program, provided that:

• all academic requirements have been fulfilled,

• all payment obligations have been settled,

• a final project (if required) has been submitted,

• the code of conduct has been respected.

No certificate shall be issued if outstanding payments exist.

Withdrawal and Cancellation

§6 Withdrawal Before Course Start

Withdrawal is possible up to 14 days prior to the course start date.
The Academy is entitled to retain an appropriate administrative processing fee.

§7 Withdrawal After Course Start

Once the program has commenced, the full course fee becomes binding and payable, regardless of actual attendance.

Non-attendance or voluntary discontinuation does not release the Student from payment obligations.

In duly documented exceptional cases (e.g., certified illness or force majeure), the Academy may, at its sole discretion, grant partial arrangements or deferrals. There is no legal entitlement to such accommodation.

Payment Terms

§8 Payment Methods

Course fees may be paid:

• as a full upfront payment,
  or

• in agreed monthly installments.

§9 Installment Payments

1. Monthly installments are due between the 1st and 3rd of each month.

2. In the event of unjustified payment delay, the Academy is entitled to:

   • suspend access to the learning platform,

   • suspend academic supervision,

   • withhold certificates.

3. In case of continued default, the entire outstanding balance becomes immediately due.

4. The Student bears any reminder and collection costs incurred.

§10 Unauthorized Payment Reversal (Chargeback)

In the event of an unjustified reversal of payment, the Academy reserves the right to:

• demand immediate payment of the full outstanding amount,

• charge additional banking and administrative fees,

• initiate legal proceedings.

Scholarships and Special Programs

§11 Scholarship Conditions

Students receiving scholarships or special conditions are obligated to:

• complete the program in full,

• submit the final project on time,

• comply with all participation requirements.

In the event of withdrawal or non-compliance without an accepted justification, the scholarship will be revoked and the regular course fee will be recalculated and charged.

Intellectual Property

§12 Copyright

All educational materials, content, videos, recordings, concepts, and documents are the exclusive intellectual property of the Academy.

It is strictly prohibited to:

• copy,

• distribute,

• publish,

• sell,

• or commercially exploit any content.

Violations may result in civil and criminal legal action.

Recordings and Use of Student Work

§13

The Academy is entitled to record teaching sessions for documentation and educational purposes.

Student projects or visual material from the training process may be used for marketing purposes unless the Student submits a written objection in advance.

Modifications and Cancellation by the Academy

§14

The Academy reserves the right to:

• adjust schedules when necessary,

• replace instructors with equally qualified professionals,

• postpone or cancel programs in the event of insufficient participant numbers.

In case of cancellation by the Academy, payments already made will either be refunded or credited toward another program at the Student’s request.

Conduct and Discipline

§15

Students are required to maintain professional and respectful conduct.

In cases of:

• serious misconduct,

• disruption of classes,

• reputational damage,

• infringement of intellectual property rights,

the Academy may terminate the contract with immediate effect.
No refund will be granted in such cases.

Liability

§16

1. The Academy does not guarantee professional success or employment outcomes.

2. No liability is assumed for technical disruptions beyond the Academy’s control.

3. Liability is – to the extent permitted by law – limited to the amount of the course fee paid.

4. The Academy assumes no responsibility for professional or creative decisions made by Students based on the educational content.

Force Majeure

§17

The Academy shall not be liable for delays or cancellations caused by force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, governmental orders, pandemics).

Data Protection

§18

Personal data is processed in accordance with the Data Protection Policy published on the Academy’s website.

Applicable Law and Jurisdiction

§19

Austrian law shall apply exclusively.
The place of jurisdiction is the registered seat of the Academy in Austria.

Severability Clause

§20

Should any provision of these GTC be invalid, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected.
The invalid provision shall be replaced by a legally permissible provision that most closely reflects the intended economic purpose.