Cancel Kaplan: The Right Way

How to cancel Kaplan and protect your refund in canada

What you need to know about Kaplan

Kaplan is an international education provider offering language courses, test preparation (including IELTS), and professional certifications across Canada. The organization operates physical campuses in Toronto and Vancouver, and delivers online instruction to students nationwide. When you enroll with Kaplan, you enter a binding contract governed by location-specific terms and conditions. Understanding those terms before you cancel is your strongest protection for securing the refund you're entitled to.

Kaplan's refund structure varies significantly by program type, campus location, cancellation timing, and the reason you're withdrawing. A student in Toronto who cancels within 7 days of enrollment may recover 100% of tuition. The same student cancelling 15 days before the course start date loses 20% of fees. For IELTS test registrations, you forfeit 50% of your fee if you cancel between 14 and 5 days before your test date. These thresholds are strict and non-negotiable under most circumstances. Knowing your exact cancellation deadline and the refund percentage that applies to your specific program transforms the process from guesswork into a calculated, confident decision.

Why students cancel Kaplan

Life circumstances change unexpectedly. Study permits or visa refusals force withdrawals after you've paid tuition in full. Medical emergencies prevent test attendance on exam day. Job offers arrive and shift your timeline. Financial hardship surfaces mid-course. A program doesn't match your learning style or pace. While none of these reasons automatically entitle you to a full refund, several are recognized by Kaplan's terms as valid grounds for partial or full recovery. Your responsibility is to document your reason clearly and invoke the specific contractual clause that protects it.

Why cancellation policies matter

Kaplan's refund rules exist to balance the provider's operational costs against your consumer rights. A 7-day cooling-off period reflects the time Kaplan needs to prepare your enrollment materials. A 50% charge on IELTS test cancellations reflects the test centre's non-refundable booking costs. Understanding the logic behind these policies helps you negotiate more effectively if your situation is borderline. More importantly, knowing the exact policy that applies to you prevents Kaplan from applying a stricter refund schedule than the one you agreed to at enrollment.

Your consumer rights in canada

Federal and provincial consumer laws protect you when dealing with Kaplan.

What federal and provincial law protect you

Canada's Competition Act and provincial consumer protection statutes-including Ontario's Consumer Protection Act and British Columbia's Consumer Protection Act-require education providers like Kaplan to disclose material terms clearly and honour those terms in writing. You have the legal right to receive a copy of your enrollment contract before payment. You have the right to a written cancellation confirmation within a reasonable timeframe (typically 5-10 business days). You have the right to request itemized refund calculations if Kaplan withholds fees.

If Kaplan refuses a refund you believe you're entitled to under the published terms, you can escalate to the provincial consumer authority. Contact the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services if your campus is in Toronto, or the British Columbia Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions if your campus is in Vancouver. These bodies investigate unfair practices and can compel refunds. Tocancel recommends keeping this escalation option in reserve-it often motivates companies to settle promptly.

Your legal position is straightforward: if Kaplan's written terms guarantee a refund under your circumstances, Kaplan must honour that guarantee, period.

Your right to written confirmation

Never accept verbal cancellation confirmations from Kaplan staff, whether in person or by phone. Kaplan must provide you with a written record stating the cancellation effective date, the refund amount owed, the refund percentage applied, and the timeline for deposit or cheque. This document is your legal evidence in any future dispute. Without it, you have no proof Kaplan received your notice or processed your withdrawal correctly.

Always request written confirmation explicitly in your cancellation letter or email. Follow up in writing if it's not provided within 5 business days. Keep copies of everything you send and receive. This paper trail is your strongest protection if you need to escalate to a provincial consumer authority later.

How to cancel Kaplan step by step

You have two primary cancellation methods available, and Tocancel recommends using both for maximum protection.

Choosing your cancellation method

Kaplan accepts written cancellation notices by email and physical mail. Email is faster and creates a digital timestamp showing when you initiated your request. Physical mail with registered delivery creates proof of delivery that email alone cannot provide. For maximum protection, Tocancel recommends using both: send your cancellation email first (fast), then follow up with a registered letter (documented).

If you send only an email, request a read receipt. If Kaplan claims they never received your email, the read receipt proves otherwise. If you send physical mail, use Canada Post's Xpresspost with Signature Confirmation or equivalent. This creates an undeniable delivery record.

Cancellation by email

1. Locate your enrollment contract and identify your exact refund policy, cancellation deadline, and the refund percentage you're entitled to under your circumstances.
   • Check your email for the original enrollment confirmation or invoice.
   • Log into your Kaplan online student account and review your contract documents.
   • If you cannot locate your policy, contact Kaplan's student services and request a copy before you cancel.
2. Compose a clear, formal cancellation email addressed to the Kaplan campus or online program manager.
   • Subject line: "Formal Cancellation Request - [Your Full Name] - [Student ID if available]"
   • Include your full name, date of birth, student ID, program name, and enrollment start date.
   • State your reason for cancellation (medical, financial, visa denial, etc.).
   • Reference the specific refund policy from your enrollment contract.
   • Request a written confirmation within 5 business days.
3. Send the email to the appropriate campus email address and request a read receipt.
   • Toronto campus: contact your campus directly via the main Kaplan website.
   • Vancouver campus: contact your campus directly via the main Kaplan website.
   • Online programs: contact the online student services team.
   • Keep the sent email and read receipt as evidence of delivery.
4. Wait for written confirmation of your cancellation and refund.
   • Kaplan should respond within 5 business days with cancellation details.
   • If no response arrives, send a follow-up email after 7 business days.
   • Save every response for your records.

Cancellation by registered mail

1. Prepare your cancellation letter using the template approach outlined above.
   • Print or type formally on plain paper.
   • Include your full name, date of birth, student ID, program name, start date, and reason for cancellation.
   • Reference your specific refund policy from the enrollment contract.
   • Request written confirmation of cancellation and refund within 5 business days.
   • Date and sign the letter.
2. Address the letter to the Kaplan campus manager or student services director.
   • Toronto: Kaplan student services, Toronto campus address (verify on official Kaplan website).
   • Vancouver: Kaplan student services, Vancouver campus address (verify on official Kaplan website).
   • Include "Cancellation Request" on the envelope in red or bold.
3. Visit Canada Post and send the letter via Xpresspost with Signature Confirmation.
   • This service costs approximately $20-30 CAD depending on destination.
   • You receive a tracking number and proof of delivery signature.
   • Keep the receipt, tracking number, and delivery confirmation.
4. Monitor your Canada Post tracking and wait for written confirmation from Kaplan.
   • Kaplan should acknowledge receipt within 2-3 business days.
   • A formal refund decision should arrive within 5-10 business days.
   • If no response arrives within 10 business days, escalate (see below).

Kaplan refund timelines and amounts

The refund you receive depends on when you cancel relative to your program start date and test date.

These percentages are typical but not universal. Always check your individual enrollment contract, as some programs (intensive accelerated courses, corporate training) may have different schedules. If your contract contradicts the above table, your contract governs-not this guide.

When to expect your refund

Kaplan typically processes refunds within 10-15 business days of confirming your cancellation. Payment method matters: if you paid by credit card, the refund returns to that card within 7-10 business days after Kaplan initiates it. If you paid by bank transfer or cheque, Kaplan issues a cheque and mails it within 5 business days; you receive it within 5-7 additional business days depending on postal service speed.

Request a tracking number or cheque number when Kaplan confirms your refund. If your refund hasn't appeared after 20 business days, follow up in writing with your confirmation letter and ask for proof of refund initiation. Tocancel recommends setting a calendar reminder for day 15-this prompts you to follow up while you still have time to escalate if needed.

Common mistakes when cancelling Kaplan

Cancellation feels stressful when money is on the line, and small errors can cost you hundreds of dollars.

Mistake 1: cancelling verbally or by phone

Kaplan staff may seem helpful on the phone, but verbal cancellations leave no paper trail. Days later, Kaplan claims they have no record of your request, and you're stuck arguing without evidence. Always follow up any phone call with written confirmation via email or registered mail within 24 hours. State the date, time, and name of the staff member you spoke with, and include the substance of what they told you about your refund.

Mistake 2: not confirming your refund policy before cancelling

You may assume you know your refund percentage, but assumptions cost money. Some programs have tiered refunds; others have flat-rate cancellation fees. Some allow deferrals instead of refunds. Always retrieve your original enrollment contract and identify the exact clause that applies to your situation before you send any cancellation notice. If you can't find your contract, request it from Kaplan before cancelling-they must provide it within 3-5 business days.

Mistake 3: not requesting written confirmation of your cancellation

Kaplan may send you an email saying "your cancellation has been processed," but this is not the same as a formal refund confirmation. A valid confirmation must include your student ID, the effective cancellation date, the refund amount, the refund percentage applied, and the timeline for payment. If you receive a vague acknowledgment, reply in writing and ask for itemized details. Don't accept a refund for less than the policy entitles you to without asking why.

Mistake 4: sending cancellation notice too close to your program start date

Once your program starts, your refund options narrow dramatically. Most Kaplan policies allow little to no refund for cancellations after the first class or session begins. If you're considering cancelling, act immediately-don't wait weeks hoping your circumstances improve. The longer you delay, the lower your refund percentage becomes. If your start date is within 7 days, send your cancellation notice today via both email and registered mail.

Mistake 5: forgetting to track your cancellation communication

You send an email, a letter, and a follow-up phone call, then lose track of dates and references. When Kaplan disputes your refund weeks later, you can't quickly find your original notice or confirmation. Maintain a simple cancellation log: record the date you sent each notice, the method (email, mail, phone), the name of the recipient, and the date you received confirmation. Tocancel recommends using a spreadsheet or even a text file saved to your computer. This log is your proof timeline if you need to escalate to a provincial consumer authority.

After your cancellation is confirmed

Your cancellation is not truly complete until you see the refund in your account.

Monitor your refund status

After Kaplan confirms your cancellation, create a calendar reminder for 15 business days later. Check your bank account or credit card statement to confirm the refund has arrived. If it hasn't, send a follow-up email to Kaplan asking for proof of refund initiation (cheque number, transaction ID, or card reference number). Request a timeline for receipt and ask them to escalate internally if there's a delay.

Document the refund for your records

Once your refund appears, take a screenshot of your bank statement or credit card showing the deposit. Save it alongside your cancellation confirmation and any other Kaplan correspondence. This creates a complete paper trail if you ever need to dispute the amount with your bank or with a consumer protection authority.

Request an official refund receipt from Kaplan

Many companies don't volunteer this, but you have the right to ask. Email Kaplan and request a formal refund receipt stating the amount refunded, the date of the refund, and the refund reference number. This receipt strengthens your proof of cancellation and is useful if you need to claim a deduction on your taxes (education refunds sometimes have tax implications-consult an accountant if you're unsure).

If Kaplan refuses your refund

You have legal remedies if Kaplan denies a refund you're entitled to under your contract.

Step 1: request written explanation

If Kaplan denies your refund claim, they must provide a written explanation stating which contract clause they relied upon and why they applied it to your situation. Email or write requesting this explanation within 5 business days of the denial. If they refuse or give a vague answer, this is your signal to escalate. Tocancel recommends keeping this correspondence as evidence of their refusal-it strengthens your case if you file a complaint with a provincial authority later.

Step 2: escalate internally

Request a review by Kaplan's student services manager or senior leadership. Email the main Kaplan office (Toronto or Vancouver) and attach your original enrollment contract, your cancellation notice, Kaplan's refusal letter, and a brief explanation of why you believe the refund is owed under your contract terms. Ask for a review within 10 business days. Many refusal decisions are overturned at the management level once a supervisor sees the full file.

Step 3: file a complaint with your provincial consumer authority

If internal escalation fails, contact your provincial consumer protection agency. Ontario residents should file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Government and Consumer Services (Consumer Protection Act enforcement). British Columbia residents should contact the British Columbia Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions. These agencies investigate complaints of unfair business practices and can issue orders compelling refunds. The complaint process is free and usually takes 4-8 weeks. Tocancel has supported consumers through this process many times-it works, and companies take it seriously.

Step 4: consider small claims court

If the refund amount is under the small claims court limit in your province (typically $25,000 CAD), you can file a claim in small claims court. This costs $50-300 depending on your claim amount and province, and you represent yourself (no lawyer required). You submit your contract, cancellation notice, Kaplan's refusal, and a brief explanation to the court. A judge reviews the case and issues a decision within 30-60 days. If you win, Kaplan must pay you the refund plus court costs. This is a serious step, but it often motivates companies to settle before trial.

Kaplan cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you've completed every step correctly.

Should you cancel Kaplan?

Cancellation is the right choice if your refund policy allows a reasonable return and your reason is documented. A 100% refund within 7 days is always worth accepting. A 50% refund after 2 weeks is reasonable if you have a legitimate reason. A 0% refund after your program has started is almost never worth cancelling unless you're facing financial hardship or a genuine emergency.

Before you cancel, consider alternatives: can you defer your course to a future start date instead? Can you attend part-time instead of full-time to spread costs? Can you request a scholarship or hardship exemption? Kaplan may not volunteer these options, but they often exist. Ask before you cancel. Tocancel recommends exploring alternatives first, then cancelling if they don't work.

Contact information for Kaplan in canada

When you send your cancellation notice, address it to your specific campus:

Kaplan Toronto Campus
Contact the main Kaplan Canada office or Toronto-specific student services. Verify the exact mailing address and email on the official Kaplan website before sending your registered letter.

Kaplan Vancouver Campus
Contact the main Kaplan Canada office or Vancouver-specific student services. Verify the exact mailing address and email on the official Kaplan website before sending your registered letter.

Kaplan Online Programs
Contact Kaplan's online student services team via the main website. Request the mailing address for formal correspondence before sending registered mail.

If you cannot locate a specific address, call Kaplan's main line and ask for the student services department responsible for cancellations. Request their email and mailing address, then document the date and name of the staff member who provided this information.

Your path forward

Cancelling Kaplan is straightforward when you follow a clear process: confirm your policy, send formal written notice via email and registered mail, request itemized confirmation, and monitor your refund status. You have legal rights under Canadian consumer protection law, and provincial authorities will enforce them if Kaplan refuses. Don't accept vague answers or refund amounts lower than your contract guarantees. Tocancel has helped thousands of Canadian students navigate education provider cancellations and recover refunds they thought were lost. You can do the same by acting now, documenting everything, and escalating confidently if Kaplan resists. Your refund is within reach-take the first step today by sending your cancellation notice via both email and registered mail.