Can I Pay in Installments?

Can I Pay in Installments?

No, installment payments are not available for courses of 12 weeks or less.
If your program is 13 weeks or longer, you may request to pay in two installments, subject to approval.

Standard Payment Policy Based on Duration

▶ 1–12 Weeks (Short-Term Programs)

If you’re enrolling in a program of 12 weeks or less, full payment must be completed before your arrival. This includes:

• Tuition fees

• Dormitory accommodation fees

• Registration fee (one-time)

For these shorter stays, we do not accept installment or split payments, regardless of payment method or student nationality.

We recommend preparing your budget in advance and paying in full to avoid delays in confirming your enrollment and accommodation.

▶ 13 Weeks or More (Long-Term Programs)

If you’re planning a longer stay of 13 weeks or more, we may consider an installment plan on a case-by-case basis.

Here’s how it works:

✅ First Payment (Due Before Arrival)

• Registration fee

• Tuition and dormitory fees for the first 8 weeks

✅ Second Payment (Due by the End of Week 8 On Campus)

• Remaining tuition and dormitory fees (weeks 9 and beyond)

This installment plan allows you to manage your budget more comfortably, especially if you need more time to arrange funds for a longer stay.

⚠️ Important: Installment plans are not automatically granted. You must request and receive approval before booking your course.

Other Key Conditions

• Installments are only available if your total study period exceeds 12 weeks.

• Payments must follow the agreed timeline strictly. Delayed second payments may result in restrictions on classes or services.

• Local fees (such as SSP, visa extensions, electricity, materials, and ID fees) are always paid separately in cash (Philippine Pesos) on-site and are not covered under the installment plan.

What If I Cannot Pay by Bank Transfer?

While bank transfer in USD is our standard payment method, we recognize that students from some countries (e.g., Russia, Iran, and others) may have difficulty sending international wire transfers due to local or global restrictions.

If you are from a region where international banking is restricted, we offer flexible alternatives. These include:

• PayPal: Available for credit card payments (4.5% handling fee applies)

• On-site cash payment: Available only upon pre-approval for students from special regions

• Local partner payments: In some cases, we may refer you to a local partner for domestic settlement

Please contact us as early as possible so we can make suitable arrangements based on your situation.

Example Scenarios

Scenario A: 10-Week Student from Japan

• Must pay tuition + dormitory + registration in full by bank transfer before arrival

• No installment possible

Scenario B: 16-Week Student from Korea

• May request to split total cost into two payments

• First covers 8 weeks + registration; second due during week 8

• Local fees paid in cash (PHP) separately on-site

Scenario C: 24-Week Student from Russia (Bank Transfer Not Possible)

• Can request to pay via PayPal or partially on-site

• Installment plan plus flexible methods considered based on discussion with admin

How to Request an Installment Plan

1. Mention your request during the initial booking or inquiry.

2. Provide your total study duration (must be 13 weeks or more).

3. Wait for confirmation from the administration—we will assess and approve your request based on your profile, country, and study plan.

4. Once approved, you will receive an official invoice with the payment schedule clearly outlined.

If you do not receive confirmation, the default policy of full prepayment will apply.

Why We Require Full Payment for Short-Term Programs

At 3D ACADEMY, we prioritize fair and smooth operations for all students. For programs of 12 weeks or less, we require full payment in advance. This policy is not only about financial management—it’s also about maintaining clarity and trust between the school and its students.

There are several reasons why installment plans are not available for short-term stays:

• Administrative Efficiency: Managing multiple payments for short programs significantly increases administrative complexity and workload.

• Short Duration Risk: Because the study period is brief, there’s often not enough time to process or confirm a second payment before the student completes the program.

• Fairness and Consistency: A standardized upfront payment system ensures equal treatment for all short-term students, and helps prevent confusion or disputes.

This clear payment policy helps us focus on what truly matters: delivering high-quality English education and support to every student.

Real-World Example: What a 16-Week Payment Plan Looks Like

If you’re planning a 16-week course, a split payment schedule may look like this:

• First payment before arrival:
  $2,000 USD – covering the first 8 weeks of tuition and dormitory fees, plus the registration fee.

• Second payment after week 8:
  $1,800 USD – covering the remaining 8 weeks of tuition and dormitory fees.

This breakdown allows long-term students to better manage their finances without compromising their study schedule. Students are always reminded of their second payment schedule during orientation and can ask for assistance if needed.

Installment Plan FAQ

Q: Do I need to pay interest or extra fees?
A: No. There are no interest charges. You only pay the regular tuition, dormitory fees, and any standard administrative charges (e.g., registration).

Q: Can I use a credit card or PayPal for the second payment?
A: Yes. We accept payments through PayPal (with a 4.5% handling fee), or in cash (Philippine Peso) at the school.

Q: What happens if I miss the second payment deadline?
A: Please inform the administration in advance. While we are flexible, late or missed payments may affect your ability to continue classes or remain in the dormitory.

Q: Can I request a custom installment plan (e.g., 4 payments)?
A: Generally no. We limit installment plans to two payments only, for clarity and consistency.

Advice for Budgeting for Long-Term Stay

If you’re planning a long-term stay, it’s important to budget for more than just tuition and dormitory costs. Here are additional expenses to consider:

• Monthly food & snacks: $100–150 USD

• Transportation & weekend trips: $50–100 USD

• SIM card & phone data: $10–20 USD/month

• Visa and local fees (SSP, visa extension, ACR I-Card, utilities, etc.): $150–300 USD for the full stay

We recommend students bring some additional funds for leisure, emergencies, or academic materials. Being financially prepared helps reduce stress and lets you focus on your learning goals.

Cultural Note: Why Some Countries Prefer Installments

We understand that in some countries—such as Russia, parts of Africa, and the Middle East—international bank transfers can be difficult or even impossible due to financial restrictions or sanctions. Additionally, in some cultures, installment payments for education are common and even expected.

While we have our general policies, we are open to case-by-case discussions if you are from a country where standard payment methods are not available. Please contact our admissions team in advance, and we will do our best to find a solution that works for both sides.

Final Tip

Choosing to study abroad is a major decision, both personally and financially. At 3D ACADEMY, we want to make your journey as smooth as possible—while ensuring transparency and security for both students and the school.

If you’re planning a long-term program (13 weeks or more), feel free to reach out and ask about installment options or alternative payment methods depending on your country of residence.

Being financially prepared means you can focus on what really matters: learning English, making friends, and enjoying your time in Cebu without unnecessary stress.

Let us know how we can help—we’re here to support you every step of the way.