How to Write a Clear Tuition & Refund Policy for Your Yoga Training

When designing a Yoga Teacher Training (YTT), few documents are as important—or as frequently misunderstood—as your Tuition and Refund Policy. A clear policy protects everyone involved: Lead Trainers, studio owners, administrative teams, and—most importantly—your trainees. Transparency builds trust, supports informed decision-making, and helps ensure your training meets professional and ethical standards.

Why a Tuition & Refund Policy Matters

A Yoga Teacher Training is a significant investment of time, money, and personal commitment. Your policy should clearly answer:

• What exactly does tuition include?

• What costs are separate from tuition?

• When, if ever, are refunds issued?

• What happens if a trainee withdraws after the program begins?

When these expectations are communicated before enrollment, misunderstandings are reduced and both studios and participants are better protected.

What Does Tuition Typically Cover?

There is no single “right” model. What matters is clarity.

Tuition commonly covers:

• Instructional hours (in-person, online, or hybrid)

• Faculty teaching time

• Curriculum delivery, assessments, and practicum oversight

• Administrative and certification processing

However, training materials and books are often treated separately, and this should be clearly stated in your policy.

Are Books and Training Manuals Included in Tuition?

This is one of the most important distinctions to make. Some schools choose to bundle all materials into tuition. Others keep tuition focused on instruction and administration, with required materials purchased separately.

At Brain Cradle, we encourage schools to clearly state whether:

• Required books are included in tuition, or

• Required books and manuals must be purchased separately by trainees

Both approaches are valid—as long as trainees know what to expect before enrolling.

Flexible Manual Options for Yoga Schools

Schools using Brain Cradle manuals have options.

Some studios choose to:

• Purchase printed manuals for all trainees as part of tuition

• Provide a customized digital (PDF) manual as part of the program

Other schools prefer not to invest in printed manuals upfront. In this case:

• Trainees may access the school’s customized PDF manual

• Trainees who want a physical copy can purchase their printed manual directly from Brain Cradle

• Printed manuals are shipped directly to the trainee, reducing administrative burden for the school

This flexibility allows schools to choose what best aligns with their budget and values—while still giving trainees options.

Brain Cradle's Tuition & Refund Policy

Brain Cradle offers free yoga school policies and group agreements to support ethical, transparent training programs. Below is an example of a clear Tuition & Refund Policy that schools may adapt to their own programs.

Tuition & Refund Policy:

An applicant who is denied admission into the program is entitled to a full refund of all monies paid.

Required Books & Training Materials are required for participation in this program. The cost of required books and materials is not included in the price of tuition and must be purchased separately by each trainee unless otherwise stated by the school.

There are no refunds after the official start date of the program.

If a trainee withdraws from the program for any reason after the program has begun, the trainee is responsible for payment of the full tuition amount, regardless of whether tuition has been paid in full or partially at the time of withdrawal.

Writing Refund Policies with Integrity

A clear refund policy is not about being harsh—it’s about being honest.

Many costs associated with a YTT (faculty pay, administrative time, curriculum development, printed materials) are incurred before the training begins. Clearly explaining this helps trainees understand why refunds may be limited after a certain point.

When written with care and transparency, refund policies:

• Set realistic expectations

• Reduce disputes

• Protect both schools and trainees

• Strengthen trust within your learning community

Your Tuition & Refund Policy is an extension of your teaching values. Clear communication, upfront expectations, and thoughtful options help create a stable container where learning can thrive. Whether you include materials in tuition or offer them separately, what matters most is transparency. Brain Cradle exists to support yoga schools in building professional, ethical, and sustainable trainings—so you can focus on teaching, mentoring, and holding space for your trainees.