REFUND POLICY

• - Within 7 days from the payment date: Full refund
• - 8–10 days from the payment date: Refund after a 10% deduction
• - 11–12 days from the payment date: Refund after a 20% deduction
• - 13–15 days from the payment date: Refund after a 30% deduction
• - After 15 days from the payment date: No refund available

However, if you are not accepted after the professor’s final review, you will receive a full refund (100%).

[Priority Terms]

• - Notwithstanding the general refund policy above, once the welcome letter, pre-session guide (including digital content), pre-survey link, or related materials have been provided, the program will be considered to have completed the sharing of program know-how and staff allocation. Therefore, after this point, refunds will not be available regardless of the payment date (refund rate: 0%).
• - Applicants who make the program fee payment after the start of the pre-session will be considered as joining after the program has already commenced, and cancellations or refunds will not be permitted (refund rate: 0%).
• - Refunds cannot be provided for reasons including change of mind, personal schedules, or personal circumstances.

This program is run in a small-group, highly selective format. Even before the official program announcement, we begin preparing participant benefits, assigning professors, TAs, and other professional staff, and setting up the necessary software and systems. Because some operational costs are incurred in advance, certain expenses may already have been committed after a certain point. We sincerely appreciate your understanding that these refund policies are necessary for the smooth operation of the program.

AGREEMENT/CONFIRMATION

By submitting this application, I hereby confirm the following:

1. 1. The information I have provided in this application is accurate and truthful.
2. 2. I have read, fully understood, and agree to the terms of the refund policy.
3. 3. I am solely responsible for any false information submitted. Any misconduct during the program, including but not limited to proxy attendance, will result in immediate dismissal without any refund.
4. 4. I understand and agree that failure to complete the final paper due to lack of participant commitment may result in consequences, including difficulties with obtaining professor recommendations, journal submission, or other benefits as indicated in the program guide. I acknowledge that HOBY Korea assumes no responsibility for such consequences.
5. 5. I understand and agree that if I withdraw due to sudden personal scheduling conflicts, health issues, inability to follow the program, or any other reasons upon the start of the program,HOBY Korea will not be held responsible, including but not limited to any refunds.
6. 6. I understand that the purpose of this program is not to create new discoveries or knowledge, but rather the development of fundamental research capabilities in youth and the demonstration of their research potential. I also acknowledge that even if my research topic does not perfectly align with my supervising (selected) professor’s specific field of study, guidance can be provided as long as it is related within the broader disciplines of STEM or the social sciences.
7. 7. I understand that the professor I selected in the application cannot be changed after the program fee has been paid.
8. 8. I agree that photos, video recording, and materials generated during the preparation/participation/progress of the program may be used for purposes such as promoting the program in the future, and that the relevant ownership belongs to HOBY Korea.
9. 9.I agree not to disclose the professor’s name, any related information, or any benefits provided (including, but not limited to, recommendation letters) publicly without prior consent from HOBY Korea. I understand that I will be responsible for any damages resulting from unauthorized disclosure of such information.
10. 10. Any dispute arising from this Agreement shall be resolved through binding arbitration in Fairfax County, Virginia, USA under the laws of Virginia, USA.

PERSONAL INFORMATION COLLECTION AND PURPOSE OF USAGE

HOBY Korea utilizes the collected personal information for the following purposes.

• - To contact and manage applicants
• - To promote the competition

PERIOD OF RETAINING AND UTILIZING COLLECTED PERSONAL INFORMATION

HOBY Korea will immediately terminate the information without exception after 2 years from the date the applicant agreed with personal information collection and usage.