Consumer agency orders university to refund student tuition over transport service failure

Peru's consumer protection agency, Indecopi, has sanctioned the Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas (UPC) for misleading advertising and deficiencies in its educational services. The ruling came after a parent filed a complaint, alleging the university falsely advertised bus transportation from its San Miguel campus to the Monterrico campus.

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UPC must refund tuition money and legal interest

Due to the non-existent transport service, the student was unable to attend in-person classes and had to withdraw from the academic program. Indecopi's investigation revealed that UPC not only denied requests to postpone the semester but also continued to charge S/ 1,600 for the non-provided service. The university opted for an "allanamiento de los cargos" (plea of guilty), leading to reprimands and an immediate order for financial restitution.

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The main provision requires the full reimbursement of all money paid for the minor student's educational service, to which legal interest generated from April 14, 2025, to the day the payment is actually made must be added.

Indecopi's resolution mandates that UPC fully refund the student's tuition fees, including legal interest accrued since April 14, 2025. The university must also cancel the S/ 1,600 debt and cease all collection efforts. UPC has 15 business days to comply with the refund and an additional five days to submit proof of payment, under penalty of coercive fines. The university will also be entered into Indecopi's Registry of Infractions and Sanctions and must cover administrative costs.

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the university will be officially incorporated into the Registry of Infractions and Sanctions of Indecopi once the resolution becomes final in the administrative headquarters.