11 Essential Clauses Every Course Agreement Needs (+ Get a Fully Customizable Template)
Wondering if you really need a course agreement for your online course — or what should be in it?
Without the right one, you risk students copying your content, dropping out halfway through a payment plan, demanding refunds, or claiming you “promised” things you never did.
As a lawyer who drafts and reviews course agreements for educators and course creators like you, I’ve seen what happens when expectations aren’t clear.
Students assume “lifetime access” means forever, demand refunds after binge-watching your entire program, or share login details with friends.
The solution? A clear, detailed course agreement that sets boundaries from day one — and does it in plain English.
In this post, you’ll learn the 11 essential clauses every course agreement needs to protect your time, income, and relationships with students. We’ll cover payments, communication, refunds, disclaimers, and more — all based on what’s already inside my Course Agreement Template.
By the end, you’ll know exactly how to create a course agreement that keeps you and your students aligned, professional, and legally protected.
This post is all about the must-haves your course agreement needs to protect your online course and your income.
👉 Want to skip the drafting? Grab my ready-to-edit Course Agreement Template before you start enrolling students today.
Best Course Agreement
The Ultimate Course Agreement Example: The Complete Overview of the 11 Must-Haves
1. Acceptance Method — Make It Binding Without Needing Signatures
If you’re offering your course through a website or platform, you don’t need every student to sign a PDF — but you do need proof that they agreed to your terms before accessing your content.
That’s where your course agreement acceptance clause comes in.
💬 Example:
A student demands a refund months later and claims they “never agreed to your refund policy.” If you don’t have clear digital proof of consent, it becomes your word against theirs. But if (1) they checked a box confirming, “By enrolling, I agree to the Online Course Terms & Conditions,” and (2) your course agreement includes the correct wording to make it legally binding, that click counts as consent — and is easy to prove.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clause confirming the agreement is an electronic contract with the same legal force as a handwritten signature.
An explicit statement that registration equals acceptance, ensuring that once students submit the form, the terms are binding.
A clickwrap acceptance method, meaning students must actively tick a checkbox or click “Submit/Sign up” before enrolling.
🚫 What many course creators miss:
Many course creators rely on a short disclaimer on their sales page or inside their course. That disclaimer isn’t legally binding if students never agreed to it. Without a proper course agreement that (1) contains enforceable acceptance wording and (2) students explicitly agree to, your terms won’t protect you.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes ready-to-use electronic acceptance wording — so students agree before checkout, and your course stays legally protected without manual signatures.
2. Account & Age Requirements — Who Can Enroll and Who Is Responsible
Before students can log in or access any part of your course, your course agreement should clearly state who can register and who is responsible for the account.
These simple details prevent minors from enrolling without consent and stop students from sharing logins with friends and family.
💬 Example:
A student shares their login details with friends so they can all take the course without paying for the course themselves.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A minimum-age requirement, confirming students must be 18 or older, or 13–17 with verified parental/guardian consent.
Clear wording that the account is personal only — logins and passwords can’t be shared or transferred.
A statement that the student is responsible for all activity on their account, whether or not they authorized it.
The right for you to suspend or revoke access if these rules are broken.
💡 My Course Agreement Template already includes these account and age provisions, so you can prove who agreed to your terms, restrict underage access, and hold the right person accountable if your content is misused.
3. License & (Un)Permitted Use — Students Get Access, Not Ownership
When someone purchases your course, they’re buying access — not the rights to resell or repackage your material.
Without a strong license clause, students could legally argue they can share your course or even create “their own version” based on your work.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, non-sublicensable, revocable license to use the course content for personal, educational purposes only.
A clause confirming that all intellectual property rights remain yours — students only have permission to access and view the material.
Clear wording prohibiting students from sharing, editing, copying, distributing, reselling, or creating derivative works from your content.
Your right to revoke the license (access to the course) immediately and take legal action if these rules are breached (e.g., copying or sharing materials).
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes this precise licensing language — already drafted to make your ownership crystal clear and to stop copycats from exploiting your intellectual property.
4. Payment, Access Timing & Proportional Unlocks
Your course agreement should spell out exactly how payments work — and how access to your content depends on those payments being made. Whether you offer full upfront payment or an installment plan, clear terms keep your income protected and stop students from accessing everything before they’ve paid in full.
💬 Example:
A student enrolls in your $1,000 course with a 4-month payment plan, pays the first $250, and disappears. Without access rules linked to payments, they can still access all your modules while owing you money.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clause specifying whether payment is due in full at registration or installments are allowed (and how many).
A statement that registration isn’t complete — and access isn’t granted — until the first payment is received.
Optional proportional-access terms, allowing you to unlock only part of the course after each installment (e.g., 25% per payment).
The right to suspend or revoke access immediately if any payment fails, is cancelled, or is charged back.
A clause confirming that amounts already paid are non-refundable, even if access is suspended for non-payment.
💡 My Course Agreement Template already includes built-in payment and installment options — plus the proportional access option — so you can choose the setup that fits your business model while keeping your revenue secure.
5. Refund Policy (with EU Withdrawal Waiver)
Refunds are one of the trickiest parts of selling an online course. Even if your program delivers massive value, some students will binge your content, decide it “wasn’t for them,” and then ask for their money back.
💬 Example:
A student completes your entire course, then emails demanding a refund because “it didn’t work.” With a clear refund policy — and proof that they agreed to it — you can simply refer them to the terms they accepted.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clear statement on whether refunds are offered at all (and under what limited conditions).
If refunds are allowed, specific eligibility rules — for example, (1) only within 7 days, (2) before a certain percentage of the course is accessed, or (3) if sufficient proof is provided that the student has completed their homework.
A clause confirming that refunds are not granted for non-compliance or payment issues, such as chargebacks or missed installments.
A waiver of the EU 14-day right of withdrawal, making clear that once digital access begins, the student loses this statutory right to cancel.
The Ultimate Course Agreement Template Including ALL the Must-Haves
By now, you’ve seen how an ironclad course agreement keeps your business protected — from the moment students enroll to how they access and pay for your course.
With my Course Agreement Template, you’ll:
✅ Get legally binding acceptance at checkout — no signatures required.
✅ Stop login sharing and unauthorized account use.
✅ Protect your intellectual property with clear licensing terms.
✅ Tie access to payments (and suspend rule-breakers instantly).
✅ Enforce your refund policy worldwide — including the EU withdrawal waiver.
Start enrolling students with total peace of mind — knowing every key protection is already written for you, in plain English.
👉 Grab your ready-to-edit Course Agreement Template and secure your course, your content, and your income before your next student signs up.
6. Course Content Changes, Updates & Add-Ons
Your course will likely evolve over time — maybe you refresh a module, add bonus lessons, or expand your framework.
But unless your course agreement clearly explains how updates and add-ons work, students may assume they’re automatically entitled to every new version for free.
💬 Example:
You release a new edition of your course with extra templates and videos. A student who enrolled a year ago emails you, claiming they “should get lifetime access to all future updates.”
Without clear boundaries in your course agreement, you might feel pressured to give them access to the new course without charging extra — even though the new version took months of extra work.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clause confirming you may amend, change, or update the course content at your sole discretion.
Wording clarifying whether updates and new materials are included for current students or offered separately.
The right to charge an additional fee for substantial add-ons or entirely new versions.
🚫 What the average course agreement form is missing:
Most course agreement templates don’t mention updates or new editions at all. That means students can claim they’re entitled to every future upgrade or extra material — or even accuse you of “removing value” if you adjust your content later. Without clear wording, you lose control over how and when your course evolves.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes flexible update and add-on clauses, so you can refresh your course whenever you want without triggering student disputes or refund demands.
7. Third-Party Resources, Tools & Affiliate Disclosures
If your course references outside resources — like Canva templates, research articles, or third-party tools — you could be blamed if a link breaks, a product changes, or a recommended tool causes an issue.
And if you use affiliate links, you could even face fines for not being fully transparent about your commissions — even if you only make a few cents per sale.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clause confirming that any third-party websites, links, or resources mentioned in your course are not owned or controlled by you.
A statement that you’re not responsible or liable for third-party accuracy, reliability, or updates.
Optional wording (if applicable) clarifying that you may receive commissions or affiliate income from certain links — keeping you compliant with affiliate marketing laws.
🚫 What the average course agreement example is missing:
Most course agreements skip this section entirely. That leaves you exposed if a tool stops working, a company changes its pricing, or regulators question your affiliate transparency.
Without clear third-party disclaimers, you could be blamed for problems you didn’t cause — or fined for breaching disclosure rules.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes pre-drafted third-party and affiliate disclaimers, so you can stay transparent, compliant, and fully protected while recommending your favorite tools and resources.
8. Community & Group Platforms
If your course includes a private group — such as a Facebook community, Slack channel, or other group platform — that space can add incredible value for students.
But without clear behaviour rules in your course agreement, a few disruptive members can quickly derail the group, harm your reputation, or make others feel unsafe.
💬 Example:
You create a private Facebook group for your course members. One student begins posting off-topic content, criticising other students, or promoting their own services.
Without clear behavioral standards in your course agreement, you could face complaints or be accused of censorship when you remove them.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clause explaining that access to the group platform is optional or a bonus, not part of the paid course itself.
Clear behavioral and content standards, prohibiting spam, harassment, discrimination, or offensive material.
Your right to moderate, remove, or block any member who violates those standards — without obligation to provide a refund.
A disclaimer confirming you’re not responsible for what other members post, or for third-party platform outages or deletions.
A statement granting you permission to use user-generated content (such as testimonials, comments, or shared materials) for marketing or educational purposes.
🚫 What the average, free course agreement form is missing:
Most free templates ignore group spaces completely. That means you have no clear grounds to remove problem members — and no protection if someone posts harmful or infringing content inside your community.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes comprehensive group platform clauses, so you can foster a safe, positive learning environment while protecting yourself from disputes, liability, and drama.
9. Live Session Recordings & Consent
If your course includes live meetings, Q&A sessions, or workshops, you’re probably recording them for replays or to repurpose as future training materials.
But if your students appear on those recordings — their voice, name, or face — you need clear consent to use that footage. Without it, you could face takedown requests or even legal complaints later.
💬 Example:
You host a live Zoom Q&A, record it, and upload the replay to your course portal. A student later emails demanding you remove it because they “never agreed” to be recorded or seen on camera.
Without explicit consent and proper waivers in your course agreement, you’d have no legal right to keep or use the recording.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A clear statement that live sessions may be recorded and shared with current or future students.
Explicit consent from participants to appear in those recordings — including voice, name, video, and screen shares.
A clause assigning intellectual property rights in the recordings to you so that you can repurpose them for educational or marketing use.
A waiver of privacy, publicity, and moral rights, confirming students can’t later demand removal or compensation.
A reminder that students must not record or share sessions themselves without your permission.
🚫 What the average course agreement PDF is missing:
Most course agreements don’t even take live, recorded sessions into account. They solely focus on pre-recorded videos inside the course.
But without explicit recording consent and rights transfer, you can’t legally reuse live sessions — and you risk takedown requests or privacy disputes every time you post a replay.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes full recording consent and rights transfer clauses, so you can confidently record, reuse, and repurpose your live sessions — without legal headaches down the road.
10. Disclaimers, Liability & Indemnity
Even with the best course in the world, you can’t control how students interpret or apply your lessons.
That’s why your course agreement needs clear disclaimers and liability limits — to protect you from claims, refunds, or damages for things you didn’t cause.
💬 Example:
A student follows your business course, applies your strategies poorly, and then blames you when their launch flops. Another claims your course “caused” a financial or health setback.
Without strong disclaimers, those accusations can quickly escalate into refund disputes or worse.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
Broad disclaimers covering errors, outdated information, and results — stating that the course is educational only and not professional, financial, medical, or legal advice.
Optional niche-specific disclaimers (like fitness, mindset, or finance) depending on your course topic — so risks specific to your niche are fully covered.
A clause confirming you don’t guarantee results or specific outcomes, since success depends on each student’s own effort and circumstances.
A liability limitation, capping your total responsibility (usually to the amount paid for the course) and excluding indirect or consequential damages.
An indemnity clause requiring students to reimburse you if their misuse of the course causes you loss, damage, or legal costs.
🚫 What the average course agreement form is missing:
Most templates rely on a vague “no guarantees” sentence. They don’t include specific disclaimers for your niche.
That means a single unhappy student could hold you responsible for their own mistakes or misinterpretations.
💡 My Course Agreement Template includes full, professionally drafted disclaimers and liability language — including optional niche-specific disclaimers — so you’re never blamed for results outside your control.
11. Governing Law & Dispute Resolution
When you sell online courses internationally, you never know where your next student will come from.
Without a clear governing law and dispute resolution clause, you could end up handling legal issues under a foreign system — or even in another language.
💬 Example:
A student based in another country files a complaint in their local court. Without a governing law clause, you might have to defend yourself abroad — costing you time, money, and stress before the issue is even heard.
✅ What a proper course agreement should include:
A governing law clause stating that your agreement is governed by the laws of your country (or U.S. state), so any dispute follows your local legal framework.
A jurisdiction clause clarifying where disputes must be resolved — typically, the courts in your city or country.
Optional wording allowing you to choose between arbitration or court proceedings, depending on what suits your business.
The Ultimate Course Agreement Template Customizable to Your Course
You’ve worked hard to create your course — now make sure your legal foundation matches that same level of professionalism.
A strong course agreement protects your content, income, and peace of mind while giving your students the clarity they need.
With my Course Agreement Template, you’ll get:
✅ A fully customizable agreement ready to upload or integrate at checkout
✅ Legally binding electronic acceptance — no signatures required
✅ Built-in installment, refund, and EU withdrawal clauses
✅ Recording, community, and IP protections drafted for real-life course scenarios
✅ Clear dispute resolution terms that keep you in control
Launch and sell your course with confidence — knowing every legal safeguard is already in place.
👉 Grab your Course Agreement Template and protect your content, your payments, and your reputation before your next student signs up.
This post was all about the 11 essential clauses every course agreement needs to protect your content, income, and business.
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