Creating an online course is exciting. You’ve got the idea, the knowledge, and the vision. But before you start recording videos or selling access, there’s one important step most creators skip: setting up a clear course agreement.
A course agreement is what protects you and your students. It clearly outlines expectations, refunds, access rules, legal responsibilities, and more. Without it, misunderstandings and disputes can turn into real headaches later.
To make things easy, we’ve included free online course agreement templates below in PDF and Microsoft Word doc formats.
Free Downloadable Templates
1. Detailed Online Course Agreement
Free Microsoft Word Doc Download
2. Basic Online Course Agreement
Free Microsoft Word Doc Download
These templates are only here to guide you, make sure that you read through and edit each template to meet the unique needs of your course before using it.
*SchoolMaker will not be held liable for anything linked to the usage of these templates. For full legal compliance, have a lawyer review your final document.
What Is an Online Course Agreement?
An online course agreement is a legal-style document that explains the rules of your course. It acts like a contract between you (the course creator) and your students.
It answers questions like:
- What happens after someone buys the course?
- Can they ask for a refund?
- Can they share your content?
- What happens if they break the rules?
Instead of dealing with problems later, you solve them in advance with clear expectations.
Why Every Online Course Needs an Agreement
Even if you’re running a small course, having an agreement makes you look more professional and protects your work.
Here’s why it matters:
It protects your content: Your videos, worksheets, and lessons are your intellectual property.
It reduces refund abuse: Clear refund policies prevent people from consuming your content and demanding their money back unfairly.
It avoids misunderstandings: Students know exactly what they’re getting before they pay.
It builds trust: A clear agreement shows professionalism and transparency.
What to Include in a Strong Course Agreement
A good agreement doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover the basics:
- Course access terms
- Payment and billing rules
- Refund policy
- Content usage restrictions
- Code of conduct
- Legal disclaimers
When written clearly, it helps both you and your students feel secure.
Common Mistakes Course Creators Make Without Agreements
A lot of creators skip this step. Here’s what usually goes wrong:
- Students demand refunds outside your policy
- Your content gets leaked or shared
- Disputes turn personal without legal wording to fall back on
- Payment terms become unclear
An agreement prevents all of that upfront.
Who Should Use Online Course Agreement Templates?
These templates work great for:
- Online course creators
- Coaches and consultants
- Membership site owners
- Corporate trainers
- Workshop hosts
- Educators selling digital programs
Whether you run a small digital course or a big training business, you need this.
When Should Students Agree to the Terms?
Best practice is to show your agreement:
- On your checkout page
- During course sign-up
- Inside your learning platform
Use a checkbox like:
“I agree to the Course Terms and Conditions”
Are These Templates Legally Binding?
These templates give you strong structure. For full legal compliance, it’s always smart to have a lawyer review your final version, especially if you’re selling internationally.
Conclusion
Many course creators overlook course agreements but it is one of the smartest things you can do. It protects your time, your content, your income and your peace of mind
You’ve already taken a big step by thinking ahead. Now you have templates to use to craft yours.
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