Terms & Conditions — GZUTCM Clinical Immersion 2026
Programme: 2026 Guizhou Clinical Immersion Programme in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dates: 18 October – 31 October 2026
Organiser: Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MATCM), 52–54 Washway Road, Sale, Cheshire M33 7QZ
Host Institution: Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (GZUTCM), Guiyang, Guizhou, China
1. Definitions
In these Terms & Conditions:
- “the Programme” means the GZUTCM Clinical Immersion 2026, a 14-day clinical and cultural programme taking place in Guiyang, Guizhou, China from 18 to 31 October 2026.
- “MATCM”, “we”, “us”, or “our” means Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
- “GZUTCM” means Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the host institution in Guiyang, Guizhou.
- “Participant”, “you”, or “your” means the individual who applies for and enrols on the Programme.
- “Enrolment Form” means the registration or enrolment form you are required to complete after your application has been accepted.
- “Programme Fee” means the total fee payable for participation, as set out in Section 3.
2. Application, Eligibility and Enrolment
2.1. Submitting an application does not guarantee a place on the Programme. Places are limited, and MATCM reserves the right to select participants at its discretion.
2.2. The Programme is intended for international learners with an interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, or Chinese culture. Acupuncture students and early-career practitioners are particularly welcome.
2.3. A background in medicine, health sciences, or TCM is preferred but not required. Applicants must have a working proficiency in English sufficient to participate in interpreted clinical teaching and bilingual lectures.
2.4. In accordance with the funder’s and host institution’s current eligibility conditions, the Programme is open only to applicants holding non-PRC and non-Hong Kong passports.
2.5. If your application is successful, we will send you a confirmation email and any required Enrolment Form or payment instructions. Your place may be provisionally reserved for the period stated in that email.
2.6. To secure your place, you must:
(a) complete and submit any Enrolment Form or requested documentation;
(b) pay the required Programme Fee, deposit, or instalment (if applicable) within the timeframe stated in your confirmation email; and
(c) agree to these Terms & Conditions.
2.7. Your place on the Programme is confirmed only once MATCM has received all required documents, payment due at that stage, and your agreement to these Terms & Conditions. We will then send you written confirmation of your enrolment.
2.8. If we do not receive the required documents or payment within the stated deadline, your provisional place may be released to another applicant without further notice.
3. Programme Fee and Payment
3.1. The Programme Fee is £660 per participant.
3.2. This is a single inclusive Programme Fee for the published Programme. There are no public pricing tiers or early-bird rates unless MATCM expressly announces otherwise in writing.
3.3. The Programme Fee covers only those items expressly described on the Programme page as included. Items described as self-arranged, self-funded, or your own responsibility are not included in the Programme Fee.
3.4. Payment must be made by the method and by the deadline specified in your confirmation email or invoice. MATCM may require either:
(a) full payment at the time of enrolment; or
(b) a deposit followed by payment of the outstanding balance by a stated deadline.
3.5. Where MATCM offers a deposit option, the deposit amount, balance due date, and payment schedule will be stated in writing in your confirmation email or invoice. Unless expressly stated otherwise in writing, any deposit paid is non-refundable except where Section 6 applies.
3.6. Payment must be made in British Pounds Sterling (GBP). Any bank charges, transfer fees, or currency conversion costs are your responsibility.
3.7. The payment reference should include GZ26 followed by your surname, unless MATCM instructs otherwise.
4. What Is Included and What Is Not Included
4.1. The Programme Fee includes, as published on the Programme page:
- all scheduled programme activities and lectures;
- clinical observation and small-group teaching sessions;
- access to Miao ethnic medicine specialty clinics as scheduled;
- cultural excursions and visits included in the published Programme;
- on-campus accommodation for 14 nights during the official Programme dates;
- opening and closing ceremonies;
- programme materials;
- airport pickup on arrival and airport transfer on departure, as scheduled by the Programme;
- a completion certificate issued by GZUTCM.
4.2. The following are not included and are your sole responsibility:
- international flights;
- travel insurance;
- visa application fees and related travel documentation costs;
- all meals, unless expressly stated otherwise in writing;
- personal expenses;
- costs associated with free-day activities or personal travel;
- accommodation or transport outside the official Programme dates.
4.3. MATCM may provide general budgeting guidance on the Programme page or in pre-departure communications, but such guidance is indicative only and does not form part of the Programme Fee.
5. Cancellation by the Participant
5.1. All cancellations must be made in writing by email to info@matcm.co.uk. The date of cancellation will be the date on which MATCM receives your written cancellation email.
5.2. A non-refundable deposit of £300 is required to secure your place on the Programme. This deposit is used to cover administrative work, place reservation, coordination with the host institution, accommodation and reception arrangements, visa-support administration where applicable, and other costs or commitments incurred in preparing for your participation.
5.3. The £300 deposit is non-refundable if you cancel your place, except where a refund is required by law, where MATCM cancels the Programme, or where MATCM expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
5.4. If you have paid any amount in addition to the £300 deposit, the following refund schedule applies to the additional balance paid, based on the date your written cancellation is received:
- More than 90 days before the Programme start date: 100% of the additional balance paid will be refunded. The £300 deposit will not be refunded.
- 60–90 days before the Programme start date: 50% of the additional balance paid will be refunded. The £300 deposit will not be refunded.
- 30–59 days before the Programme start date: 25% of the additional balance paid will be refunded. The £300 deposit will not be refunded.
- Less than 30 days before the Programme start date: no refund will be given.
5.5. If MATCM is able to fill your cancelled place with another eligible participant, MATCM may, at its discretion, offer a further refund after deducting the £300 deposit and any costs already incurred. MATCM is not obliged to find a replacement participant.
5.6. If you fail to arrive on the Programme start date, arrive late, or leave the Programme early for any reason, no refund will be given for any unused part of the Programme.
5.7. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions affects any statutory rights you may have under applicable consumer protection law.
5.8. We strongly recommend that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and curtailment cover. See Section 8.
6. Cancellation or Changes by MATCM
6.1. MATCM reserves the right to cancel the Programme if the minimum number of participants required to run the Programme is not reached, if host-side arrangements materially change, or for reasons beyond our reasonable control (see Section 13 — Force Majeure).
6.2. If MATCM cancels the Programme before departure, you will be offered either:
(a) a refund of all Programme Fees actually paid to MATCM; or
(b) the option to transfer your place to a future programme, subject to availability.
6.3. MATCM and GZUTCM reserve the right to make reasonable changes to the Programme schedule, including but not limited to:
- the order and timing of activities;
- lecture topics and lecturers;
- hospital departments or clinic access;
- cultural visits and excursion timing;
- accommodation arrangements;
- airport transfer arrangements.
6.4. Clinical teaching, hospital access, and Miao medicine sessions depend on hospital scheduling, patient flow, staffing, and clinical availability. MATCM cannot guarantee placement in any particular department, outpatient clinic, speciality, or teaching group.
6.5. Minor or operationally necessary changes do not entitle you to a refund, provided the overall substance of the Programme is still delivered.
7. Passport, Visa and Travel Documentation
7.1. It is your sole responsibility to ensure that you meet the passport eligibility criteria for the Programme.
7.2. It is also your sole responsibility to obtain any visa, entry permission, or travel documentation required to enter the People’s Republic of China.
7.3. Where appropriate, MATCM may coordinate with GZUTCM to provide supporting documents or invitation letters for visa purposes. To enable this, you must submit any requested passport and personal information promptly and accurately.
7.4. Provision of a supporting document or invitation letter does not guarantee that your visa application will be approved. MATCM and GZUTCM accept no responsibility for any visa refusal, delay, or associated costs.
7.5. If your visa application is refused and you wish to seek any refund under Section 5, you must notify us promptly and provide documentary evidence of the refusal.
7.6. You are responsible for ensuring that your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond the Programme end date, or for any longer period required by the relevant authorities or airline.
8. Travel Insurance
8.1. You are required to hold valid travel insurance for the entire duration of your travel and stay in China.
8.2. Your policy must provide, at minimum, adequate cover for:
- medical expenses and emergency repatriation;
- trip cancellation and curtailment;
- personal liability;
- loss or delay of baggage and personal effects, where relevant.
8.3. MATCM may request evidence of your insurance policy before departure. If you are unable to provide proof of adequate cover when requested, MATCM reserves the right to withdraw your place on the Programme. In such circumstances, the cancellation terms in Section 5 will apply.
8.4. MATCM does not provide or arrange travel insurance on your behalf and accepts no liability for costs, losses, or expenses arising from inadequate or absent insurance cover.
9. Health and Medical
9.1. You must disclose any material medical conditions, allergies, dietary requirements, mobility issues, or other relevant welfare information requested in the Enrolment Form or related communications.
9.2. You are responsible for ensuring that you are medically fit to travel and participate in the Programme. If you have any doubt, you should consult your GP or another appropriate medical practitioner before enrolling.
9.3. You are responsible for bringing an adequate supply of any prescription medication you require, together with any supporting medical documentation needed for travel or customs purposes.
9.4. MATCM does not provide medical treatment. In the event of illness, injury, or emergency during the Programme, local medical services and/or GZUTCM or affiliated hospital facilities may be contacted. Any resulting medical costs are your responsibility and should be covered by your travel insurance.
10. Code of Conduct
10.1. During hospital visits, clinical observation sessions, and practical teaching, you must comply with all instructions, rules, and regulations of GZUTCM and its affiliated hospitals.
10.2. You must behave respectfully and considerately towards fellow participants, GZUTCM staff, hospital staff, patients, interpreters, drivers, guides, and members of the public throughout the Programme.
10.3. You must maintain patient confidentiality at all times. Any clinical information observed during hospital or outpatient sessions must be treated as confidential and must not be shared in any way that could identify a patient.
10.4. Photography, video recording, or audio recording in clinical areas is strictly prohibited unless explicit permission has been granted by the supervising clinician, the host institution, and—where applicable—the patient.
10.5. You must not interfere with clinical care, patient flow, or hospital operations.
10.6. You are expected to attend all scheduled core Programme sessions unless prevented by illness or another serious reason notified to MATCM.
10.7. MATCM reserves the right to remove any participant from the Programme whose behaviour is, in our reasonable judgement, disruptive, unsafe, unlawful, discriminatory, or materially in breach of these Terms & Conditions. In such circumstances, no refund will be given.
11. Accommodation
11.1. On-campus accommodation is provided for the official 14-day Programme period only, subject to host availability and final allocation by GZUTCM.
11.2. Room allocation and room type are subject to host-side arrangements and availability. MATCM cannot guarantee any specific room type unless expressly confirmed in writing.
11.3. You are responsible for keeping your accommodation in good order and for complying with any accommodation rules issued by GZUTCM.
11.4. Any damage, loss, or exceptional cleaning cost caused by you may be charged to you directly by the host institution or recovered by MATCM from you.
11.5. If you choose to arrive early, depart late, or travel independently before or after the Programme, you are responsible for arranging and funding your own accommodation and transport outside the official Programme dates.
12. Liability
12.1. MATCM acts as the organiser and UK-based coordinator of the Programme. Clinical teaching, hospital access, accommodation, airport transfers, ceremonies, and on-the-ground arrangements in China are provided by GZUTCM, its affiliated hospitals, and other local partners or service providers.
12.2. To the fullest extent permitted by law, MATCM shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury, illness, delay, inconvenience, or expense arising from:
(a) your participation in the Programme;
(b) any act or omission of GZUTCM, affiliated hospitals, transport providers, accommodation providers, or other third parties;
(c) any visa refusal, travel disruption, missed transport connection, or border control issue;
(d) your failure to obtain adequate insurance or valid travel documentation; or
(e) any force majeure event as defined in Section 13.
12.3. Nothing in these Terms & Conditions excludes or limits MATCM’s liability for death or personal injury caused by our negligence, fraud or fraudulent misrepresentation, or any other liability that cannot lawfully be excluded or limited under the laws of England and Wales.
12.4. MATCM’s total aggregate liability to you under or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall not exceed the amount of the Programme Fee actually paid by you to MATCM.
13. Force Majeure
13.1. MATCM shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations under these Terms & Conditions where such failure or delay results from circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:
- natural disasters;
- severe weather;
- epidemic or pandemic;
- war, terrorism, civil unrest, or armed conflict;
- government restrictions, public authority decisions, or travel advisories;
- industrial action;
- transport disruption;
- hospital operational restrictions;
- changes to host institution arrangements;
- any decision by GZUTCM, Chinese authorities, airlines, visa authorities, or other relevant bodies that prevents or materially alters the Programme.
13.2. In the event of a force majeure situation, MATCM will use reasonable efforts to offer either a transfer to a rescheduled programme or such refund, credit, or alternative arrangement as is reasonably possible in light of costs already committed.
14. Data Protection
14.1. MATCM is the data controller for the personal data you provide through the application and enrolment process.
14.2. We process your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Notice and any Programme-specific data protection information provided to you during the application and enrolment process.
14.3. To organise and deliver the Programme, MATCM may share relevant personal data with GZUTCM and associated institutions in China. This may include your name, nationality, passport details, date of birth, contact details, professional background, and any other information reasonably required for administration of the Programme.
14.4. By completing the Enrolment Form, you acknowledge that certain personal data may need to be transferred outside the UK for Programme administration and delivery.
14.5. [Insert link to the relevant MATCM Privacy Notice or Programme-specific Privacy Notice before publication.]
15. Photography and Promotional Use
15.1. MATCM or its partners may arrange for photographs and/or video to be taken during non-clinical parts of the Programme for use in promotional and marketing materials, including the MATCM website, social media, and printed publications.
15.2. Consent for such use should be sought separately in the Enrolment Form or other written consent process. You may decline without affecting your participation in the Programme.
15.3. If you give consent, you may withdraw it at any time by contacting MATCM in writing. We will take reasonable steps to stop future use of your image, but we cannot guarantee retrieval of materials already published or circulated.
16. Intellectual Property
16.1. All Programme materials, including lectures, slides, handouts, translated notes, and other educational content, remain the intellectual property of MATCM, GZUTCM, or the relevant lecturer or content owner.
16.2. You may use such materials only for your personal educational purposes. You may not reproduce, distribute, publish, record, or commercially exploit them without prior written permission.
17. Complaints
17.1. If you have a complaint during the Programme, you should raise it with a MATCM coordinator as soon as possible so that we may attempt to resolve it promptly.
17.2. If you wish to make a formal complaint after the Programme, please write to info@matcm.co.uk within 30 days of the Programme end date.
17.3. MATCM will acknowledge your complaint within a reasonable period and will aim to provide a substantive response within 28 working days.
18. General
18.1. These Terms & Conditions, together with the Enrolment Form, applicable invoice or payment instructions, and any relevant Privacy Notice, constitute the agreement between you and MATCM in relation to the Programme.
18.2. If any provision of these Terms & Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force and effect.
18.3. MATCM’s failure to enforce any right or provision under these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.
18.4. These Terms & Conditions are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of England and Wales.
18.5. Any dispute arising under or in connection with these Terms & Conditions shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
19. Contact
If you have any questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact:
Manchester Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (MATCM)
52–54 Washway Road
Sale
Cheshire
M33 7QZ
Email: info@matcm.co.uk
Telephone: 0161 465 1150
By submitting the Enrolment Form and/or paying the Programme Fee, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions.