Ending your Udemy membership made easy

What is Udemy?

Udemy is one of the world's largest online learning platforms, hosting over 210,000 courses across virtually every subject imaginable. Founded in 2010, this global marketplace connects expert instructors with eager learners, offering everything from professional development courses in coding and business to personal interest topics like photography, music, and fitness.

Here's what makes Udemy distinctive: unlike traditional subscription services, Udemy primarily operates on a pay-per-course model. You purchase individual courses outright and own lifetime access to them. However, Udemy also offers a subscription service called Udemy Business for organisations and Udemy Personal Plan for individual learners who want unlimited access to a curated selection of courses.

The platform serves over 57 million learners worldwide, with a significant presence in the UK market. Courses are available in over 75 languages, though the majority are in English. What attracts many UK users is the flexibility—you can learn at your own pace, access materials on mobile devices, and often benefit from substantial discounts during Udemy's frequent sales events.

Most importantly for our purposes today, understanding which type of Udemy service you're using is crucial for cancellation. If you've purchased individual courses, there's typically nothing to cancel—you simply stop buying new courses. However, if you've subscribed to Udemy Personal Plan or your employer has enrolled you in Udemy Business, you may need to formally cancel your subscription.

Plans, features and pricing

Udemy's pricing structure can be confusing because it operates on multiple models simultaneously. Let me break down what you're likely dealing with as a UK customer.

Individual course purchases

This is Udemy's original and most common model. Courses are listed at various price points, typically ranging from £19.99 to £199.99 at full price. However—and this is important—Udemy runs near-constant sales where courses drop to £12.99 to £19.99. Many seasoned users never pay full price and simply wait for the next promotion, which usually occurs every few weeks.

When you purchase an individual course, you receive lifetime access with no recurring charges. This means there's nothing to cancel, though you do have a 30-day refund window if you're unsatisfied with a course.

Udemy Personal Plan subscription

This subscription service gives you unlimited access to over 11,000 curated courses. The pricing for UK customers typically sits around £16.99 to £29.99 per month, depending on current promotions and whether you opt for monthly or annual billing.

Keep in mind that Personal Plan subscribers lose access to subscription courses once they cancel, though any courses purchased separately remain accessible. This catches many people off guard—they assume all courses in their library are permanently theirs.

Udemy Business

This enterprise solution is purchased by organisations for their teams. Pricing isn't publicly listed as it's customised based on team size and requirements. If you're using Udemy Business through your employer, you typically cannot cancel it yourself—your company's administrator manages the subscription.

Features across plans

Regardless of which plan you're using, Udemy courses generally include video lectures, downloadable resources, lifetime access (for purchased courses), certificates of completion, and mobile app access. The quality varies significantly between courses since any qualified instructor can publish content on the platform.

Terms of service and cancellation policy

Understanding Udemy's terms is essential before you attempt cancellation, particularly because UK consumer law provides you with specific protections that may supersede Udemy's standard policies.

Udemy's standard cancellation terms

For Udemy Personal Plan subscriptions, the company states you can cancel at any time. If you're on a monthly plan, cancellation takes effect at the end of your current billing cycle—you won't receive a refund for the remainder of that month, but you won't be charged again. For annual plans, the same principle applies, but you're committed to the full year unless you can demonstrate grounds for early termination under UK consumer protection laws.

The critical detail many subscribers miss: you must cancel before your renewal date to avoid being charged for the next period. Udemy's system automatically renews subscriptions, and requesting a refund after renewal is processed can be challenging, though not impossible under UK law.

UK consumer rights and distance selling regulations

Here's where things get interesting for UK customers. Under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013, you have a 14-day cooling-off period for services purchased online. This means if you've just subscribed to Udemy Personal Plan, you can cancel within 14 days and receive a full refund.

However, there's an important caveat: if you've actively used the service during this period—watching courses, downloading materials—Udemy may argue you've waived your right to a full refund by consuming the digital content. This is legally permissible, but you should still receive a pro-rata refund for the unused portion.

Additionally, if you've been misled about what the subscription includes, or if Udemy has made unauthorised charges, you have grounds for complaint under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. Document everything if you believe you have such a case.

Notice periods and timing requirements

Whilst Udemy doesn't formally require advance notice beyond cancelling before your next billing date, sending written notice by post creates a paper trail that can be invaluable if disputes arise. I've seen countless cases where subscribers claimed they cancelled online, but Udemy's system showed no record of the cancellation, resulting in continued charges.

Refund policies you need to know

For individual course purchases, Udemy offers a 30-day refund policy, no questions asked. This is straightforward and generally honoured without issues. For subscriptions, refunds are trickier. If you cancel mid-cycle, Udemy's standard policy is no refund, but UK consumer law may entitle you to a partial refund in certain circumstances.

Most importantly, always check your bank statements after cancellation. I've processed cases where subscriptions continued charging for months after cancellation because the request wasn't properly recorded. If this happens, you can dispute the charges with your bank and claim back unauthorised payments under UK banking regulations.

Why postal cancellation is your most reliable option

After handling thousands of subscription cancellations, I can tell you that postal cancellation with tracked delivery is your strongest protection, particularly for services like Udemy where online cancellation processes can sometimes fail or leave you without adequate proof.

The proof problem with digital cancellations

Here's a scenario I encounter regularly: a subscriber cancels through Udemy's website or app, receives no confirmation email, and then gets charged again the following month. When they contact Udemy, the company has no record of the cancellation request. Without proof, you're in a difficult position—it becomes your word against their system logs.

Postal cancellation via Recorded Delivery eliminates this problem entirely. You have physical proof that your cancellation letter was delivered to Udemy's registered address on a specific date. If they continue charging you, you have documentation to support a complaint to your bank or the Financial Ombudsman.

Legal weight of written notice

Under UK contract law, written notice sent to a company's registered address carries significant legal weight. It demonstrates clear intent to terminate the contract and creates an audit trail that courts and ombudsmen recognise. Digital cancellations, whilst convenient, don't always provide this same level of legal certainty.

Additionally, if you're invoking your statutory cooling-off period or claiming a refund under consumer protection laws, written notice strengthens your position considerably. It shows you've followed proper procedures and given the company fair opportunity to respond.

When online cancellation isn't available

Some users report difficulty finding cancellation options in their Udemy account settings, particularly if they subscribed through a third party or if their account has unusual billing arrangements. In these situations, postal cancellation provides a guaranteed method that doesn't depend on navigating potentially confusing website interfaces.

Cancelling by post - the complete guide

Now let's walk through exactly how to cancel your Udemy subscription by post. I'll share the insider tips that ensure your cancellation is processed smoothly and you have bulletproof documentation.

Finding Udemy's correct postal address

This is absolutely critical—you must send your cancellation letter to Udemy's proper registered address. Sending it to an incorrect address can invalidate your cancellation attempt and leave you without legal recourse.

For UK customers cancelling Udemy services, you should send your written cancellation to Udemy's registered office. Based on their UK operations, the correct address is:

• Udemy
• c/o Corporation Service Company
• 251 Little Falls Drive
• Wilmington, Delaware 19808
• United States

Alternatively, for European operations, you may use:

• Udemy
• Attn: Customer Support
• Udemy Ireland Limited
• 4th Floor, One Central Park
• Leopardstown
• Dublin 18
• Ireland

Keep in mind that using the Dublin address may be more appropriate for UK customers post-Brexit, as Udemy operates its European services through its Irish entity. Check your subscription confirmation email or billing statements to see which entity you contracted with.

What to include in your cancellation letter

Your cancellation letter needs to be clear, concise, and include all relevant information that identifies your account and subscription. Here's what you must include:

First, your full name exactly as it appears on your Udemy account. If your payment details show a different name, include that as well. Next, include your email address associated with the account—this is crucial as Udemy uses email as the primary account identifier.

Additionally, state clearly and unambiguously that you are cancelling your Udemy subscription. Use direct language like "I am writing to cancel my Udemy Personal Plan subscription effective immediately" or "This letter serves as formal notice of my intention to cancel my subscription."

Include your account details: mention the type of subscription (Personal Plan monthly or annual), when you subscribed, and your most recent billing date if you know it. This helps Udemy's customer service team locate your account quickly.

Most importantly, if you're invoking specific consumer rights—such as the 14-day cooling-off period—state this explicitly. For example: "I am exercising my right to cancel under the Consumer Contracts Regulations 2013 within the 14-day cooling-off period."

Request written confirmation of your cancellation and, if applicable, confirmation of any refund you're entitled to receive. Specify how you'd like to receive this confirmation—email is usually fastest.

Finally, date and sign the letter. Include your postal address so Udemy can respond if necessary.

Choosing the right postal service

Never send a cancellation letter by standard post. Always use Royal Mail Recorded Delivery (also called Signed For) or Special Delivery. These services cost a few pounds extra but provide tracking and proof of delivery—absolutely essential for cancellation letters.

Recorded Delivery typically costs around £3.35 and provides online tracking plus a signature on delivery. Special Delivery Guaranteed costs more (around £7.50) but guarantees next-day delivery and includes automatic compensation if it's delayed. For most cancellations, Recorded Delivery is perfectly adequate.

Here's a pro tip: photograph your letter before sealing the envelope and keep your receipt with the tracking number. This creates a complete evidence trail showing exactly what you sent and when it was delivered.

Using Postclic to simplify the process

Whilst you can certainly handle postal cancellation yourself, services like Postclic streamline the entire process and eliminate common mistakes. Postclic allows you to send tracked letters digitally—you compose your letter online, and they print, envelope, and post it with full tracking.

The main advantages are time-saving (no trips to the post office), guaranteed professional formatting, and automatic digital proof of sending and delivery. You receive tracking updates via email and can access proof of delivery documentation instantly if you need to dispute charges later.

For subscription cancellations specifically, this digital proof is invaluable. I've seen cases where having immediate access to delivery confirmation helped subscribers reverse unauthorised charges within hours rather than days. The service typically costs similar to what you'd pay for Recorded Delivery yourself, but without the hassle of printing, addressing, and posting.

Timeline and what happens next

Once you've posted your cancellation letter, here's what to expect. Your letter should reach Udemy's address within 5-7 working days for US addresses or 3-5 days for the Dublin address. Track your delivery online using the Royal Mail tracking number.

Udemy should process your cancellation within 5-10 working days of receiving it. You may receive an email confirmation, though not always—this is why having proof of delivery is essential. Check your Udemy account online to verify that your subscription shows as cancelled.

Most importantly, monitor your bank account around your next billing date. If you're charged despite your cancellation, contact your bank immediately to dispute the charge. Provide your proof of delivery as evidence that you cancelled before the billing date.

What to do if problems arise

If Udemy continues charging you after your cancellation letter was delivered, take these steps immediately. First, contact Udemy's customer support via email, referencing your postal cancellation and providing the tracking information showing delivery. Request immediate cessation of charges and a refund of any unauthorised payments.

Next, contact your bank or credit card provider to dispute the charges. Under UK banking regulations, you can request a chargeback for unauthorised transactions. Your proof of delivery strengthens your case significantly.

Additionally, if Udemy refuses to honour your cancellation or provide a refund you're entitled to, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service or pursue a claim through the small claims court. For amounts under £10,000, this is a straightforward process, and your documented postal cancellation provides strong evidence.

Tips from former members

After processing thousands of Udemy cancellations, I've gathered insights from subscribers who've successfully navigated the process. Here are the most valuable lessons they've shared.

Common reasons people cancel

Understanding why others cancel can help you evaluate whether cancellation is right for you. The most common reason I encounter is simply not using the subscription enough to justify the cost. Many subscribers sign up enthusiastically during a promotion, start one or two courses, then find they don't have time to continue. At £29.99 monthly, that's expensive for unused access.

Another frequent reason is discovering that Udemy's individual course sales offer better value. Savvy users realise they can purchase the specific courses they want for £12.99 each during sales, gaining lifetime access, rather than paying monthly for a subscription they might not fully utilise.

Quality concerns also drive cancellations. Whilst Udemy hosts excellent courses, the platform's open marketplace model means quality varies dramatically. Some subscribers find too many courses feel outdated or amateurish, leading them to seek alternatives like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Skillshare.

Additionally, many people cancel after achieving their specific learning goal. If you subscribed to learn a particular skill and you've completed relevant courses, maintaining the subscription may no longer make sense.

Timing your cancellation strategically

Here's an insider tip that can save you money: if you're on a monthly subscription and planning to cancel, download any certificates and course materials you want to keep before cancelling. Once your subscription ends, you lose access to subscription courses, including certificates of completion.

For annual subscribers, timing is crucial. If you're past the 14-day cooling-off period, you're typically committed to the full year. However, set a calendar reminder for 30 days before your annual renewal date. This gives you ample time to decide whether to renew and to send a postal cancellation if needed.

Many former members recommend cancelling at least 10 days before your renewal date, even if you're using online cancellation. This buffer prevents situations where your cancellation is processed after your renewal charge goes through.

Maximising value before you cancel

If you've decided to cancel but have time remaining on your subscription, make the most of it. Former members suggest creating a list of courses you're interested in and working through as many as possible before your access ends.

Additionally, download all course resources—PDFs, worksheets, code files—that might be useful later. Once your subscription ends, you can't access these materials even if you've partially completed a course.

Some savvy users take screenshots of important course content or notes, particularly for reference materials they might need later. Whilst you can't download videos, you can preserve key information this way.

Alternatives worth considering

Former Udemy subscribers often share which alternatives they've found more suitable. For structured, university-style courses with academic rigour, many prefer Coursera or edX. For professional development with recognised certifications, LinkedIn Learning frequently comes up.

For creative skills, Skillshare receives consistent praise, particularly for its community features and project-based learning approach. For technical skills, platform-specific options like Pluralsight for IT professionals or Codecademy for programming often provide more depth.

Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a subscription service at all. YouTube offers tremendous free educational content, and many professional instructors maintain their own websites with course offerings. The key is matching the platform to your learning style and goals.

Protecting yourself from unwanted renewals

Here's a final pro tip that applies to all subscription services: consider using a virtual debit card for subscriptions. Services like Revolut allow you to create disposable or controllable card numbers. If you're concerned about a subscription continuing to charge you, you can simply delete or freeze that virtual card number after cancelling.

Additionally, maintain a spreadsheet of all your subscriptions with renewal dates. Set calendar reminders two weeks before each renewal. This simple practice prevents surprise charges and gives you time to cancel services you're no longer using.

Most importantly, always keep your cancellation documentation. Store your proof of delivery in a dedicated folder—digital or physical—along with any confirmation emails. If you need to dispute charges months later, having this documentation readily available makes the process infinitely easier.

Remember that cancelling a subscription isn't a failure—it's a smart financial decision when a service no longer meets your needs. Udemy offers valuable learning opportunities, but only if you're actively using them. By following the postal cancellation process outlined here, you ensure your cancellation is processed properly whilst protecting your consumer rights under UK law.