Terms & Conditions

Last updated: January 2026

Welcome to Minerva. By using our platform, website, and services, you agree to these Terms & Conditions. Please read them carefully before using our services.

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing or using Minerva's platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions and all applicable laws and regulations. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you may not use our services.

2. Teacher Independence

Teachers are independent contractors and not employees of Minerva Learning Ltd. Minerva is not responsible for the quality, conduct, or outcomes of any lessons provided. All teaching arrangements are made directly between teachers and students/parents through the platform.

3. Services Description

Minerva operates as an AI-powered learning marketplace connecting students/parents with verified teachers in Hong Kong. Our platform provides:

4. User Accounts

4.1 For Teachers

Teachers must provide accurate information during registration, including:

Teachers are solely responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of their account credentials and for all activities under their account.

4.2 For Students/Parents

Students and parents must provide accurate contact information and are responsible for:

5. Payment Terms

5.1 Platform Fees

Minerva charges a commission of 20-30% on completed lessons, depending on teacher tier and subject. Specific commission rates are clearly displayed on the platform during registration and may be updated with 30 days notice. Teachers set their own rates, which are displayed on the platform.

5.2 Escrow System

Payments are held in escrow until the lesson is confirmed complete. Refunds are processed according to our refund policy:

5.3 Commission

Teachers agree to pay Minerva a commission on all completed lessons. Commission rates are clearly displayed and agreed upon at registration. First 100 registered teachers receive zero commission for their first four classes.

5.4 Payment Release

Funds are released within 3 business days of lesson completion confirmation by both parties. During peak periods, release may take up to 5 business days.

6. Teacher Verification

Minerva performs background verification including:

While we strive for thorough verification, Minerva does not guarantee the ongoing quality of teaching and shall not be held liable for any deficiency in teaching services. Users are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence.

7. Lesson Arrangements

7.1 Scheduling

Lessons must be booked through the Minerva platform. Off-platform arrangements void our protection policies.

7.2 Location

Lessons may be conducted:

7.3 Cancellations

Cancellation policies apply as stated in Section 5.2. Repeated no-shows may result in account suspension.

8. Off-Platform Communication Prohibited

Users must not exchange contact information (phone numbers, email addresses, social media handles) or arrange lessons outside the Minerva platform. Violation of this policy may result in:

This policy protects both parties and ensures Minerva can provide dispute resolution and payment protection services.

9. Content and Reviews

Teachers may receive reviews from students/parents after lessons. We reserve the right to remove content that:

Disputes regarding reviews should be reported to support@minerva.hk within 14 days of posting.

10. Limitation of Liability

Minerva acts as an intermediary platform and is not liable for the acts or omissions of teachers, students, or parents.

11. Force Majeure

Minerva shall not be liable for any failure or delay in performance due to circumstances beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to: natural disasters, pandemic, war, terrorism, civil unrest, government actions, power failures, internet service provider failures, or third-party platform outages. In such cases, Minerva will use reasonable efforts to restore service as soon as practicable.

12. Platform Availability

Minerva strives to maintain platform availability but does not guarantee uninterrupted access. Scheduled maintenance will be announced with at least 24 hours notice where possible. Unscheduled downtime may occur due to technical issues beyond our control.

13. Insurance Coverage

Lessons booked through Minerva may be covered by our liability insurance policy (where applicable). Specific coverage terms are available upon request. Insurance claims are subject to investigation and approval.

14. Hong Kong Data Privacy

Minerva complies with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) of Hong Kong ("PDPO").

14.1 Data Collection

We collect personal data for:

14.2 Data We Collect

14.3 Use of Data

Your data is used for:

14.4 Data Retention

Personal data is retained for the duration of account activity and for 7 years after account closure for legal compliance purposes, unless requested earlier in writing.

14.5 Your Rights

Under the PDPO, you have the right to:

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@minerva.hk

14.6 Data Security

We implement reasonable security measures to protect personal data. However, no internet transmission is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security.

14.7 Data Transfers

Data may be transferred to third parties for verification, payment processing (Stripe, Alipay, WeChat Pay), and cloud storage. All third parties are bound by confidentiality agreements.

15. Intellectual Property

All content, logos, and materials on the Minerva platform are the property of Minerva Learning Ltd. or its licensors. Users may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without permission.

16. Prohibited Activities

Users must not:

17. Dispute Resolution

In case of disputes, users should follow these steps:

Disputes may be referred to the District Court or higher courts of Hong Kong.

18. Termination

Minerva reserves the right to terminate or suspend accounts that:

19. Amendments

Minerva may modify these terms at any time with 30 days notice. Users will be notified via email or platform notice. Continued use after changes constitutes acceptance of new terms.

20. Governing Law

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Hong Kong courts.

21. Contact Information

For questions about these Terms & Conditions:

© 2026 Minerva Learning Ltd. All rights reserved. Registered in Hong Kong.