CANCELLTION FEES

I enrolled my daughter @ varsity college due to her app being rejected @ DUT. Her LAST resort was VC. A deposit of R19000 had to be paid to Varsity College to secure her place. 36hrs later, receive acceptance from DUT, which we could reject due to it being a first choice. I immediately sent a cancellation letter explaining my situation to VC one n half day later. They only responded 7 days later reminding me of my signed contract. Advised that I could appeal. Sent the my whole story with DUT. They only rejected appeal 1 month later. Charged me R9838.50 cancelation fee. Deposits a Cheque into my account with no int. and 14days clearance fee. 2 months later. Please assist.