English to Italian Social Sciences Education / Pedagogy

sì lo so che vuol dire sanzione o penale, ma qui non mi fa senso. Si tratta di elementi importanti per la definizione degli standard etici delle università:
Transparency of educational offer (potential students should have access to all relevant information concerning study programs before taking a decision to apply to any specific program. This includes information concerning cost of study as well as eventual discounts, penalties and financial assistance available).
Mi chiedo se l'autore intenda dire "oneri aggiuntivi".
Grazzz.
Raffaella