<p>Yes, that is correct. You cannot get any of the non refundable part of the credit if you have no tax liability. But you can get the refundable part of up to $1000 (you have to have the full $4000 in qualified expenses to get the full $1000 as the credit is split between refundable/nonrefundable).</p>
<p>Non of the other education tax credits are refundable.</p>