Privacy Policy

1. Scope

This Policy applies to our website, accounts, forms, support channels, and premium services related to Study in China (e.g., checklists, timelines, online guidance).

2. Data We Collect

Data you provide: name, nationality/region, contact details, account credentials, education records, language scores (e.g., HSK/TOEFL/IELTS), target universities/majors, PS/CV/LoR talking points, visa-related documents (e.g., passport details), scholarship materials, payment info (orders, billing details; we do not store full card numbers).
Data collected automatically: device/browser, IP, timezone, usage logs, cookies/local storage IDs, preferences and analytics.
Data from third parties: payment processors, helpdesk/CRM, analytics/logging providers, and—only at your direction—universities or partners for necessary verification.
Sensitive data (where applicable): passport/visa, DOB, contact, education history, etc. We collect such data only when necessary and apply additional safeguards and, where required, explicit consent.

3. How We Use Data

(Purposes & Legal Bases)

Provide and maintain services (accounts, checklists, timelines, guidance): performance of a contract or steps at your request prior to entering into a contract.
Support & communications: responses and important updates, based on contract or legitimate interests (service improvement, account security).
Payments & invoicing: order processing, invoicing, tax compliance—contract and legal obligation.
Scholarship/visa/university guidance: at your request, contract or consent (for sensitive data).
Security & fraud prevention: legitimate interests or legal obligation.
Analytics & product improvement: legitimate interests; when required by law, we obtain consent (e.g., for non-essential cookies).

We do not ghostwrite or submit applications on your behalf, and we do not guarantee admission or funding outcomes.

4. Sharing Your Data

Processors/vendors: hosting, databases, logging/analytics, helpdesk, email/SMS, payments (e.g., Stripe/Alipay/WeChat Pay), document and project tools—bound by data protection terms, used only as necessary.
At your direction: with universities, scholarship bodies, or other recipients you designate.
Legal and protection: disclosures required by law or to protect rights, safety, and property.
Business transfers: as part of mergers, acquisitions, or asset transfers (subject to continued protection).
No sale of personal information: and no targeted ads based on sensitive data.

5. International Transfers

Your data may be transferred to and processed in countries/regions other than yours. We implement safeguards required by law (e.g., standard contractual clauses, security assessments, encryption, access controls).

6. Retention

We retain data only as long as necessary:

Accounts & service records: 24 months after last activity (unless longer required by law).
Orders & invoicing: typically 7 years for tax/accounting compliance.
Logs & analytics: 12–24 months.
We delete or anonymize data when no longer needed. You may request deletion as permitted by law (see Section 8).

7. Security

We use reasonable technical and organizational measures (HTTPS, encryption in transit/at rest, access controls, least privilege, monitoring, staff confidentiality and training). No method is 100% secure.

8. Your Rights

Subject to law, you may have the right to access, correct, delete, withdraw consent, restrict or object to processing, data portability, and to obtain explanations of automated decisions (if applicable). You may also lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.
To exercise your rights, contact us via Section 11. We may verify your identity before acting on your request.

9. Children’s Privacy

Our services target adults. Users under 18 (or the age defined in your jurisdiction) should use our services with parental consent and guidance. For users under 14 in China, personal data is treated as sensitive and receives enhanced protection and guardian consent.

10. Cookies & Similar Technologies

We use essential cookies for site operation and may use analytics/functionality cookies to improve the experience. Manage preferences via your browser or our Cookie Preferences tool. Blocking non-essential cookies won’t break core features but may affect certain functions and metrics.