Privacy Policy

Hoist Horizons Consultancy

Effective Date: JANUARY 06, 2026
Last Updated: February 10, 2026

Introduction

At Hoist Horizons Consultancy ("we," "us," "our"), we are committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information with the utmost care and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect your personal information when you use our services, visit our website, or interact with us.

By using our services or providing us with your personal information, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. We encourage you to read this policy carefully to understand how we manage your information.

Our commitment: Your trust is fundamental to our relationship. We will never sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes, and we only share your information as necessary to provide our services or as required by law.

1. Information We Collect

We collect various types of information to provide you with high-quality study abroad consulting services. The information we collect includes:

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you engage with our services, we collect personal information that you voluntarily provide, including:

Account and Registration Information:

• Full name, date of birth, gender

• Email address, phone number, WhatsApp number

• Mailing address and current residential address

• Passport number, passport expiry date, and nationality

• Government-issued identification documents

Academic Information:

• Educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates)

• Academic transcripts and marksheets

• Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.)

• Certificates of achievement, awards, and scholarships

• Academic references and recommendation letters

Personal and Background Information:

• Date of birth and age

• Marital status

• Language proficiency

• Work experience and employment history

• Extracurricular activities and volunteer work

• Personal statement, essays, and motivation letters

Financial Information:

• Bank statements and financial documents

• Sponsor information and financial affidavits

• Income proof of parents/guardians/sponsors

• Information related to education loans

• Payment information for our services

Application-Related Information:

• Preferred study destinations and universities

• Program and course preferences

• Career goals and aspirations

• Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Letters of Recommendation (LOR)

• Portfolio materials (for relevant programs)

Visa-Related Information:

• Visa application forms and supporting documents

• Travel history and passport stamps

• Medical examination records (where required for visas)

• Police clearance certificates

• Biometric information submitted to visa authorities

Communication Records:

• Emails, phone calls, WhatsApp messages, and other communications with us

• Consultation session notes and meeting records

• Feedback, questions, and support requests

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website or use our online services, we may automatically collect:

Technical Information:

• IP address and device identifiers

• Browser type and version

• Operating system

• Time zone settings and location data

• Website usage patterns and pages visited

Cookies and Tracking Technologies:

• We use cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience on our website. You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences.

1.3 Information We Receive from Third Parties

We may receive personal information about you from:

Partner Organizations:

• ApplyBoard Inc.: We are a recruitment partner of ApplyBoard and may share and receive student information through their platform for university applications

• Studee: We work with Studee for application processing and may exchange student information as required

• KC Overseas Education (CourseFinder.ai): We use KC Overseas Education's CourseFinder.ai portal for university search and application management

Universities and Educational Institutions:

• Admission decisions and offers

• Academic performance updates

• Student status information

Other Third Parties:

• Credit reporting agencies (for education loan purposes)

• Testing agencies (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)

• Background verification services

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide Our Core Services

• University Selection and Admissions: Analyzing your profile to recommend suitable universities and programs

• Application Processing: Preparing, reviewing, and submitting applications to universities through our partner platforms (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education)

• Document Preparation: Assisting with SOP writing, LOR collection, resume/CV preparation

• Scholarship Applications: Identifying scholarship opportunities and preparing scholarship applications

• Student Visa Processing: Preparing visa documentation, completing visa application forms, conducting mock interviews, and coordinating visa submissions

• Pre-Departure Support: Providing pre-departure orientation, accommodation assistance, travel guidance

• Post-Arrival Support: Offering ongoing support during your first 30 days abroad and beyond

• Communication: Responding to your inquiries, providing updates on your application status, and maintaining regular contact throughout your study abroad journey

2.2 To Improve Our Services

• Analyzing trends and feedback to enhance our consulting services

• Understanding student needs and preferences to provide better recommendations

• Conducting internal research and development

• Training our staff and improving customer service quality

2.3 For Legal and Compliance Purposes

• Complying with legal obligations and regulatory requirements

• Protecting our rights, property, and safety, as well as those of our clients and partners

• Preventing fraud, unauthorized access, and illegal activities

• Responding to legal requests from government authorities and law enforcement

2.4 For Marketing and Communication

• Sending you updates about our services, promotions, and educational opportunities (you may opt out at any time)

• Sharing information about new study destinations, programs, or changes in visa policies

• Inviting you to webinars, events, and informational sessions

3. How We Share Your Information

We share your personal information only in limited circumstances and with appropriate safeguards:

3.1 With Universities and Educational Institutions

With your explicit consent, we share your application materials, academic documents, and supporting information with universities and colleges you apply to. This is essential for processing your admissions.

3.2 With Partner Organizations and Service Providers

Application Platforms:

• ApplyBoard Inc.: We share student information through ApplyBoard's platform for application processing to partnered universities

• Studee: We share necessary student information for application management

• KC Overseas Education (CourseFinder.ai): We create student accounts and share application details through their agent portal

Third-Party Service Providers: We work with trusted service providers who assist us in delivering our services, including:

• IT service providers and website hosting

• Payment processors

• Email and communication platforms

• Document storage and management services

• Customer relationship management (CRM) systems

All service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and use it only for the purposes we specify.

3.3 With Immigration and Government Authorities

We may share your information with visa application centers, immigration authorities, and government bodies as required for visa processing and compliance with immigration laws.

3.4 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose your information if required by law, court order, or legal process, or to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of others.

3.5 With Your Consent

We may share your information with third parties when you provide explicit consent for specific purposes.

Important: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

4. How We Protect Your Information

We take data security seriously and implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

4.1 Security Measures

• Encryption: Sensitive data is encrypted during transmission and storage

• Access Controls: Access to personal information is restricted to authorized personnel only

• Secure Storage: Physical and electronic records are stored securely

• Regular Audits: We conduct regular security assessments and updates

• Staff Training: Our team is trained on data protection and privacy practices

4.2 Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to provide our services and fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy. Generally:

• Active Clients: Information is retained while you are receiving our services and for up to one year after your last interaction with us

• Legal Requirements: Some information may be retained longer to comply with legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations

• Archival Purposes: Certain records may be archived for legitimate business purposes, including fraud prevention and dispute resolution

After the retention period expires, we will securely delete or anonymize your personal information.

4.3 International Data Transfers

Some of our partner organizations (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education) and service providers may be located outside Pakistan. When we transfer your information internationally, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your data in accordance with applicable privacy laws.

5. Your Rights and Choices

You have certain rights regarding your personal information, subject to applicable laws:

5.1 Access and Correction

You have the right to access your personal information held by us and request corrections if it is inaccurate or incomplete. Contact us to request access or make corrections.

5.2 Data Portability

You may request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

5.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to our legal and contractual obligations. Please note that:

• We may need to retain certain information for legal compliance

• If you have active applications or ongoing services, deletion may not be possible until completion

• Deletion requests may affect our ability to provide services to you

5.4 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw your consent for us to process your personal information at any time. However, this may affect our ability to provide services to you.

5.5 Marketing Communications

You can opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by:

• Clicking the "unsubscribe" link in marketing emails

• Contacting us directly at hello@hoisthorizons.com

• Updating your communication preferences in your account (if applicable)

Please note that even if you opt out of marketing communications, we may still send you service-related communications necessary for your applications and visa processing.

5.6 Cookies and Tracking

You can control cookies through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect your experience on our website.

6. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including our partner organizations:

• ApplyBoard.com

• Studee.com

• Studies-Overseas.com (KC Overseas Education)

• CourseFinder.ai

We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third-party websites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

7. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 18 without parental consent. If you are under 18, please ensure a parent or guardian reviews this Privacy Policy and consents to your use of our services.

8. Consent Form Requirement

As part of our services, you will be required to sign a consent form that:

• Authorizes us to collect, use, and share your personal information as described in this Privacy Policy

• Permits us to create accounts on your behalf with partner platforms (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education)

• Allows us to submit applications and documents to universities and visa authorities

• Authorizes us to communicate with universities, visa authorities, and other relevant parties on your behalf

• Acknowledges that we will retain your documents for application, visa processing, and future use

You must provide this signed consent before we can proceed with our services.

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or business operations. We will notify you of any material changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website with a new "Last Updated" date

• Sending you an email notification (if you have provided your email address)

• Notifying you through our services or other appropriate means

Your continued use of our services after any changes indicates your acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or how we handle your personal information, please contact us:

Hoist Horizons Consultancy

Address:
124 CCA, Block A, Commercial Area,
Khayaban-e-Amin, Lahore
Punjab 54000, Pakistan
Email: hello@hoisthorizons.com
Phone: +92 339 8255442 (TALK HHC)
WhatsApp: +92 339 8255442
Website: https://hoisthorizons.com

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Pakistan. Any disputes arising from this Privacy Policy will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Lahore, Pakistan.

12. Data Protection Officer

For privacy-related inquiries or to exercise your rights, you may contact our Data Protection Officer:

Ali Hassan
Founder & Managing Partner
Email: hello@hoisthorizons.com
Phone: +92 339 8255442

By using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this Privacy Policy.