Refund Policy

Hoist Horizons Consultancy

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

Introduction

At Hoist Horizons Consultancy, we are committed to providing high-quality study abroad consulting services to our clients. This Refund Policy outlines the terms and conditions under which refunds may or may not be issued for our services.

Please read this policy carefully before making any payment for our services. By engaging our services and making payment, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this Refund Policy.

1. General Refund Policy

1.1 No Refunds After Service Commencement

IMPORTANT: Once our services have commenced, all fees paid are non-refundable.

This policy applies to all service packages offered by Hoist Horizons Consultancy, including:

• Complete Package (PKR 75,000)

• Application + Visa Package (PKR 50,000)

• Visa Processing Only (PKR 30,000)

• Consultation & Guidance (PKR 5,000)

• Any customized service packages

1.2 Services Are Considered "Commenced" When:

Our services are considered to have commenced when any of the following has occurred:

✓ Initial consultation session has taken place
✓ Profile assessment has begun
✓ University research or shortlisting has started
✓ Any document review or preparation work has been initiated
✓ SOP (Statement of Purpose) development has begun
✓ Application forms are being completed
✓ Visa documentation work has started
✓ Mock interview sessions have been scheduled or conducted
✓ Any communication with universities or partner platforms on your behalf
✓ Account creation on partner platforms (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education)

Once any of these activities have taken place, you will not be eligible for a refund of our service fees.

2. Pre-Commencement Cancellation

2.1 Refund Eligibility Before Service Commencement

You may request a full refund of our service fees if all of the following conditions are met:

1. Within 14 Days of Payment: You submit your cancellation request within 14 days of making payment

2. No Services Provided: No consultation sessions, profile assessments, or any other services have been provided

3. No Work Initiated: No research, document preparation, or any other work has been started on your application

4. Written Notice: You provide written cancellation notice to us at hello@hoisthorizons.com

2.2 How to Request a Pre-Commencement Refund

To request a refund before service commencement:

1. Send an email to hello@hoisthorizons.com with the subject line: "Refund Request - [Your Name]"

2. Include the following information:

   • Full name and contact information

   • Payment date and amount

   • Payment reference or transaction ID

   • Reason for cancellation (optional)

3. Allow up to 14 business days for processing your refund

4. Refunds will be issued to the original payment method

3. Non-Refundable Circumstances

You will NOT be eligible for a refund in any of the following circumstances:

3.1 Application and Admission-Related

• ❌ University rejects your application – University admission decisions are independent of our services

• ❌ You do not meet university admission requirements – It is your responsibility to ensure you meet requirements

• ❌ You receive conditional offers – Conditional offers still represent successful application processing

• ❌ You change your mind about studying abroad – Personal decisions are not grounds for refund

• ❌ You decide to apply to different universities – Changes in preferences after service commencement are not refundable

• ❌ You want to switch to a different country – Country changes after service commencement are not refundable

• ❌ You are dissatisfied with university shortlist – We provide professional recommendations based on your profile; dissatisfaction with recommendations is not grounds for refund

3.2 Visa-Related

• ❌ Visa application is refused or rejected – Visa decisions are made solely by immigration authorities

• ❌ You fail to attend visa interviews – It is your responsibility to attend all scheduled appointments

• ❌ You do not meet financial requirements for visa – We provide guidance, but financial requirements must be met by you

• ❌ Visa processing takes longer than expected – Processing times vary and are beyond our control

• ❌ You miss visa appointments due to personal reasons – We coordinate appointments, but attendance is your responsibility

3.3 Client-Related

• ❌ You fail to provide required documents or information – Timely document submission is your responsibility

• ❌ You miss deadlines for document submission – Meeting deadlines is your responsibility

• ❌ You do not respond to our communications in a timely manner – Cooperation is required for successful outcomes

• ❌ You withdraw from the process after services have commenced – Voluntary withdrawal is not grounds for refund

• ❌ You change your career or academic goals – Personal decisions are not grounds for refund

• ❌ Personal circumstances change (illness, financial difficulties, family issues, etc.) – While we sympathize, personal circumstances are not grounds for refund

3.4 External Factors

• ❌ Changes in university policies or admission requirements – Universities may change their policies at any time

• ❌ Changes in visa regulations or immigration laws – Government policies are beyond our control

• ❌ Delays or issues with third-party platforms (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education) – We are not responsible for third-party service issues

• ❌ Force majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, war, civil unrest, etc.) – Events beyond our control are not grounds for refund

4. Third-Party Fees (Non-Refundable)

The following fees are NOT included in our service fees and are non-refundable:

4.1 University-Related Fees

• University application fees

• Tuition deposits

• Enrollment fees

• Transcript evaluation fees

4.2 Testing and Language Requirements

• IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo test fees

• GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT test fees

• Language proficiency assessment fees

4.3 Visa and Immigration Fees

• Visa application fees

• Biometrics fees

• Medical examination fees

• Police clearance certificate fees

• Visa courier and document submission fees

4.4 Other Third-Party Costs

• Document translation and attestation fees

• Courier and shipping charges

• Bank transfer fees

• Education credential evaluation fees

• Travel insurance

Important: These fees are paid directly by you to the respective service providers. We do not collect these fees, and any refunds must be requested directly from those providers according to their refund policies.

5. Partial Services and Pro-Rated Refunds

5.1 No Pro-Rated Refunds

We do not offer pro-rated refunds based on the percentage of services completed. Our service fees are based on the comprehensive package and the expertise we provide throughout the entire process, not on individual tasks completed.

For example:

• If you have completed 50% of the application process and decide to withdraw, you will not receive a 50% refund

• If you have received 3 out of 5 mock interview sessions and cancel, you will not receive a partial refund

5.2 Service Continuity

Once you engage our services, we commit resources, time, and expertise to your application. Even if you withdraw early in the process, we have already invested significant effort in your case, including:

• Initial profile assessment

• Research into suitable universities and programs

• Strategy development

• Administrative setup and documentation

These investments cannot be recovered, which is why we do not offer partial refunds.

6. What Our Fees Cover

To help you understand why our refund policy is structured this way, here's what our service fees cover:

6.1 Time and Expertise

• Years of experience and industry knowledge

• Personalized consultation and guidance

• Ongoing support throughout your journey

• Access to founder Ali Hassan's expertise

6.2 Resources and Tools

• Access to partner platforms (ApplyBoard, Studee, KC Overseas Education)

• University and program databases

• Document templates and guidelines

• Communication and coordination with universities and authorities

6.3 Comprehensive Support

• Unlimited consultations (Complete Package)

• Document preparation and review

• Application strategy development

• Visa processing guidance

• Pre-departure and post-arrival support

Our commitment: Once you engage our services, we dedicate ourselves fully to your success. This is why we cannot offer refunds after services have commenced.

7. Exceptional Circumstances

7.1 Case-by-Case Review

In rare and exceptional circumstances, we may consider refund requests on a case-by-case basis. These circumstances may include:

• Complete inability to provide services due to closure of our business

• Documented misrepresentation by Hoist Horizons Consultancy regarding our services

• Material breach of contract by Hoist Horizons Consultancy

7.2 How to Request an Exception

If you believe you qualify for an exception:

1. Submit a written request to hello@hoisthorizons.com

2. Provide detailed documentation supporting your claim

3. Allow up to 30 business days for review

4. Decisions are made at our sole discretion and are final

Important: Exceptional circumstances do NOT include:

• University rejections

• Visa refusals

• Changes in personal circumstances

• Dissatisfaction with outcomes beyond our control

8. Refund Processing

8.1 Refund Timeline

If you are eligible for a refund (pre-commencement cancellation only):

• Refund requests will be processed within 14 business days of approval

• Refunds will be issued to the original payment method

• Bank processing times may vary (typically 5-10 business days)

8.2 Refund Method

Refunds will be issued via the same payment method used for the original transaction:

• Bank transfer to the original account

• Online payment reversal (if applicable)

8.3 Currency and Exchange Rates

Refunds will be issued in Pakistani Rupees (PKR). If you paid in a different currency, refunds will be converted at the exchange rate on the date of refund processing.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Contact Us First

If you have concerns about our services or believe you are entitled to a refund, please contact us first:

Email: hello@hoisthorizons.com
Phone: +92 339 8255442
WhatsApp: +92 339 8255442

We are committed to addressing your concerns and finding a satisfactory resolution.

9.2 Formal Complaints

If you are not satisfied with the resolution, you may file a formal complaint in writing. We will review and respond within 30 business days.

9.3 Legal Action

Any disputes not resolved through direct communication will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Lahore, Pakistan, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.

10. Important Reminders

✓ Read Before Payment

Please read this Refund Policy carefully before making any payment. Once payment is made and services commence, refunds will not be available.

✓ Ask Questions

If you have any questions about our refund policy, please contact us before making payment. We are happy to clarify any concerns.

✓ Understand Our Role

We provide consulting services and guidance. We do not guarantee university admissions or visa approvals, as these decisions are made by independent authorities.

✓ Your Responsibility

Success in the study abroad process depends on many factors, including your academic qualifications, financial resources, and timely cooperation. Please ensure you are ready to commit to the process before engaging our services.

11. Policy Updates

We reserve the right to update this Refund Policy at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting to our website (https://hoisthorizons.com) with an updated "Last Updated" date.

Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the revised policy.

12. Acknowledgment and Consent

By making payment for our services, you acknowledge that:

✓ You have read and understood this Refund Policy
✓ You agree to the terms outlined in this policy
✓ You understand that refunds are not available once services have commenced
✓ You understand that university rejections and visa refusals are not grounds for refund
✓ You accept full responsibility for meeting deadlines and providing required documents
✓ You will sign a consent form before services commence

13. Contact Information

If you have any questions about this Refund Policy, 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

Business Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (PKT)
Sunday: By Appointment Only

This Refund Policy is part of our Terms and Conditions and should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.