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 care, confidentiality, and transparency. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, use our services, or communicate with us.

By using our services or providing personal information to us, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy. Please read it carefully to understand our practices.

Our commitment:

• We do not sell your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.

• We share your information only when necessary to provide services, to meet legal requirements, or with your consent.

1. Information We Collect

We collect information to provide study abroad consulting services effectively.

1.1 Information You Provide Directly

When you engage with us, you may provide:

A) Account and Identity Information

• Full name, date of birth, gender

• Email address, phone number, WhatsApp number

• Mailing address and current residential address

• Passport number, passport expiry date, nationality

• Government-issued identification documents (e.g., CNIC/passport copies where required)

B) Academic Information

• Educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates)

• Academic transcripts and marksheets

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

• Certificates, achievements, awards

• References and recommendation letters (where applicable)

C) Personal and Background Information

• Language proficiency

• Work experience and employment history

• Extracurricular activities, volunteer work

• Personal statements, essays, motivation letters (if required)

D) Financial Information (Where Required)

• Bank statements and financial documents

• Sponsor details and affidavits

• Income proof of parents/guardians/sponsors

• Education loan-related documents (if applicable)

• Payment information related to our service fee

E) Application-Related Information

• Preferred study destinations and universities

• Program/course preferences

• Career goals and aspirations

• SOP/LOR drafts and supporting documents

• Portfolio materials (for relevant programs)

F) Visa-Related Information (Where Applicable)

• Visa forms and supporting documents

• Travel history (where required)

• Medical examination documents (only where required by authorities)

• Police clearance certificates (where applicable)

G) Communication Records

• Emails, calls, WhatsApp messages, and other communications

• Consultation notes and meeting records

• Feedback, questions, and support requests

1.2 Information We Collect Automatically

When you visit our website, we may collect:

Technical & Usage Information

• IP address, device identifiers

• Browser type/version, operating system

• Time zone settings

• Pages visited, clicks, and website usage patterns

Cookies & Similar Technologies
We use cookies and similar tools to enhance site functionality and understand website performance. You can control cookies through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect website features.

1.3 Information We Receive from Third Parties

We may receive information from:

Partner Platforms (Application Processing)

• ApplyBoard Inc.

• Studee

• KC Overseas Education (CourseFinder.ai)

Universities / Institutions

• Offers, admission decisions, scholarship/discount outcomes (if shared by the institution)

• Status updates (where available)

Other Third Parties (If Applicable)

• Testing agencies (IELTS/TOEFL, etc.)

• Verification services (if required)

• Financial institutions (for education loan processing where relevant)

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information for the following purposes:

2.1 To Provide Our Core Services

• University Selection & Admissions: Assess your profile and recommend suitable universities/programs

• Application Processing: Prepare, review, and submit applications (including via partner platforms)

• Document Support: SOP guidance, LOR guidance, resume/CV support, checklist guidance

• Visa Processing Support: Prepare documentation, guide forms, interview preparation (where applicable)

• Pre-Departure Guidance: Checklists, travel and accommodation guidance

• Post-Arrival Support: Limited support as per your package scope

• Communication: Updates, reminders, and responses to your queries

2.2 Scholarship & Funding Clarification (Important)

• In standard services/packages, scholarship guidance is limited to university merit-based scholarships/tuition discounts (where available and applicable).

• We do not provide “fully funded scholarship services” as a standard service.

• If you request external/fully funded scholarship support, it is treated as an exceptional case and may require a separate written agreement, additional information, and explicit consent for any extra sharing of data.

2.3 To Improve Our Services

• Analyze feedback and service quality

• Improve consultation workflows and support

• Internal training and service optimization

2.4 For Legal and Compliance Purposes

• Comply with legal obligations and regulatory requirements

• Prevent fraud, unauthorized activity, or misuse

• Protect our rights and safety, and the rights and safety of others

• Respond to lawful requests from authorities

2.5 Marketing and Updates (Optional)

We may send updates about services, announcements, or educational policy changes. You can opt out anytime. Even if you opt out, we may still send service-related messages necessary for your case (e.g., deadlines, document requests).

3. How We Share Your Information

We share personal information only when necessary and with appropriate safeguards.

3.1 With Universities and Educational Institutions

With your consent, we share relevant documents and application materials with the universities/colleges you apply to.

3.2 With Partner Platforms and Service Providers

Application Platforms

• ApplyBoard Inc.

• Studee

• KC Overseas Education (CourseFinder.ai)

Operational Service Providers (As Needed)

• Website/IT and hosting providers

• Payment processing providers

• Email/communication tools

• Secure document storage/management systems

• Customer relationship management (CRM) tools

All providers are expected to protect your information and use it only for legitimate service delivery purposes.

3.3 With Immigration / Government Authorities

We may share information with visa application centers, embassies, immigration authorities, and government bodies where required for visa processing.

Biometrics Note: Biometrics are typically collected directly by visa authorities/centers. We do not independently collect biometric data; however, we may retain confirmations/receipts or documents you provide as part of your case file.

3.4 Scholarship Sharing Clarification

• For university merit scholarships/tuition discounts, sharing occurs as part of the university application process.

• For any external/fully funded scholarship support (exceptional case), we will request additional consent before sharing your information with external scholarship providers (if applicable).

3.5 For Legal Reasons

We may disclose information if required by law, court orders, or legal process, or to protect rights, safety, or prevent wrongdoing.

3.6 With Your Consent

We may share information with third parties when you give explicit consent for a specific purpose.

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

4. How We Protect Your Information

We implement reasonable technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or disclosure.

4.1 Security Measures

• Access controls (need-to-know basis)

• Secure storage for physical and electronic records

• Staff confidentiality practices

• Periodic review of security procedures

4.2 Data Retention

We retain personal information as necessary to provide services and meet legitimate business/legal requirements. Generally:

• Active clients: retained during service delivery and up to one (1) year after last interaction

• Legal/compliance: some data may be retained longer if required by law or for dispute resolution
  After the retention period, we will securely delete or anonymize data where appropriate.

4.3 International Data Transfers

Some partner platforms/service providers may be located outside Pakistan. When data is transferred internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure safeguards are in place consistent with this Privacy Policy.

5. Your Rights and Choices

Subject to applicable laws, you may request:

5.1 Access and Correction

Request access to your information and ask us to correct inaccurate or incomplete data.

5.2 Data Portability

Request a copy of your information in a commonly used format (where feasible).

5.3 Deletion

You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to:

• Legal/compliance retention requirements

• Active applications or ongoing services
  Deletion requests may limit our ability to provide services.

5.4 Withdrawal of Consent

You may withdraw consent at any time. This may affect our ability to continue services.

5.5 Marketing Opt-Out

You can opt out of marketing communications by:

• Using “unsubscribe” in our emails (if available), or

• Emailing us at hello@hoisthorizons.com
  We may still send service-critical communications.

5.6 Cookies Control

You can manage cookies through browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect site performance and functionality.

6. Third-Party Websites and Services

Our website may contain links to third-party websites/platforms (including partner platforms). We are not responsible for their privacy practices. Please review their privacy policies before providing personal data.

Examples may include:

• ApplyBoard

• Studee

• KC Overseas Education / CourseFinder.ai

7. Children’s Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from individuals under 18 without parental/guardian consent. If you are under 18, a parent/guardian must review and consent to this policy and service engagement.

8. Consent Form Requirement

Before we commence services, you may be required to sign a consent form that authorizes us to:

• Collect, use, and share your information as described in this Privacy Policy

• Create accounts on your behalf with partner platforms (where needed)

• Submit applications and documents to universities/visa authorities

• Communicate with relevant parties on your behalf

• Retain documents for application and compliance needs

9. Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in practices, legal requirements, or business operations. We will post updates on our website with a revised “Last Updated” date. Continued use of our services after updates indicates acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, contact:

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

11. Governing Law

This Privacy Policy is governed by the laws of Pakistan. Any disputes 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/WhatsApp: +92 339 8255442

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