Privacy Policy

Introduction

Colleges Nepal is committed to protecting your privacy and personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website or use our services to search for colleges, universities, and educational programs in Nepal.

By using our platform or providing us with your personal information, you consent to the practices described in this Privacy Policy. Please read this policy carefully to understand how we handle your information.

Information We Collect

Personal Information: We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Name, email address, phone number, and contact details
• Educational background and academic qualifications
• Areas of interest and preferred study programs
• Application information for college admissions
• Student ID or identification documents when required
• Communication preferences and feedback

Usage Information: We automatically collect certain information when you visit our website:

• IP address, browser type, and device information
• Pages viewed and time spent on our platform
• Search queries and college preferences
• Referral sources and navigation patterns
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies data

Application Data: When you apply to colleges through our platform, we collect application-related information including academic transcripts, test scores, essays, and supporting documents as required by educational institutions.

How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

Educational Services: To help you discover and compare colleges, universities, and programs; to process applications; and to connect you with educational institutions in Nepal.

Platform Improvement: To analyze usage patterns, improve our search functionality, enhance user experience, and develop new features based on user needs.

Communication: To send admission updates, newsletter content, important announcements, and information about colleges and programs that match your interests.

Support: To respond to your inquiries, provide customer support, and assist with technical issues or application processes.

Legal Compliance: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and educational standards in Nepal.

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your information in the following circumstances:

Educational Institutions: We share your application information and profile with colleges and universities you express interest in or apply to through our platform.

Service Providers: We work with trusted third-party service providers who assist us in operating our platform, processing applications, and providing support services.

Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or government regulations, or to protect our rights and user safety.

Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred to the acquiring entity with notice provided to you.

Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for data transmission
• Secure servers with firewall protection
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Access controls and authentication measures
• Staff training on data protection practices

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We continuously work to improve our security measures and protocols.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

Essential Cookies: Required for website functionality, user authentication, and security features.

Analytics Cookies: Help us understand how users interact with our platform to improve services and user experience.

Preference Cookies: Remember your settings, search preferences, and college selections for easier navigation.

You can control cookie preferences through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may limit website functionality.

Data Retention

We retain your personal information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy:

• Active user accounts: Until account deletion is requested
• Application data: Retained for 5 years for record-keeping purposes
• Communication records: Maintained for 3 years
• Analytics data: Typically retained for 2 years

We regularly review and securely delete information that is no longer needed for business or legal purposes.

Your Rights and Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

Access: Request access to your personal information that we hold.

Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete personal information.

Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and business requirements.

Opt-out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications at any time through email links or account settings.

Data Portability: Request a copy of your personal information in a structured, commonly used format.

Children's Privacy

Our services are designed for students typically aged 16 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 16 without parental consent. If we become aware of such collection, we will take steps to delete the information promptly.

Changes to This Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Sending email notifications to registered users
• Displaying prominent notices on our platform
Your continued use of our services after such changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

Contact Information

If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our handling of your personal information, please contact us:

Address: Kathmandu, Nepal

Email: privacy@collegesnepal.com

Phone: +977 XXX XXX XXXX

Data Protection Officer: dpo@collegesnepal.com