Your Privacy, Our Responsibility

We Safeguard Your Data
Every Step of the Way

At GCQ Study Abroad, your trust means everything.
From the moment you share your information with us, we commit to protecting it with integrity and transparency.
Read our privacy policy to understand how we collect, use, and secure your data

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Privacy Policy

Effective Date: March 22, 2025 Last Updated: March 22, 2025

Global Career Quest (“GCQ”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) values your trust and is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy describes how GCQ collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects your data when you access or use our websites, mobile applications, digital platforms, CRM systems, Learning Management System (LMS), or other services (collectively referred to as “Services”).

 

By using GCQ’s Services, you expressly consent to the terms outlined herein. If you do not agree to this policy, please refrain from accessing or using our Services.

  • Scope of Policy

    This Privacy Policy applies to all users of GCQ’s Services, including but not limited to:

    1. Website visitors

    2. Registered users

    3. Counselling applicants

    4. Students

    5. Partners, affiliates, and third-party service users

    6. Any individual whose data is collected, stored, or processed by GCQ for educational consulting purposes

  • Types of Data We Collect

    GCQ reserves the right to collect and process the following categories of data:

    Personally Identifiable Information (PII):

    Full name, email ID, mobile number, residential address, date of birth, passport details, academic history, employment records, etc.

    Billing and Payment Information:

    Transaction details, billing addresses, partial payment data (processed via secure third-party gateways). GCQ does not store full credit/debit card numbers.

    Usage and Technical Data:

    IP address, device type, browser, cookies, location, login timestamps, LMS activity logs, and analytics data.

    Document Uploads:

    Transcripts, Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LOR), resume, admission-related documents, and visa files.

    Communication Data:

    Support queries, service chats, email correspondence, telephonic conversations (which may be recorded for quality/training purposes).

  • Purpose of Data Collection

    We collect data solely for legitimate business purposes, including but not limited to:

    1. Counselling and application processing

    2. LMS access and academic coaching

    3. Admissions facilitation and documentation

    4. Visa filing and post-admission support

    5. Internal analysis, reporting, and product improvement

    6. Compliance with legal obligations

    7. Marketing, promotional, and service update communication

    GCQ retains the right to use anonymized or aggregated data for training, research, trend analysis, or benchmarking purposes without identifying individual users.

  • Legal Basis for Processing

    GCQ processes personal data based on:

    1. Consent voluntarily provided by the user

    2. Contractual obligation (service delivery and application processing)

    3. Legal compliance with regulatory authorities or embassy protocols

    4. Legitimate business interest, including service optimization, fraud prevention, and performance analytics

  • Data Retention Policy

    GCQ retains personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined, or longer if legally required. In most cases, student and application data may be retained for up to 7 years for audit, legal, and operational review purposes.

    Users may request deletion after project completion; however, GCQ reserves the right to retain certain data for compliance or dispute resolution.

  • Data Sharing & Disclosure

    We may share your data under the following controlled circumstances:

    1. Universities & Institutions: When required for processing applications or offers.

    2. Authorized GCQ Partners or Vendors: For services such as training, visa support, or payments.

    3. Third-Party Integrations: LMS, CRM, communication platforms, or digital document verification providers.

    4. Government Agencies / Legal Requests: In response to court orders, embassy protocols, or lawful mandates.

    5. Internal Business Units: For cross-functional service execution.

    GCQ does not sell or commercially trade your data under any circumstance.

  • Cross-Border Data Transfers

    Your data may be processed or stored on servers located in India or internationally. By using our Services, you consent to such transfers under relevant data protection regulations.

    GCQ ensures that all international transfers are governed by adequate data protection agreements and standard contractual clauses (SCCs) where required.

  • Data Security

    GCQ implements industry-grade security protocols including:

    1. SSL encryption

    2. Access-controlled systems

    3. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems

    4. Secure cloud storage with regular audits

    5. Two-factor authentication (where applicable)

    Despite best practices, no digital system is fully immune from breach, and GCQ is not liable for unforeseen incidents beyond reasonable control.

  • User Rights

    Under applicable data protection laws, users may exercise the following rights (subject to verification):

    1. Right to Access personal data

    2. Right to Rectify incorrect information

    3. Right to Delete data (subject to retention policy)

    4. Right to Object or Restrict processing

    5. Right to Withdraw Consent for marketing communication

    6. Right to Portability (where technically feasible)

    Requests must be submitted in writing to our Data Protection Officer. Processing time: 15 business days.

  • Marketing & Communication
    1. GCQ may send promotional emails, SMS, or app notifications related to admissions, scholarships, training, or events.

    2. You can opt-out anytime by using the unsubscribe link or contacting our support team.

    However, system-generated communications related to your application or services will not be considered promotional, and opting out will not affect operational messaging.

  • Use of Cookies & Tracking Tools

    Our websites and LMS platforms use cookies and third-party tracking tools to enhance user experience and analyze behavior. This includes:

    1. Google Analytics

    2. Facebook Pixel

    3. Session trackers

    4. Heatmaps

    Users can manage cookie preferences via browser settings; however, disabling cookies may impact full functionality of Services.

  • Children’s Privacy

    GCQ Services are not intended for individuals under 16 years of age. We do not knowingly collect data from minors. If you believe a child has submitted data, contact us for immediate deletion.

  • Third-Party Websites

    GCQ Services may contain links to third-party platforms. We are not liable for their data handling practices, and we strongly advise reviewing their respective privacy policies before interaction.

  • Policy Updates

    GCQ reserves the right to revise this Privacy Policy at any time without prior notice. Updated policies will reflect the latest effective date and will be published on our official platforms.

    Continued usage of Services constitutes acceptance of revised terms.

  • Contact Information

    For queries, complaints, or data access requests, contact us at:

    📧 Email: studentdesk@gcqstudyabroad.com
    📞 Phone: +91-8214533565
    🏢 Office Address: Vijayanagar, Mysuru – Karnataka, 570017