Privacy Policy

1. Introduction

Welcome to Study Online Degree (studyonlinedegree.com). We are committed to protecting your personal information and respecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you use our website and services.

By accessing or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this Privacy Policy. If you disagree with any part of this policy, please do not use our website or services.

2. Information We Collect

2.1 Personal Information

We collect personal information that you voluntarily provide when you:

• Register for an account or inquire about programs
• Apply for admission to degree programs
• Contact us for support or counseling services
• Subscribe to our newsletters or updates
• Participate in surveys or promotional activities
• Submit documents for application processing

The personal information may include:

• Full name and contact information
• Email address, phone number, and mailing address
• Educational background and academic records
• Professional experience and employment details
• Government-issued identification documents
• Financial information for payment processing
• Program preferences and educational goals

2.2 Automatically Collected Information

When you visit our website, we automatically collect certain information:

• IP address and approximate location
• Browser type and device information
• Operating system and screen resolution
• Pages visited and navigation patterns
• Time spent on pages and exit pages
• Referring websites and search terms
• Cookies and similar tracking technologies

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for various purposes:

• Application Processing: To review applications and facilitate admissions to university programs
• Service Delivery: To provide educational counseling and admission support services
• Communication: To send important updates, notifications, and respond to your inquiries
• Payment Processing: To process tuition fees and manage financial transactions securely
• Personalization: To customize your experience and recommend relevant programs
• Customer Support: To provide assistance and resolve any issues or concerns
• Marketing: To send promotional materials and program information (with consent)
• Analytics: To analyze website usage and improve our services
• Compliance: To comply with legal obligations and protect our rights
• Security: To maintain platform security and prevent fraudulent activities

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We may share your personal information in the following circumstances:

• University Partners: We share necessary information with partnered universities for admission processing, enrollment, course delivery, and degree conferment
• Service Providers: We engage third-party vendors for payment processing, email services, hosting, analytics, and customer support
• Legal Requirements: We may disclose information when required by law, court order, or governmental regulations
• Business Transfers: In the event of merger, acquisition, or sale of assets, your information may be transferred
• With Your Consent: We may share information for any other purpose with your explicit consent

5. Data Security

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

• SSL/TLS encryption for all data transmissions
• Secure server infrastructure with advanced firewalls
• Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments
• Strict access controls with role-based permissions
• Multi-factor authentication for sensitive operations
• Employee training on data protection practices
• Regular data backups and disaster recovery procedures

While we strive to protect your information using commercially reasonable means, no method of transmission over the internet is 100% secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security but continuously work to maintain high protection standards.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience:

• Essential Cookies: Required for basic website functionality
• Performance Cookies: Help us understand website usage and performance
• Functional Cookies: Remember your preferences and settings
• Marketing Cookies: Track visitors to deliver relevant advertisements

You can control cookie settings through your browser preferences. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality and limit access to certain features.

7. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request access to your personal information
• Right to Correction: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data
• Right to Deletion: Request deletion of your personal information
• Right to Restriction: Request limitation of data processing
• Right to Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Right to Object: Object to processing of your data
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time
• Right to Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing communications

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided below.

8. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law. Factors affecting retention include:

• The nature of the information collected
• The purposes for which it was collected
• Legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
• Legitimate business interests

When information is no longer needed, we securely delete or anonymize it.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, including university portals and partner services. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any information.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for individuals 18 years or older. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without parental consent. If you believe a child has provided us with information, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence, including India. By using our services, you consent to such transfers. We take appropriate measures to ensure your information remains protected in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to Privacy Policy

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

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Sending email notifications for significant changes

Your continued use of our services after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated Privacy Policy.