PRIVACY POLICY  

At Stanford College of Higher Education (SCHE), we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring that your personal data is handled with the utmost care. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you use our website, services, and interact with us.

1. Information We Collect
   We collect personal data in several ways, including when you visit our website, register for an account, submit an application, or interact with our services. The types of information we may collect include:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, date of birth, gender, and other information you provide during registration or communication.
• Academic Information: Educational history, qualifications, program interests, and application details.
• Payment Information: Payment details, billing address, and transaction history for program related fees (Note: payment information is processed through secure third-party payment gateways).
• Usage Data: Information about your interactions with our website, including IP addresses, browser type, device type, and page visits.

2. How We Use Your Information
   We use the personal data we collect for the following purposes:

• To Process Your Application: To evaluate your eligibility, process your application, and communicate important updates regarding your application status.
• To Provide Services: To deliver the educational services you request, such as providing course information, answering inquiries, and delivering programs.
• To Improve Our Website and Services: To enhance the functionality and content of our website and services based on your interactions.
• To Communicate with You: To send you important notifications, newsletters, updates, promotional materials, and other communications related to your education.
• For Compliance and Legal Obligations: To comply with applicable laws, regulations, and policies, including regulatory requirements related to education and payment processing.

3. Data Retention
   We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, or as required by law. Once the information is no longer needed, we will securely delete or anonymize it.

4. How We Protect Your Information
   We take reasonable steps to protect your personal data from unauthorized access, loss, misuse, or alteration. We use industry standard security measures such as encryption and secure servers to safeguard your information. However, no method of data transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee the complete security of your data.

5. Sharing Your Information
   We will not sell, rent, or trade your personal data to third parties. However, we may share your information in the following circumstances:

• With Service Providers: We may share your data with trusted third-party service providers who assist in delivering our services (e.g., payment processing, marketing, or email communication). These providers are bound by confidentiality agreements.
• With Legal Authorities: If required by law, we may disclose your personal information to comply with legal obligations or to protect the rights, safety, or property of SCHE, our users, or others.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
   Our website may use cookies and other tracking technologies to enhance user experience, personalize content, and analyze site usage. Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device. You can control cookie settings through your browser; however, disabling cookies may affect your experience on our site.

7. Your Rights
   You have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Access: You have the right to request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Correction: You have the right to correct any inaccuracies in your personal information.
• Deletion: You have the right to request the deletion of your personal data, subject to legal or contractual obligations.
• Opt-Out: You may opt out of receiving marketing communications from us at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in the communication.
  
  To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@sche.edu.lk.

8. Third Party Links
   Our website may contain links to third party websites that are not operated by SCHE. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these third parties, and we encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

9. International Transfers
   Your personal data may be transferred to, stored, and processed outside of your country of residence, including in the United Kingdom, as part of the services we offer. By using our services, you consent to these international transfers, subject to appropriate safeguards.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
    SCHE reserves the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any changes will be reflected on this page, with the “Effective Date” indicated at the top. Please review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your personal data.

11. Contact Us
    If you have any questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:
    Email: info@sche.edu.lk

Last Updated: January 2025