Privacy Policy - Scholarlink Africa

Welcome to Scholarlink Africa (“we,” “our,” or “us”). Your privacy is important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information when you use our website, application, and related services (collectively, the “Services”).

Information We Collect

We collect information that helps us connect you to scholarship opportunities and improve our services. This may include:

Personal Information

Full name
Email address
Phone number
Date of birth
Nationality and country of residence
Academic background and qualifications
Uploaded documents (e.g., transcripts, CVs, ID copies)

Non-Personal Information

Browser type and device information
Website usage data (pages visited, time spent, etc.)
IP address and location (for security and analytics)

How We Use Your Information

We use your data to:

Match you with relevant scholarship and study opportunities
Process your applications and communicate updates
Verify your eligibility for partner programs
Improve our platform, user experience, and services
Send informational and promotional updates (only if you consent)
Comply with legal or regulatory obligations

How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your data. However, we may share information with:

Partner institutions (universities, scholarship boards, and funding bodies)
Service providers who assist in operations (e.g., hosting, analytics, email communication)
Regulatory authorities if required by law or in response to legal requests

All partners and service providers are required to comply with strict data protection agreements.

Data Storage and Security

We store your data securely using encryption and access control measures. We take reasonable steps to protect your information from loss, misuse, or unauthorized access.

However, no online platform is completely secure, and you acknowledge that you use our services at your own risk.

Your Rights

You have the right to:

Access the information we hold about you
Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data
Request deletion of your personal information (“right to be forgotten”)
Withdraw consent for marketing communications
Lodge a complaint with your local data protection authority

Requests can be made via email at privacy@scholarlink.africa

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies to:

Improve user experience
Track analytics and performance
Personalize your experience

You can manage or disable cookies in your browser settings.

Retention of Data

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary:

To provide the services you requested
To comply with legal obligations
To resolve disputes or enforce agreements

Children’s Privacy

Scholarlink Africa does not knowingly collect data from individuals under 16 years old without parental consent. If we learn that we have inadvertently collected such data, we will delete it immediately.

International Data Transfers

As we partner with global institutions, your data may be transferred to countries outside your residence. We ensure all transfers comply with applicable data protection laws (e.g., GDPR or POPIA).

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes will be posted on this page with the updated date. Continued use of our services after updates means you accept the revised policy.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how we handle your data, please contact us:

Email: privacy@scholarlink.africa

Website: https://scholarlinkafrica.org