Terms & Conditions

1. Introduction and Agreement

Welcome to Philippines Study & Learn ("we," "our," "us," or "the Platform"). These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your use of our educational platform and services. By accessing or using our platform, you agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy.

If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you may not use our platform or services. We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time, and your continued use constitutes acceptance of any changes.

2. Platform Services

2.1 Educational Services

Our platform provides the following services:

• Information about educational programs and institutions in the Philippines
• Application assistance and guidance for educational programs
• Scholarship and financial aid information
• Cultural orientation and study abroad preparation
• Connection with educational institutions and their representatives
• Student support services and counseling

2.2 Platform Features

• Program search and comparison tools
• Application management system
• Communication platform between students and institutions
• Educational resources and guides
• Student community and support forums

2.3 Service Limitations

Please note that:

• We do not guarantee admission to any educational program or institution
• We are not responsible for the quality or accreditation of educational programs
• We cannot guarantee visa approval or immigration success
• Educational institutions make their own admission decisions

3. User Responsibilities and Obligations

3.1 Account Registration

When creating an account, you must:

• Provide accurate, complete, and current information
• Maintain the confidentiality of your account credentials
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized use of your account
• Be responsible for all activities that occur under your account
• Be at least 16 years old (with parental consent if under 18)

3.2 Information Accuracy

You represent and warrant that:

• All information you provide is truthful and accurate
• Your academic records and credentials are authentic
• You have the legal right to apply to educational programs
• You will update information promptly when it changes

3.3 Prohibited Uses

You may not use our platform to:

• Submit false or fraudulent applications or information
• Impersonate another person or entity
• Interfere with the platform's operation or security
• Upload malicious software or harmful content
• Harvest or collect user information without permission
• Use automated systems to access the platform (except with our permission)
• Engage in any illegal or unauthorized activities

3.4 Academic Integrity

You must:

• Ensure all submitted academic work is your own
• Comply with educational institution policies on academic integrity
• Not engage in plagiarism or academic dishonesty
• Report any violations of academic integrity you become aware of

4. Application Process and Requirements

4.1 Application Submission

When submitting applications through our platform:

• You authorize us to forward your information to relevant educational institutions
• You understand that institutions will review applications according to their own criteria
• You may be required to complete additional application steps directly with institutions
• Application deadlines are set by individual institutions, not by our platform

4.2 Document Requirements

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring all documents are authentic and properly certified
• Obtaining required translations and apostilles
• Meeting visa and immigration requirements
• Complying with health and medical requirements
• Securing necessary funding for your studies

4.3 Application Status

We provide application tracking services, but:

• Final admission decisions are made by educational institutions
• We cannot influence admission outcomes
• Application status updates depend on institution response times
• Some communications may occur directly between you and the institution

5. Fees and Payment Terms

5.1 Platform Services

Our platform charges fees for certain services:

• Application processing and submission fees
• Premium consultation and counseling services
• Document preparation and verification services
• Expedited processing fees

5.2 Third-Party Fees

You are also responsible for fees charged by:

• Educational institutions (application fees, tuition, etc.)
• Government agencies (visa fees, document certification)
• Testing organizations (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
• Translation and document services

5.3 Payment and Refunds

• All fees are due upon service booking unless otherwise specified
• Refunds are subject to our refund policy and service completion status
• Third-party fees (institution fees, government fees) are non-refundable by us
• Processing fees are non-refundable once application review begins

5.4 Currency and Pricing

• Fees are typically displayed in Philippine Peso (PHP) and US Dollars (USD)
• Currency conversion rates may apply
• Prices are subject to change with reasonable notice
• Tax obligations are your responsibility according to your jurisdiction

6. Educational Institution Relationships

6.1 Partnership Nature

Our relationships with educational institutions are:

• Business partnerships for student recruitment and placement
• Not exclusive arrangements (institutions may work with other platforms)
• Subject to change based on institutional policies
• Governed by separate agreements between us and each institution

6.2 Institution Independence

Educational institutions maintain full independence in:

• Setting admission requirements and criteria
• Making admission decisions
• Determining tuition and fees
• Establishing academic policies and procedures
• Managing student services and support

6.3 Quality Assurance

While we strive to work with reputable institutions:

• We do not guarantee the quality of educational programs
• Accreditation and recognition status should be verified independently
• We encourage due diligence in selecting educational programs
• We provide information to help inform your decisions

7. Visa and Immigration Disclaimers

7.1 Visa Information

Regarding visa and immigration matters:

• We provide general information about student visas but are not immigration lawyers
• Visa requirements and procedures can change without notice
• Visa approval is entirely at the discretion of Philippine immigration authorities
• We strongly recommend consulting with immigration professionals

7.2 Legal Compliance

You are responsible for:

• Ensuring you meet all visa and immigration requirements
• Maintaining legal status throughout your studies
• Complying with student visa conditions and restrictions
• Renewing visas and permits as required

7.3 Immigration Changes

Immigration policies may change, affecting:

• Visa application procedures and requirements
• Processing times and fees
• Student rights and obligations
• Work permissions and opportunities

8. Limitation of Liability

8.1 Service Limitations

Our liability is limited regarding:

• Admission decisions made by educational institutions
• Visa or immigration application outcomes
• Quality of educational programs or institutions
• Changes in immigration policies or requirements
• Technical issues or platform downtime

8.2 Maximum Liability

Our total liability to you is limited to:

• The amount of fees you paid directly to our platform
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or punitive damages
• We are not responsible for lost opportunities or educational outcomes
• Time limitations apply to any claims against us

8.3 Third-Party Actions

We are not liable for:

• Actions or decisions of educational institutions
• Government agency actions or policy changes
• Third-party service provider failures
• Information or services provided by external websites

9. Intellectual Property

9.1 Platform Content

Our platform contains content that is protected by intellectual property rights:

• Text, graphics, logos, and design elements
• Software, algorithms, and platform functionality
• Educational guides and resources we create
• Compilation and organization of information

9.2 User Content

Regarding content you provide:

• You retain ownership of your personal information and documents
• You grant us license to use your content for providing our services
• You must have the right to submit any content you provide
• You are responsible for ensuring content doesn't violate others' rights

9.3 Acceptable Use

You may use our platform content only for:

• Your personal, non-commercial educational purposes
• Applying to educational programs through our platform
• Not for reproduction, distribution, or commercial use
• Subject to these Terms and applicable laws

10. Privacy and Data Protection

10.1 Privacy Policy

Our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms, explains:

• How we collect, use, and protect your personal information
• Your rights regarding your personal data
• How we share information with educational institutions
• International data transfer practices

10.2 Educational Records

Special protections apply to educational information:

• We follow applicable educational privacy laws
• Student records are shared only as necessary for educational services
• You have rights to access and correct your educational information
• Retention periods may be longer for educational records

10.3 Data Security

We implement security measures to protect your information, but:

• No system is completely secure
• You must protect your account credentials
• Report any suspected security breaches immediately
• Consider the risks when sharing personal information online

11. Termination and Suspension

11.1 Termination by You

You may terminate your account at any time by:

• Contacting our customer service
• Following account closure procedures on our platform
• Note that some information may be retained as required by law
• Ongoing applications may continue to be processed

11.2 Termination by Us

We may suspend or terminate your account if you:

• Violate these Terms or our policies
• Provide false or fraudulent information
• Engage in activities that harm our platform or other users
• Fail to pay required fees

11.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

• Your access to our platform will cease
• Ongoing applications may continue through educational institutions
• Some information may be retained as required by law or policy
• No refunds will be provided for completed services

12. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

12.1 Applicable Law

These Terms are governed by:

• The laws of the Republic of the Philippines
• Applicable international educational and privacy laws
• Jurisdictional laws where you use our services

12.2 Dispute Resolution

For any disputes arising from these Terms:

• We encourage first contacting our customer service for resolution
• Mediation may be required before pursuing legal action
• Philippine courts have jurisdiction for legal proceedings
• Class action lawsuits are waived where legally permissible

12.3 Educational Institution Disputes

Disputes with educational institutions should be addressed:

• Directly with the institution first
• Through the institution's grievance procedures
• We may provide assistance but cannot resolve institutional disputes
• Educational institutions have their own terms and policies

13. General Provisions

13.1 Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy, constitute the entire agreement between you and Philippines Study & Learn regarding use of our platform.

13.2 Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to be valid and enforceable.

13.3 Updates and Modifications

We may update these Terms from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through:

• Email notification to registered users
• Prominent notices on our platform
• Updated "Last Modified" date
• Continued use constitutes acceptance of changes

13.4 Contact Information

For questions about these Terms, contact us at:

• Email: legal@philippinesstudy.com
• Customer Service: support@philippinesstudy.com
• Response time: Within 48-72 hours

14. Acknowledgment and Acceptance

By using Philippines Study & Learn, you acknowledge that:

• You have read, understood, and agree to these Terms and Conditions
• You understand the nature of our educational platform services
• You accept the limitations and disclaimers outlined in these Terms
• You agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• You understand your responsibilities as a user of our platform

These Terms and Conditions are effective as of the date listed above and apply to all users of the Philippines Study & Learn platform.