1. Introduction

Welcome to the English Language Company (“ELC”, “we”, “us”, “our”). Located at elc.edu.au (the “Website”), we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of our students, prospective students, partners, and website visitors (“you”).

This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your personal information in accordance with the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), as well as other applicable privacy laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) for individuals in the European Union.

By using our Website and services, you consent to the data practices described in this policy.

2. Information We Collect

We may collect and process the following types of personal information:

  • Personal Identification Information: Name, date of birth, gender, nationality, passport details, and visa information.
  • Contact Information: Email address, phone number, postal address, and emergency contact details.
  • Educational and Professional Information: Previous academic records, English language proficiency level, employment history (if relevant to your application).
  • Financial Information: Credit/debit card details, bank account information for fee payments, and transaction history. We use secure third-party payment gateways to process this information.
  • Technical and Usage Data: IP address, browser type and version, device information, operating system, pages visited on our Website, time and date of your visit, and other analytics data collected via cookies and similar technologies.
  • Marketing and Communications Data: Your preferences in receiving marketing from us and your communication preferences.
  • Sensitive Information: Health information (e.g., allergies, medical conditions) or dietary requirements that you voluntarily provide for your safety and well-being while studying with us. We only collect this information with your explicit consent.

3. How We Collect Your Information

We collect information in the following ways:

  • Directly from You: When you fill out an application form, enquiry form, contact us via email or phone, or create an account on our Website.
  • Automatically: As you navigate our Website, we may collect technical data about your equipment and browsing actions using cookies, server logs, and other similar technologies.
  • From Third Parties: We may receive information about you from our trusted educational agents, partners, or government bodies (e.g., for visa processing purposes).

4. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information for the following purposes:

  • To Provide Our Services: To process your application, manage your enrolment, deliver our English language courses, and provide academic and welfare support.
  • To Process Payments: To manage tuition fees and other payments related to your studies.
  • To Communicate With You: To respond to your enquiries, send you important information about your course, and provide customer support.
  • For Marketing and Promotions: To send you newsletters, information about new courses, and special offers that may be of interest to you. You can opt-out of these communications at any time.
  • To Comply with Legal Obligations: To meet our regulatory and legal requirements, including reporting to government bodies such as the Department of Home Affairs and ASQA.
  • To Improve Our Website and Services: To analyse website usage, gather feedback, and improve the user experience and quality of our offerings.
  • For Safety and Security: To ensure the health, safety, and security of our students and staff.

5. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell your personal information. We may disclose your information to:

  • Third-Party Service Providers: Who perform services on our behalf, such as payment processing, IT services, student accommodation providers, and marketing platforms. These providers are contractually obligated to protect your data.
  • Government and Regulatory Bodies: As required by Australian law (e.g., for visa and student reporting purposes).
  • Educational Agents and Partners: Who are involved in your application and enrolment process.
  • Professional Advisors: Including lawyers, auditors, and insurers, as necessary in the course of the professional services they provide to us.

6. International Data Transfers

As we serve an international student community, your information may be transferred to, and processed in, countries outside of your country of residence. We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that your data is treated securely and in accordance with this Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws. For transfers of data from the European Economic Area (EEA), we rely on appropriate safeguards such as Standard Contractual Clauses.

7. Data Security

We have implemented appropriate technical and organisational security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorised access, use, alteration, or disclosure. These measures include data encryption, access controls, and secure data storage practices.

8. Your Rights

Under applicable privacy laws, you have the right to:

  • Access: Request a copy of the personal information we hold about you.
  • Correction: Request that we correct any inaccurate or incomplete information.
  • Erasure: Request that we delete your personal information, subject to certain legal exceptions.
  • Restrict Processing: Request that we limit the way we use your data.
  • Data Portability: Request that we provide your data to you or a third party in a machine-readable format.
  • Object: Object to the processing of your data for marketing purposes.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

9. Cookies Policy

Our Website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience. A cookie is a small text file stored on your device. We use them to remember your preferences, analyse site traffic, and for advertising purposes. You can control and manage cookies through your browser settings.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The latest version will always be posted on this page with the effective date. We encourage you to review it periodically.