Information we collect
We collect information you provide directly and information generated when you use our services.
- Identity and contact details — name, email, phone, nationality, date of birth, and address.
- Application data — programme choices, academic history, passport details, and documents you upload.
- Partnership and business data — agency name, company registration details, and authorized representative information.
- Account and portal data — login credentials, role, preferences, and activity within student, agent, or institution portals.
- Communications — messages sent through contact forms, inquiries, counselor chat, and support requests.
- Technical data — IP address, browser type, device information, pages visited, and referral source (including UTM parameters).
How we use your information
- Process student inquiries, applications, document verification, and recruitment workflows.
- Connect students with counselors, agents, and partner universities as part of our education services.
- Operate HigherGrads Expert and related portals for authorized staff, agents, and institutions.
- Respond to contact requests, partnership discussions, and customer support.
- Send service-related notifications, application updates, and operational communications.
- Improve website performance, security, analytics, and product development.
- Comply with legal obligations, fraud prevention, and regulatory requests.
Legal basis and consent
Where applicable under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (Malaysia) and similar laws, we rely on one or more of the following: your consent (for example when you tick a consent box on a form), performance of a contract or steps prior to entering a contract, legitimate interests in operating a secure recruitment platform, and compliance with legal obligations.
You may withdraw consent for marketing communications at any time. Withdrawal does not affect processing that is required to deliver services you have already requested.
International data transfers
HigherGrads serves international student recruitment. Your data may be processed in Malaysia and, where necessary to support applications or partner institutions, in other countries. We take reasonable steps to ensure appropriate safeguards when data crosses borders.
Data retention
We retain personal data for as long as needed to provide services, meet legal and regulatory requirements, resolve disputes, and enforce agreements. Application and document records may be kept for extended periods where required by university partners or applicable law.
Your rights and choices
To exercise these rights, contact us using the details in Section 12. We may need to verify your identity before responding.
- Request access to personal data we hold about you.
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
- Request deletion or restriction of processing where applicable law allows.
- Object to certain processing based on legitimate interests.
- Lodge a complaint with the relevant data protection authority in your jurisdiction.
Security
We implement administrative, technical, and organizational measures designed to protect personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or misuse. No online system is completely secure; please use strong passwords and protect your account credentials.
Minors and student applicants
Our services support students who may be under 18. Where a minor submits an application, we expect a parent, guardian, or authorized counselor to be involved as appropriate. If you believe we have collected a minor’s data without proper authority, please contact us.
Changes to this policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The “Last updated” date at the top of this page will change when revisions are published. Material changes may be communicated through the website or direct notice where appropriate.
Contact us
For privacy questions, data access requests, or complaints, contact HigherGrads Sdn Bhd at info@highergrads.com or through our contact page at /contact. Please include enough detail for us to identify your request and respond promptly.
Questions about this policy? Email info@highergrads.com or visit our contact page.