Privacy & Policy

Privacy Policy
Company: HBD Services (ABN 65 967 066 288)
Registered Office: Suite 127, Level 8, 267–277 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Website: https://www.hbdservices.com

1. Introduction

HBD Services (“HBD”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting your personal information in accordance with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs).

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you visit our website or use our services.
By using our website, you agree to this Policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use of the website and services.

2. About HBD Services

HBD Services is an Australian-registered educational consultancy specialising in international student recruitment, admission guidance, and visa assistance for students seeking to study in Australia or Canada.

We may collect personal information through our website, forms, email communications, or in person, to provide these services effectively.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

• Personal Information: Name, email address, phone number, address, date of birth, and nationality.
• Academic and Professional Information: Educational background, qualifications, employment history, and course preferences.
• Identification Documents: Passport, visa, or other proof of identity (where required).
• Technical Information: Device details, IP address, browser type, operating system, and pages visited on our website.
• Cookies and Analytics Data: Used to improve your online experience and understand how you use our website.
• Social Media Information: If you interact with us via Facebook, Instagram, or Google, we may collect limited data consistent with your privacy settings on those platforms.

We do not collect or store your credit card or banking details via our website.

4. How We Collect Information

We may collect information in the following ways:

1. Directly from you – when you complete an enquiry form, email us, or attend a consultation.
2. Automatically – when you browse our website (e.g., through cookies, tracking tools, and analytics).
3. From third parties – such as universities, colleges, or education partners assisting with your application (with your consent).

5. How We Use Your Information

We use your personal information to:

• Provide and manage our consultancy services.
• Process educational applications and visa assistance.
• Communicate updates, course information, and relevant opportunities.
• Improve website functionality and service quality.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Send marketing or promotional materials (if you have opted in).

You can withdraw your consent for marketing communications at any time.

6. Disclosure of Information

We may disclose your personal information to:

• Partner universities, colleges, and training providers (for admission processing).
• Visa and government authorities (where required by law).
• Service providers such as IT support, marketing, accountants, or legal advisors (who must keep data confidential).
• Social media platforms such as Meta (Facebook/Instagram) or Google, only for advertising and analytics purposes — in accordance with their respective privacy and data policies.
• Law enforcement or regulatory bodies, where required or authorised by law.

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information.

7. International Data Transfers

Your information may be shared with education providers and authorities located outside Australia (such as in Canada).
We ensure all reasonable steps are taken to protect your personal data and that overseas recipients handle it in accordance with privacy standards similar to those in Australia.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and third-party analytics tools to improve your browsing experience and measure traffic.
These may include tools such as Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Meta Pixel (Facebook Pixel).

These technologies may:

• Track how you interact with our site (pages viewed, time spent, clicks).
• Help us measure advertising effectiveness.
• Deliver relevant ads on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other partner platforms.

You can control or disable cookies through your browser settings.
To opt out of Google Analytics, you can install the Google Analytics Opt-Out Browser Add-on.
To manage Facebook ad preferences, visit https://www.facebook.com/adpreferences/ad_settings.

We adhere to Google’s and Meta’s advertising policies, including personalised ad consent and data retention limits.

9. Data Storage and Security

We take reasonable steps to protect your personal information against misuse, loss, unauthorised access, or disclosure.

Measures include:

• Secure servers and firewalls
• SSL encryption for data transmission
• Access controls and staff confidentiality agreements

While we strive for maximum security, no system is completely risk-free. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.

10. Retention of Information

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to provide services to you and comply with legal obligations. When no longer required, your data is securely deleted or anonymised.

11. Marketing and Communication

With your consent, we may send you information about:

• Study opportunities
• Visa and scholarship updates
• Educational events or promotions

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the “unsubscribe” link in our emails or contacting us directly at info@hbdservices.com.

We will never send marketing materials without your prior consent, in compliance with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).

12. Accessing and Correcting Your Information

You can request access to, or correction of, your personal information at any time by emailing info@hbdservices.com.
We will respond within a reasonable period, usually within 30 days, unless legal or administrative constraints apply.

13. Links to Third-Party Websites

Our website may contain links to external or co-branded websites.
HBD is not responsible for the content or privacy practices of these sites.
We encourage you to review their privacy policies before providing any personal information.

14. Advertising and Analytics Policy

HBD complies fully with Google’s Advertising Policies and Meta’s Data Terms, which prohibit:

• Uploading personally identifiable information for ad targeting without consent.
• Combining data from cookies or pixels with personal data from other sources without user consent.
• Misleading users about data usage or retargeting.

Any tracking or advertising data we collect is anonymised and used only in aggregate form.

We do not engage in practices that violate Google’s User Data Policy, Facebook Business Tools Terms, or GDPR-equivalent standards for transparency and consent.

15. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect legal, regulatory, or operational changes.
Updates will be posted on this page, and the revised date will appear at the top. Continued use of the website constitutes acceptance of any amendments.

16. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or complaints about our privacy practices, please contact:

HBD Services
Suite 127, Level 8
267–277 Castlereagh Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Email: info@hbdservices.com

We aim to respond promptly to all privacy-related queries.
If you are not satisfied with our response, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) at https://www.oaic.gov.au.