Data Protection & GDPR Statement

Our Commitment to Your Privacy

Start2Study is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal data responsibly, in accordance with the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. We only collect and use personal information that is necessary to provide our services and support your educational journey.

Who This Applies To

This statement applies to:

  • Students (UK-based and international)

  • Parents, guardians, or referrers

  • Partner organisations and community services

  • Website users and email subscribers

What Data We Collect

We may collect the following information to support your university application:

  • Full name, email address, phone number

  • Date of birth and nationality

  • Educational history and qualifications

  • Passport copy or identification documents

  • Statement of Purpose and CV

  • Academic transcripts and references

  • Visa-related documents (where applicable)

  • Communications and consultation notes

We do not collect data we don’t need, and we will always explain why we’re requesting any information.

How We Use Your Data

We use your data to:

  • Match you with suitable UK university courses

  • Assist with applications and documentation

  • Communicate with you and provide updates

  • Prepare visa support (for international students)

  • Coordinate with universities and partners

  • Improve our services and internal processes

We will never sell your personal data or use it for any unrelated marketing.

Data Sharing

We only share your data when it’s necessary to:

  • Submit your application to universities or colleges

  • Refer you to official partners for additional support (e.g., visa help)

  • Comply with legal obligations

All sharing is done securely and with your informed consent where required.

Data Storage and Security

We store your data on secure platforms with encrypted access. All staff and representatives are trained in data protection and confidentiality. We limit access to your information to only those who need it to deliver services.

How Long We Keep Your Data

We retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes we collected it for, typically up to 6 years, unless legal or operational reasons require otherwise. You can request deletion at any time if your application is no longer active.

Your Rights Under GDPR

Under the UK GDPR, you have the right to:

  • Access the personal data we hold about you

  • Request correction or updates to your data

  • Ask for your data to be erased (the “right to be forgotten”)

  • Object to or restrict how your data is used

  • Request a copy of your data in a portable format

  • Withdraw consent where it was previously given

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us.

Contact Us About Your Data

If you have questions or wish to make a data request:

Data Protection Contact:

📧 Email: apply@start2study.org
📍 Address: 46, Park Walk, Sheffield, S2 5JE

We aim to respond within 14 days.

If you believe your data has been misused, you also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO):

🔗 https://ico.org.uk

Review Date

Last reviewed: 02/06/2025
Next review due: 02/06/2026