StudyNet Unified Platform and Referral Policy

Introduction

This Unified Platform and Referral Policy (“Policy”) governs the use of the online platforms, mobile applications, referral programs, and related services operated by StudyNet Pty Ltd (“StudyNet”, “we”, “us”, or “our”).

By using or accessing our platforms, you agree to comply with this Policy, the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Spam Act 2003 (Cth), and other applicable Australian laws.

This Policy outlines the terms for platform use, privacy and data handling, referral participation, counsellor engagement, and user responsibilities. It applies to students, counsellors, partners, and referrers using StudyNet’s online systems, including the Referral App.

If you’re using the Studynet mobile application, the additional product and service specifications detailed in the Studynet App will apply to you, in addition to these terms.

Definitions

• Platform: StudyNet’s online systems, applications, and websites enabling students, counsellors, and partners to interact or participate in referrals.
• User: Any person accessing or using the Platform, including students, counsellors, referrers, and partners.
• Counsellor: An education advisor using the Platform to provide guidance or consultation services.
• Referrer / Referral Partner: Any individual, professional, or organisation enrolled in StudyNet’s Referral Program to refer students or clients to StudyNet’s services.
• Client / Student: A user who seeks study, admission, or counselling services through the Platform.
• Personal Information: Any information that identifies or can reasonably identify an individual.
• Referral Program: The system under which Referrers earn commissions or incentives for referring genuine students or clients.

Scope and Applicability

This Policy applies to all users of the StudyNet Platform, including:

• Students engaging with StudyNet for educational or advisory services.
• Counsellors and independent professionals using the Platform to manage referrals or leads.
• Referrers participating in StudyNet’s Referral Program.
• Business and institutional partners collaborating with StudyNet.

It covers the collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal data, as well as acceptable platform use, commissions, and related obligations.

Acceptable Use of Platform

General Use

Users must:

• Use the Platform solely for lawful, educational, or professional purposes.
• Provide accurate and complete information when registering or submitting information.
• Maintain the confidentiality of login credentials.
• Notify StudyNet immediately of unauthorised access or suspected security breaches.

Prohibited Activities

Users must not:

• Upload, transmit, or share unlawful, offensive, defamatory, or misleading content.
• Attempt unauthorised access to any system or data.
• Impersonate others or misrepresent affiliations.
• Use the Platform for spam, phishing, or spreading malicious software.
• Reproduce or exploit content without permission.
• Interfere with the performance or security of the Platform.

Enforcement

StudyNet reserves the right to monitor activity, remove content, or suspend/terminate access for any breach of this Policy.

Privacy, Data Handling, and Cookies

Collection of Personal Information

We collect personal information directly from users wherever practicable. Information may include:

• Students: Name, contact details, educational preferences, and communications.
• Counsellors: Credentials, payment details, lead data, and performance records.
• Referrers: Identification details, referral statistics, and tax documentation.
• Technical Data: IP address, device identifiers, browser type, and cookies.

If you do not provide required information, some services (e.g., participation in referrals or programs) may be unavailable.

Unsolicited personal data that is not necessary will be securely destroyed or de-identified.

Purpose of Use

Personal information is used to:

• Operate and improve StudyNet’s services and platforms.
• Facilitate referrals, communication, and educational support.
• Manage payments, communications, and analytics.
• Comply with legal, contractual, and regulatory obligations.
• Send marketing or informational updates (with consent).

Use and Disclosure

We may share personal information with:

• Partner counsellors, educational institutions, or service providers.
• Referral partners for program administration.
• Cloud hosting, analytics, and communication providers supporting our operations.
• Regulators or authorities where required by law.

We do not sell personal information.

Cross-Border Data Handling

Some service providers may be located outside Australia (e.g., the United States, Singapore, India, Nepal, Bangladesh).

We take reasonable steps to ensure that overseas recipients protect personal information through contractual safeguards, due-diligence checks, and technical measures.

Where not practicable to identify all countries in advance, details will be provided upon request or updated on our website.

Data Quality and Correction

We take steps to ensure that information is accurate, complete, and current.

Users may request access to or correction of their information at any time.

If we refuse access (as permitted by law), we will provide written reasons and complaint options.

Data Security and Retention

We implement administrative, technical, and physical safeguards such as encryption, firewalls, and access controls.

Retention periods:

• Account data: deleted or de-identified within 24 months of inactivity.
• Transaction or communication records: retained as required by law or contract.

After retention periods, information is securely destroyed or de-identified.

Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) Scheme

In case of a data breach likely to cause serious harm, StudyNet will:

Promptly assess the incident.

Notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).

Recommend steps to mitigate potential harm.

Cookies and Tracking

• Essential: Required for login and navigation.
• Functional: Enhance usability and preferences.
• Analytics: Gather anonymised usage statistics.
• Marketing: Support advertising and referral tracking.

Children and Minors

We assess the ability of minors to provide consent.

Where required, parent or guardian consent is obtained for users under 18 years of age.

Contact for Privacy Matters

Privacy Officer – StudyNet Pty Ltd

📧 Email:

privacy@studynet.com.au

📞 Phone:

+61 2 8964 8826

Complaints will be acknowledged within five business days and addressed within 30 calendar days.

If unresolved, users may escalate to the OAIC (www.oaic.gov.au).

Data Protection and Security

StudyNet is committed to maintaining the security, confidentiality, and integrity of user data.

All data processing follows Australian legal standards and industry best practices.

Data Protection Policy

This link will direct users to the full internal and technical data protection framework covering encryption, secure storage, incident response, and staff confidentiality obligations.

Referral Program

Overview

Enrolment and Acceptance

• Referrers must submit an application via the Referral App or website.
• StudyNet may accept or reject applications at its discretion.
• Approval is confirmed via email notification.

Referrer Types

• Individual Referrers: Independent individuals referring genuine students.
• Professional Referrers: Industry professionals such as agents or tutors.
• Business Referrers: Organisations collaborating with StudyNet for leads.

All are collectively referred to as “Referrers.”

Referrer Responsibilities

Referrers must:

• Refer genuine students with accurate details.
• Avoid providing counselling, document collection, or visa processing.
• Keep login credentials secure.
• Comply with StudyNet’s ethical standards and education laws (ESOS Act, National Code, and Code of Ethics).
• Not use StudyNet branding without written consent.
• Not misrepresent StudyNet’s services or act as an employee or agent.
• Avoid using StudyNet’s name in domain names or paid ads without approval.

StudyNet Responsibilities

StudyNet will:

• Handle the full admissions and advisory process for referred students.
• Keep Referrers informed of relevant progress updates.
• Provide marketing materials upon request.
• Process and pay commissions as outlined below.

Commissions and Payments

A referral is considered successful when:

1. The referred student enrols through StudyNet.
2. Tuition fees are paid to the institution.
3. StudyNet receives its commission or payment.
4. The student’s visa is approved and enrolment commenced.

Payments:

• Made within 30 days of StudyNet receiving its commission.
• Referrers must submit invoices within six months of the student’s enrolment.
• Commissions may be tiered (e.g., AUD 250–450 per student) depending on annual referral volume.

Tax and Identification

Referrers must provide valid ABN/TFN/ACN and 100-point ID verification.

Each Referrer is responsible for their own tax obligations.

Monitoring and Compliance

StudyNet may monitor Referrer activity and require removal of non-compliant content.

Failure to comply may result in termination from the program.

Confidentiality and Data Handling

• Both parties must maintain confidentiality of non-public information.
• StudyNet manages all student data and remains solely responsible for its collection, storage, and protection.
• Referrers may not access, store, or use student information beyond referral purposes.
• Data breaches will be managed in line with the Privacy Act and NDB scheme.

Termination and Modifications

StudyNet may terminate a Referrer’s participation at any time, with or without cause, by written notice.

Referrers may terminate by giving 60 days’ written notice.

StudyNet may modify the Referral Program or commission structure at any time; continued participation implies acceptance.

Counsellor and Independent Contractor Obligations

• Counsellors must maintain professional conduct and provide accurate guidance.
• Personal data of students must only be used for legitimate advisory purposes.
• Counsellors must comply with StudyNet’s privacy and data protection standards.
• Any billing or payment disputes must be raised within seven days of invoice receipt.

Payment, Tax, and Incentives

Lead and PPC Model

Independent counsellors or partners using the lead or PPC model are charged a fixed fee per verified lead, billed monthly.

Incentives and Bonuses

Referrers or partners may be eligible for:

• Tiered or slab-based commissions.
• KPI or performance bonuses.
• Incentives for referrals involving OSHC/OVHC coverage.

Business-level arrangements may include customised commission structures.

Confidentiality and Compliance

Both StudyNet and its partners must:

• Keep confidential all proprietary and non-public business information.
• Comply with all applicable Australian data protection and education laws.
• Not share, sell, or misuse personal or confidential data.

Liability, Disclaimers, and Termination

Limitation of Liability

The Platform and associated programs are provided “as is” and “as available.”

StudyNet does not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free access.

To the extent permitted by law, StudyNet is not liable for indirect, incidental, or consequential damages, including loss of revenue or goodwill.

Total liability is limited to the total commissions or fees paid to the user in the preceding 12 months.

Indemnification

Users agree to indemnify and hold harmless StudyNet, its employees, and agents from any claims arising from breach of this Policy or misuse of the Platform.

Termination

StudyNet may suspend or terminate any account or referral participation immediately for non-compliance, fraud, or misuse.

Termination does not limit StudyNet’s right to pursue legal remedies.

Contact and Complaints

StudyNet Pty Ltd

Suite 1.02, Level 1, 233 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000

📧 enquiry@studynet.com.au

📞 +61 2 8964 8826

Complaints about privacy or platform matters should be directed to the Privacy Officer.

Unresolved privacy complaints may be escalated to the OAIC (www.oaic.gov.au).