Terms of Service

1. About Us

Stepstone Overseas Education Pvt. Ltd. ("Stepstone", "we", "us", "our") is a registered education consultancy in Pakistan. We provide study abroad counselling, English language test preparation, visit visa filing assistance, flight ticketing, and Umrah packages. Our WhatsApp chatbot is operated through the Meta WhatsApp Business Platform.

2. Eligibility

You must be at least 16 years old to use our services independently. If you are under 18, you confirm that a parent or legal guardian has reviewed and agreed to these Terms on your behalf. By using our services, you represent that all information you provide is accurate and truthful.

3. Our Services

3.1 Study Abroad Counselling

We assist with profile assessment, university shortlisting, application preparation, and student visa guidance. We provide advice based on publicly available information and our professional experience. We do not guarantee admission to any institution or issuance of any visa — final decisions rest solely with universities and immigration authorities.

3.2 Test Preparation

We offer coaching for IELTS, PTE Academic, and A1 Lifeskills. Attendance at demo sessions and enrolment in full courses is subject to availability and batch scheduling. We do not guarantee any specific score outcome.

3.3 Visit Visa Services

We assist with eligibility assessment, document preparation, and visa application submission. We do not guarantee visa approval. Visa decisions are made exclusively by the relevant embassy or consulate. Processing fees charged by embassies are separate from our service fees and are non-refundable regardless of outcome.

3.4 Ticketing

We source and issue flight tickets in partnership with airlines and global distribution systems. Fares are live and subject to change until payment is confirmed. Ticket issuance, name changes, cancellations, and refunds are governed by the respective airline's fare rules. Our service fee is separate from the ticket fare.

3.5 Umrah Packages

Umrah packages are subject to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regulations, including the current "No Booking, No Visa" rule. Package availability, hotel allocations, and visa issuance are dependent on Saudi authorities. Pre-booking deposits may be non-refundable depending on the package terms communicated at time of booking.

4. WhatsApp Communication

By messaging our WhatsApp Business account, you consent to receive automated chatbot responses and follow-up messages from our counsellors related to your inquiry. You can stop receiving messages at any time by replying STOP or requesting removal via email. We comply with WhatsApp's Commerce Policy and WhatsApp Business Policy.

You agree not to send us spam, abusive content, illegal material, or any content that violates WhatsApp's policies or applicable law.

5. Fees & Payments

Service fees vary by service type and are communicated clearly before any commitment is made. Unless otherwise stated in writing:

• Consultation and profile assessment fees are non-refundable once the session has taken place.
• Embassy and government fees paid on your behalf are non-refundable regardless of outcome.
• Refund eligibility for package services (Umrah, test prep enrolment) is governed by the specific terms given at time of payment.
• Ticket refunds and changes are subject to the issuing airline's fare conditions.

6. Your Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Provide accurate, complete, and up-to-date information at all times.
• Inform us promptly of any changes to your circumstances that may affect your application or service.
• Submit required documents within the timelines we communicate.
• Not misrepresent your qualifications, finances, or intentions to any embassy, institution, or authority.
• Not use our services for any unlawful purpose.

You acknowledge that providing false information to immigration authorities is a criminal offence. We reserve the right to terminate services immediately and without refund if we discover misrepresentation.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law:

• Stepstone is not liable for visa refusals, university rejections, flight cancellations, airline policy changes, or any decision made by a third party (embassy, institution, airline, Saudi authority).
• Our total liability for any claim arising from our services is limited to the amount you paid us for the specific service giving rise to the claim.
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages, including lost opportunities or travel costs incurred in anticipation of a visa or admission that was not granted.

8. Intellectual Property

All content on this website — including text, logos, design, and flow scripts — is the property of Stepstone Overseas Education Pvt. Ltd. and is protected under applicable intellectual property law. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works without our written consent.

9. Third-Party Services & Links

Our chatbot and website may reference or link to third-party services (Meta/WhatsApp, universities, embassies, airlines). We are not responsible for the content, privacy practices, or reliability of third-party services. Use of third-party services is governed by their own terms.

10. Termination

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate our services to you at our discretion if you breach these Terms, provide false information, or engage in abusive conduct toward our staff or systems. You may discontinue use of our services at any time.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Any disputes arising from these Terms or our services shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Pakistan.

12. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. Continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms. We will notify you of material changes via WhatsApp or email where reasonably practicable.

13. Contact