Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 2026

Who We Are

Global Diaspora Christian University (GDCU) is an online, Christ-centred higher education institution serving the global diaspora community. We are committed to protecting the privacy and security of all individuals who interact with us, whether as prospective students, current students, alumni, website visitors, or partners.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and share your personal data when you visit our website, apply to study, enrol in a programme, or communicate with us.

What Personal Data We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

• Identity Data: Title, full name, date of birth, gender, nationality, country of residence, passport/ID number.
• Contact Data: Email address, phone number, postal address.
• Application and Admissions Data: Academic history, qualifications, transcripts, references, personal statements, interview notes, application status.
• Student Records: Enrolment details, course registrations, academic progress, grades, attendance, disciplinary records, graduation data.
• Payment Data: Tuition fee payments, scholarship awards, payment history, invoice details. Note: We do not store full credit card numbers — payment processing is handled securely by Stripe.
• Communication Data: Emails, messages, support tickets, enquiry forms, newsletter subscriptions, and responses to surveys.
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type and version, device information, operating system, browsing behaviour on our website.

How We Collect Your Data

We collect data directly from you when you:

• Visit our website and interact with its features
• Submit an enquiry or request information
• Complete an application for admission
• Enrol in a programme or register for courses
• Communicate with us by email, phone, or through our support system
• Subscribe to our newsletter or mailing list
• Participate in events, webinars, or open days

We may also receive data from third parties such as educational reference providers, previous institutions, and payment processors (Stripe).

How We Use Your Data

We use your personal data for the following purposes:

• To process and evaluate applications for admission
• To administer enrolments, registrations, and academic records
• To provide access to online learning platforms and student services
• To process tuition fee payments and manage accounts
• To communicate with you about your application, studies, and university life
• To send you important updates, announcements, and information about your programme
• To respond to your enquiries and provide support
• To improve our website, services, and educational offerings
• To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
• To protect the rights, property, and safety of GDCU, our students, and staff

Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following legal bases:

• Contractual Necessity: Processing necessary to fulfil our agreement with you as a student or applicant.
• Consent: Where you have given us explicit consent (e.g., marketing communications, cookies).
• Legitimate Interests: Processing that is in our legitimate interests as an educational institution, provided it does not override your rights.
• Legal Obligation: Processing required to comply with applicable laws and regulations.

Data Retention

We retain your personal data only as long as necessary for the purposes for which it was collected, or as required by law. Specifically:

• Application data: Up to 2 years after the application decision
• Student records: 6 years after graduation or last enrolment
• Payment records: 7 years for financial and tax purposes
• Communication data: 3 years after the last interaction
• Newsletter subscriptions: Until you unsubscribe

Data Sharing

We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We may share your data with:

• Service Providers: Third-party vendors who help us operate our website, process payments (Stripe), send emails (Emailit), and provide educational technology platforms.
• Accreditation Bodies: As required for accreditation and quality assurance purposes.
• Legal Authorities: Where required by law or to protect our legal rights.
• Educational Partners: With your consent, for collaborative programmes or transfer arrangements.

All third-party service providers are contractually obligated to protect your data and may only use it for the specific services they provide to us.

Your Rights

Under applicable data protection law, you have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request a copy of the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your personal data where there is no compelling reason for us to retain it.
• Right to Restrict Processing: Request that we suspend processing of your data in certain circumstances.
• Right to Data Portability: Request transfer of your data to another service provider.
• Right to Object: Object to processing based on legitimate interests or direct marketing.
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent at any time where processing is based on consent.

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details below.

Cookies

Our website uses cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyse site traffic, and support our marketing efforts. You can manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.

Security

We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These include encryption, secure servers, access controls, and regular security audits.

International Transfers

As a global institution, your data may be transferred to and processed in countries outside your country of residence. We ensure that appropriate safeguards are in place for such transfers.

Contact Details

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to exercise your data protection rights, please contact us:

Global Diaspora Christian University
7901 4th St N, Suite 300
St. Petersburg, FL 33702, USA
Florida LLC No. L26000360887
Email: admin@gdc.university
Website: gdcu.edu

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any significant changes by posting the updated policy on our website and, where appropriate, by email.