Privacy Policy
Last updated: April 22, 2026
1. Who We Are
GradGermany (“we”, “us”, “our”) is an education consultancy that helps international students apply to universities in Germany. This Privacy Policy explains what data we collect when you use our website and services, how we use it, and what rights you have.
This policy applies to our website at gradgermany.com, the student portal, and any services we provide (collectively, the “Platform”). It should be read alongside our Terms & Conditions.
2. Data Controller
The data controller is GradGermany, contactable at [email protected].
3. What Data We Collect
We only collect data that is necessary to provide our services:
- Account data: Name, email address, password (stored encrypted), phone number, date of birth, nationality, current education level, and target intake semester
- Contact form data: Name, email, phone, subject, and message — collected when you submit a contact or enquiry form, even without creating an account
- Application data: Documents you upload (transcripts, certificates, CVs, letters of recommendation, etc.), application status, and consultant notes related to your case
- Communication data: Messages exchanged with your consultant through the Platform
- Technical data: IP address, browser type, and session cookies — collected automatically when you visit the website
We do not collect financial or payment card data directly. If we introduce payments in future, they will be processed by a secure third-party payment provider.
4. How We Use Your Data
- To provide our services: Evaluate your profile, manage your application, coordinate with universities, and communicate with you about your case
- To respond to enquiries: Reply to contact form submissions and schedule appointments
- To send notifications: Application status updates, document feedback, appointment reminders, and new messages from your consultant
- To improve the Platform: Understand how the website is used so we can fix issues and improve the experience
- To comply with the law: Fulfil legal obligations and respond to lawful requests from authorities
We do not use your data for advertising, sell it to third parties, or share it with data brokers.
5. Who We Share Your Data With
We only share your data when necessary to deliver our services:
- Universities: When submitting your application on your behalf
- Hosting provider: Our server is hosted by Hetzner (Germany). Your data is stored on servers located in Germany
- Email provider: To send you notifications and service emails
- Legal authorities: Only if required by law
We do not share your data with marketing agencies, advertising networks, or analytics companies.
6. Cookies
We use only essential cookies required for the Platform to function:
- Session cookie: Keeps you logged in while you use the Platform
- CSRF token: Protects forms against cross-site request forgery
We do not use analytics cookies, marketing cookies, or third-party tracking scripts.
7. Data Retention
- Account data: Kept for the duration of your account. You may request deletion at any time
- Contact form submissions: Kept for up to 2 years, then deleted
- Application records: Kept for 6 years after completion of services (as required by German commercial law)
8. Data Security
Your data is protected by:
- HTTPS encryption on all connections (via Cloudflare)
- Encrypted password storage (bcrypt)
- Role-based access controls (students, consultants, and admins see only what they need)
- Server hosted in Germany (Hetzner), subject to EU data protection standards
9. Your Rights (DPDP Act 2023 — India)
GradGermany primarily serves Indian students. Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, you have the right to:
- Access a summary of your personal data and processing activities
- Correct or erase data that is inaccurate or no longer needed
- Grievance redressal through our Grievance Officer (see below)
- Nominate another person to exercise your rights in case of death or incapacity
11. Grievance Officer
In accordance with the DPDP Act, 2023 and the Information Technology Act, 2000:
Shikha Gupta
E-Mail: [email protected]
Phone: +91 879 9797 088
We will acknowledge your request within 48 hours and resolve it within 30 days.
12. How to Request Data Deletion
- Registered users: Email [email protected] from your registered email address with the subject “Data Deletion Request”
- Non-registered visitors: Email the same address with the email or details you used when contacting us
We will process your request within 30 days and confirm deletion by email. Some data may be retained where required by law (e.g. tax or accounting records).
13. Children
Our services are not directed at anyone under the age of 16. We do not knowingly collect data from children.
14. Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time. Changes will be posted here with an updated date. We will notify registered users by email of any material changes.
15. Contact Us
GradGermany — Data Protection
Grievance Officer: Shikha Gupta
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +91 879 9797 088
Website: gradgermany.com