Privacy Policy

Global Development College

1. Introduction

Global Development College (“GDC”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to protecting the privacy of all visitors, students (former, enrolled and prospective), and partners who interact with our website (www.gdc.edu.au) and associated digital platforms. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal data in compliance with applicable Australian data protection laws, including the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth), the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), the Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme, and the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).

2. Data We Collect

When you visit our website, interact with our services, or enroll in our educational programs, we may collect the following types of data:

a. Personal Information

Full name
Contact details (Email, Phone Number, Address)
Date of birth
Gender
Nationality and citizenship status

b. Academic and Professional Information

Education history
Employment details (for professional courses)
Qualifications and certifications
Academic interests
Course enrollment and completion records
Feedback and course evaluations

c. Technical Information

IP address
Browser type and version
Operating system
Device information
Cookies and tracking technologies
Log data (time and date of website visits, interaction with content)

d. Financial Information

Payment details (if applicable, for course fees and other services) except credit/debit card details
Scholarship or funding information

e. Other Information

Survey and research participation responses
Support queries and correspondence records

3. How We Collect Your Data

We collect data through various means, including but not limited to:

Directly from users via online forms, or email
Automatically through website cookies and tracking technologies
Third-party platforms such as payment processors and learning management systems
Publicly available sources where legally permissible

4. How We Use Your Data

GDC uses the collected data for the following purposes:

Processing course applications and enrollments
Delivering educational services and learning support
Providing student records and academic transcripts
Communication regarding course updates, events, and administrative notices
Payment processing and financial administration
Personalising user experience and improving website functionality
Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Conducting research, surveys, and statistical analysis for service improvement
Marketing and promotional campaigns (where consent is given)

5. Data Sharing and Third Parties

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. However, we may share your data with:

Government agencies for regulatory compliance (e.g., ASQA, TEQSA, CRICOS, and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) where applicable)
Third-party service providers (e.g., payment gateways, IT support, LMS platforms)
Partner institutions for academic collaboration and credit transfer (where applicable)
Employers or sponsors if you are enrolled in an employer-sponsored program
Legal authorities when required by Australian law

6. Data Security

We implement strict security measures to safeguard your data from unauthorised access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. These measures include:

Encryption of sensitive data
Secure servers and restricted access to authorised personnel
Firewalls and intrusion detection systems
Regular security audits and risk assessments

Compliance with the Australian Notifiable Data Breaches (NDB) scheme in case of a data breach

7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance user experience. You may control cookie preferences through your browser settings. However, disabling cookies may affect website functionality.

8. Your Rights Under Australian Law

Under the Australian Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs), you have the right to:

Access and request copies of your personal data
Request correction of inaccurate data
Request deletion of your personal data (subject to legal obligations)
Withdraw consent for data processing where applicable
Lodge a complaint with the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) if you believe your rights have been violated
Any other right available under applicable law

9. Data Retention

We retain personal data for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this policy, including legal and academic record-keeping obligations under Australian higher education and VET regulatory requirements. Any unutilised data shall be destroyed without retaining any digital copy.

10. International Data Transfers

As an international education provider, we may transfer personal data across borders, however such user shall be notified of the same in such instances. We ensure such transfers comply with Australian data protection laws and implement safeguards to protect your data.

11. Changes to This Policy

GDC reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy from time to time. In case of any contravention with the applicable law the latter shall supersede this policy.

12. Contact Us

For any questions, concerns, or requests related to this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:

Global Development College (GDC)
Address: Brisbane 4000, Queensland, Australia
Email: admin@gdc.edu.au