Gradly is a study abroad platform that helps students research universities, prepare applications, and connect with counselors across the globe. We are committed to protecting the personal data you entrust us with while delivering a service that genuinely supports your educational journey.
This Privacy Policy applies to the Gradly mobile application available on iOS and Android. It describes what data we collect, why we collect it, how we store and protect it, and the rights you hold over your information.
By using the Gradly app, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree, please discontinue use and contact privacy@gradly.consulting to request deletion of any data we hold.
We collect the minimum data necessary to provide Gradly's services. The categories below describe what we collect and why.
| Category | Data Points | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Account | Full name, phone number, email address, profile photo | Identity verification, account management, communications |
| Academic | Transcripts, test scores (GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.), statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LoR) | University matching, application assistance, counselor review |
| Documents | Passport copy, financial documents, curriculum vitae (CV) | Visa application support, eligibility verification, partner university requirements |
| Communications | Chat messages exchanged with human counselors and the Gradly AI assistant | Service delivery, quality assurance, AI response generation |
| Rewards | Referral activity, wallet balance, transaction history | Administering the Gradly referral and rewards program |
| Technical | Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) device token, app version, crash reports, usage analytics | Push notifications, crash diagnosis, app improvement |
We do not sell your personal data to third parties. We do not use your data for targeted advertising.
Gradly uses Google Gemini AI, accessed via Firebase AI (Google Cloud), to power instant chat responses within the app.
When a human counselor is unavailable, messages you send in the chat may be processed by the Gemini AI model to generate an immediate response. All AI-generated messages are clearly labeled "Gradly AI" so you always know when you are communicating with an automated system rather than a human counselor.
By using the chat feature, you acknowledge that your messages may be transmitted to Google's infrastructure for AI processing. This processing is governed by Google's privacy terms, which you can review at policies.google.com/privacy.
AI responses are informational only and do not constitute professional educational, legal, visa, or financial advice. Always confirm critical information with a human counselor.
Gradly is built on Google Firebase and related Google Cloud services. Each service processes data only as necessary for its stated function and is bound by Google's data processing agreements.
| Service | Purpose | Data Processed |
|---|---|---|
| Firebase Authentication | Phone number-based sign-in and session management | Phone number, authentication tokens |
| Cloud Firestore | Primary database for app data | Profile data, academic records, chat history, rewards |
| Firebase Storage | Secure file storage | Uploaded documents, profile photos |
| Firebase Analytics | Aggregate usage analytics for product improvement | Anonymized usage events, app version |
| Firebase Crashlytics | Crash reporting and stability monitoring | Crash stack traces linked to user ID (retained 90 days) |
| Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) | Push notifications for messages and updates | FCM device token |
| Google Gemini AI | AI-powered chat responses | Chat message content (when counselor is unavailable) |
All Firebase services are operated by Google LLC and are subject to Google's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Gradly does not share your data with unaffiliated third parties except as described in the Financial Services section below or as required by law.
Gradly facilitates education loan referrals and operates a referral rewards program. Please read this section carefully to understand the scope and limitations of these services.
Education loan referrals: Gradly acts solely as a referral intermediary connecting students with third-party lending partners. Gradly is not a licensed financial institution, bank, or non-banking financial company (NBFC). Loan terms, interest rates, eligibility criteria, and approval decisions are set entirely by the respective lending partners and are not controlled by Gradly.
Referral rewards: The Gradly rewards program pays verified referral bonuses as real bank transfers to the account holder's registered bank details. Rewards are not virtual currency, in-app credits, or subject to in-app purchase rules under Apple App Store or Google Play Store guidelines. Rewards are only disbursed for verified, eligible referral conversions as defined in the program terms.
When you participate in loan referrals or the rewards program, relevant contact information may be shared with the applicable lending or payment partner strictly to facilitate the transaction you have initiated.
Following account deletion, personal data is removed from active systems within 30 days. Anonymized or aggregated data derived from your usage may be retained indefinitely as it cannot be linked back to you.
To delete your account, go to Profile > Delete Account within the app, or submit a request at gradly.consulting/delete-account.
You have the following rights over your personal data. To exercise any right, use the in-app controls or contact us at privacy@gradly.consulting.
EU / EEA users (GDPR): You have additional rights including restriction of processing, objection to processing, and the right to lodge a complaint with your local supervisory authority.
California users (CCPA): You have the right to know what personal information we collect, to delete it, and to opt out of its sale. Gradly does not sell personal information as defined under the CCPA.
Indian users (DPDPA 2023): You have the right to access, correct, and erase your personal data, and to nominate a representative for exercising these rights. We handle your data in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Gradly is intended for users who are 18 years of age or older. We do not knowingly collect personal data from anyone under the age of 18.
If you believe a minor has created an account or provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately at privacy@gradly.consulting. We will promptly investigate and delete any data found to have been collected from a minor.
We implement technical and organizational measures to protect your personal data against unauthorized access, loss, or alteration:
No system is completely secure. If you believe your account has been compromised, please contact us immediately at privacy@gradly.consulting.
You can permanently delete your Gradly account at any time using either method below:
Account deletion permanently removes your profile, uploaded documents, chat history, referral records, and wallet balance. This action cannot be undone. Any pending referral rewards that have not been disbursed at the time of deletion may be forfeited.
For any privacy-related questions, data access requests, or complaints, contact our Privacy team:
We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 14 business days.
Applicable law: This policy is governed by the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (India). For users in the European Union, GDPR applies concurrently. For users in California, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) applies concurrently.
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated via in-app notification or email. Continued use of Gradly after the effective date of an updated policy constitutes acceptance of the changes.