Study Abroad Questions
Answered

Look for consultancies with verified student reviews on platforms like ConsultancyCheck, government registration, and written authorisation from the universities they represent. Always get a signed service agreement before paying any fees.

Direct applications are possible for most universities. A good consultancy adds value through course guidance, document preparation, and visa support — but only if they are genuinely competent. A bad consultancy can waste your time and money. If you use one, verify their credentials carefully.

Ask which universities they are officially authorised to represent, for a full fee breakdown in writing, who personally handles your visa file, their track record with your target country, and whether you can speak to past students. Get every promise into a signed service agreement.

Guaranteed visas or admissions, pressure to pay large sums in cash upfront, refusal to put fees in writing, pushing only the universities that pay them the highest commission, and — the most serious — asking you to submit false documents or fake bank statements. Any one of these is a reason to walk away.

Prefer traceable payments such as a bank transfer or card, and always get a dated receipt and a signed service agreement. Large cash-only demands with no paperwork are a common feature of scams and leave you with no proof if something goes wrong.

Fees vary by country and service level. In South Asia, full application support typically costs the equivalent of USD 150–500. Many consultancies earn additional commissions from universities, which should not affect the quality of advice they give you. Always get a detailed fee breakdown in writing.

No. Visa decisions are made solely by government immigration authorities based on your individual circumstances. Any consultancy that guarantees visa approval is either misinformed or being dishonest. This is one of the clearest red flags to watch for.

A Verified badge on ConsultancyCheck means the consultancy has claimed their profile and been verified by email as the legitimate owner of that business. It does not guarantee quality — always read the student reviews as well.

Requirements vary by country. In Nepal, consultancies should be licensed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MoEST). In India, look for AIRC or AAERI membership. In Nigeria, check for NAEC registration. Ask to see the licence certificate and verify it directly with the relevant authority.

Insufficient financial evidence is the leading cause of student visa refusals across most destination countries. Other common reasons include weak study purpose statements, inadequate English language scores, and incomplete documentation. A competent consultancy will guide you through all of these.

It is the official document from your university confirming you have a place, and it is required before you can lodge most student visa applications — it is called a CoE in Australia and a CAS in the UK. You normally receive it after accepting your offer and paying an initial deposit.

Most countries require you to prove you can cover tuition and living costs. The UK generally requires funds to have been held for 28 consecutive days; other countries set their own "maintenance" rules. Keep clear, consistent bank statements and check the exact requirement for your destination.

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement is required for Australian student visas. It asks you to demonstrate that your primary purpose in coming to Australia is study and that you intend to return home afterwards. It is assessed through a written statement and supporting documents. Poor GTE statements are a leading cause of visa refusals for students from South Asia.

Processing times vary significantly by country and season. Australian student visas currently average 4–8 weeks. UK student visas typically take 3 weeks. Canadian study permits can take 8–12 weeks or longer. Always apply well before your intended start date and ask your consultancy about current processing times.

You need to show you can cover your tuition fees for the first year plus living costs (currently £1,334/month outside London, £1,023/month in London) for the full course duration, or 28 days, whichever is less. Funds must be held in an approved account and, in most cases, have been held for at least 28 consecutive days.

Most countries allow international students to work part-time. Australia allows up to 48 hours per fortnight during term. The UK allows 20 hours per week during term time. Canada allows 20 hours per week off-campus. Rules vary by visa type and institution — confirm your specific conditions before accepting work.

Some countries allow dependants (a spouse or children) to accompany you, but these rules have tightened in recent years and often depend on your course level — for example, some destinations now only allow dependants for postgraduate research or scholarship students. Confirm the current dependant rules for your specific visa before making plans.

You can usually reapply after addressing the reason for refusal. Some countries allow an appeal. Contact your consultancy immediately — a good one will help you understand the refusal reason and advise on next steps. Keep all documentation from your original application.

All three are widely accepted. IELTS Academic is the most universally accepted globally. PTE Academic is fully computer-based and results arrive within 48 hours, making it popular for time-sensitive applications. TOEFL iBT is strongest for US university applications. Check your specific university's accepted tests before registering.

Most Australian universities require IELTS Academic scores of 6.0–6.5 overall, with no individual band below 6.0. Some competitive programmes require 7.0 or above. TAFE and vocational programmes may accept 5.5. Always check the specific requirement for your institution and course.

UK universities typically require IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 for undergraduate programmes and 6.5–7.0 for postgraduate. The UK student visa itself requires a minimum score depending on your course level. Check both the university requirement and the Home Office requirement for your visa category.

Sometimes. Some universities accept alternatives such as PTE, TOEFL or Duolingo, or waive the test if you previously studied in English or come from certain countries. However, the visa authority may still apply its own English requirement, so check both the university's and the visa's rules before assuming you can skip the test.

IELTS and PTE Academic scores are generally valid for two years from the test date. Make sure your score is still valid on the day you submit your application, not just when you sit the test.

There is no limit on how many times you can take IELTS or PTE. Most students take the test 1–3 times before achieving their target score. Preparation courses significantly improve outcomes — ask your consultancy for reputable test preparation providers in your city.

University tuition in Australia typically ranges from AUD 20,000–45,000 per year depending on course and institution. Living costs average AUD 20,000–25,000 per year. You must demonstrate you can cover these costs when applying for your student visa (subclass 500).

UK university tuition for international students typically ranges from £10,000–£26,000 per year. London living costs run £15,000–£18,000 per year; outside London, £12,000–£15,000. Financial evidence requirements for the UK student visa are based on these figures.

Canadian university tuition ranges from CAD 15,000–35,000 per year. College programmes are typically CAD 8,000–18,000. Living costs average CAD 12,000–15,000 per year. Study permit financial requirements vary but typically require you to show CAD 10,000 or more in addition to first-year tuition.

University tuition for international students in New Zealand is typically around NZD 22,000–35,000 per year, and postgraduate courses can be higher. For the student visa, Immigration New Zealand requires you to show living funds of roughly NZD 20,000 per year for courses longer than nine months — check the current figure before you apply.

Compulsory health insurance (OSHC in Australia, the IHS surcharge in the UK), visa fees, international flights, initial setup costs like a rental bond and phone, textbooks, and transport. Build a realistic buffer on top of the minimum the visa requires, not just the bare minimum.

Universities pay consultancies a commission when you enrol, and this usually should not add to your fees. The risk is bias: a consultancy may steer you toward whichever institution pays it most rather than the best fit for you. Ask directly whether they earn commission from the universities they are recommending.

Yes — most major destination countries offer scholarships specifically for international students. Australia has Australia Awards, the UK has Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, Canada has Vanier and various provincial scholarships. Many universities also offer merit-based awards. A good consultancy will inform you of options relevant to your profile.

An SOP is a written essay explaining why you chose your course, university and country, your academic and work background, and your future plans. It is a key part of both admission and visa assessment. Write it yourself in your own words — copied or agency-written SOPs are easy for officers to spot and can damage your credibility.

Ideally 8–12 months before your intended intake. That leaves time for English tests, gathering documents, receiving offers, paying deposits, and visa processing. Popular intakes fill early and visa queues get longer close to the start of semester.

Academic transcripts and certificates, English test results, a valid passport, a personal statement or SOP, financial evidence, and often reference letters and a CV. Exact requirements vary by university, course, and destination country, so confirm the checklist for each application.

Most countries have two or three main intakes a year — for example Australia's February and July, or the UK's September and January. The main intake usually has the most courses and scholarships available, so apply for that where you can rather than a smaller secondary intake.

Sometimes. Certain countries and professions require a credential assessment — for example for Canadian Express Entry or for professional registration in fields like nursing, teaching, or engineering. Your university or a licensed migration adviser can tell you whether this applies to your situation.

Many destinations offer a post-study work visa — for example the UK Graduate Route, Australia's Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), and Canada's Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP). The length and eligibility depend on your course and level, and these rules change often, so confirm the current policy before you rely on it.

It can be a pathway, but a degree alone does not guarantee permanent residency. PR usually depends on a separate points-based or employer-sponsored system with its own criteria. If PR is your goal, get advice from a licensed migration professional before committing to a course or country.

Only licensed professionals: registered migration agents (MARA) in Australia, Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) in Canada, and OISC-regulated advisers or solicitors in the UK. Education agents can help with admissions but are not always licensed to give immigration advice — check before you pay for it.

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