Choosing a Consultancy
How do I find a trustworthy education consultancy?
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.
Should I use an education consultancy or apply directly?
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.
How much does an education consultancy typically charge?
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.
Can an education consultancy guarantee my visa approval?
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.
What is the difference between a verified and unverified consultancy on ConsultancyCheck?
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.
How do I check if a consultancy is registered with the government?
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.
Student Visas
What is the most common reason student visa applications are refused?
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.
What is a GTE statement and why does it matter for Australian visas?
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.
How long does a student visa take to process?
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.
What financial evidence do I need for a UK student visa?
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.
Can I work while studying abroad on a student visa?
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.
What happens if my student visa is refused?
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.
English Language Tests
Which English test should I take — IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL?
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.
What IELTS score do I need to study in Australia?
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.
What IELTS score do I need for the UK?
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.
How many times can I retake IELTS or PTE?
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.
Costs and Finances
How much does it cost to study in Australia?
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).
How much does it cost to study in the UK?
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.
How much does it cost to study in Canada?
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.
Are there scholarships available for international students?
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.
About ConsultancyCheck
How does ConsultancyCheck work?
ConsultancyCheck is a free platform where students can read and write verified reviews of education consultancies. Every consultancy listing includes student ratings across honesty, communication, visa success support, value for money, and documentation support. Students can compare consultancies, read detailed reviews, and make informed decisions.
Are the reviews on ConsultancyCheck genuine?
ConsultancyCheck verifies reviews through an email confirmation process to ensure they come from real students. We do not edit reviews to favour consultancies and remove only reviews that violate our guidelines (abusive content, spam, or clearly fictional accounts).
Is ConsultancyCheck free for students?
Yes — ConsultancyCheck is completely free for students. You can read all reviews, compare consultancies, and write your own review at no cost.
How do I write a review on ConsultancyCheck?
Visit the consultancy's profile page and click "Write a Review", or go to consultancycheck.com/write-a-review. You'll be asked to rate the consultancy across several categories, describe your experience, and verify your email. Reviews are published after verification.
How do consultancies claim their profile?
Consultancies can claim their profile by visiting consultancycheck.com/claim, searching for their listing, and verifying ownership via their registered business email. Claiming is free and allows consultancies to respond to reviews and keep their information accurate.
What is a Verified consultancy on ConsultancyCheck?
Verified consultancies have completed our identity verification process, confirming they are the legitimate operator of the listed business. Verified consultancies can respond to reviews and display a Verified badge on their profile, which signals credibility to students comparing their options.
How do I report a fraudulent consultancy?
Write a detailed review on ConsultancyCheck describing your experience. You can also contact us directly at business@consultancycheck.com. For serious fraud, report to your country's relevant consumer protection or education authority.
Still have questions?
Search for your consultancy on ConsultancyCheck and read what real students say — or write your own review to help others.