Applying for course abroad? Checklist to choose consultant

Hyderabad: Nearly 1.5 lakh students from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh travel overseas — particularly to the US, UK, Australia and Canada — every year to pursue a higher education. Collectively, they make the largest group of students from India spending billion of dollars annually. In 2023, the total spend touched US$ 4 billion.
But amid the many success stories, there are thousands whose dream is cut short — thanks to the trap of unauthorised consultancies.Reportedly, in 2023, 2,500 students fell for scams, while a much larger number went unreported.
References speak louder
Hence, international universities and educators stress the need for students to spend more time in choosing the right consultancy while applying for a foreign course. The first step: to verify the credentials of the consultancy firm, check its longevity, and gather success stories, advises Orn Bodvarsson, dean at Willamette University, Oregon.
“I suggest students ask some key questions to ascertain if the consultancy is registered, what’s duration of its existence, the number of students who’ve been placed in overseas universities and others,” he said adding, “Ideally, a student should be able to talk to a student who was assisted by the agent/firm or an officer at the overseas university.”
Hidden cost a red flag
Next, educators recommend asking for a clear break up of the fee. Hidden costs, they underline, can be a red flag. Registered consultants say that, on an average, application fee is ₹6,500 — $75 for the US and $100 for Canada. For UK and Australia, the application fee is waived off. Anybody charging more should be looked at suspiciously.
Additionally, many consultancies and agents lure students with fast tracking the process with extra money. Stakeholders say that there is nothing called fast track as the whole process depends on the pace of universities and embassies. Consultancies have no role to play in expediting it. Sachin Jain, country manager at ETS India & South Asia, the only body authorised to conduct TOEFL, GRE warns against such shortcuts.
“International Higher Education consultancy is a specialised field and aspirants should always look for consultants who have the demonstrated credibility, deep understanding of international education across multiple countries,” he said.
Exercise caution
Proposed financial aid and scholarships is another key aspect. Students should exercise caution against consultants making unrealistic promises, such as 100% scholarships, minimal or no interest on loans, free accommodation in the university, guaranteed jobs etc. “Sometimes consultants guarantee admission in a good college, even though the student’s profile isn’t very strong. At times they over promise on scholarships or bank loans, when it is not in their hands,” said Arvind Manduva, a city-based consultant.
Abhijit Zaveri, founder of a student recruiting organisation, urged students to also check if the consultancy has direct linkages with multiple credible universities. “Partnerships with universities that have a expansive list of courses, good alumni network, rankings and accreditations like AMBA, QS, AACSB etc is a positive sign,” he added.
Another thing that students should bear in mind is that one size does not fit all. “Your consultant must have expertise in the admission processes of specific countries so that they can guide you through every small detail of the process,” Sanjay Ramdath, vice president of Enrollment Management at Borough of Manhattan Community College.
Holistic support
Aspirants should look for consultants offering a holistic support through identifying universities, filling applications, profile building, statement of purpose, English test requirements, interview preparation, pre-departure guidance, post arrival settling-in services, on-going cost of living expenses, student housing living options etc.
“A good counsellor will always provide a holistic view to an aspirant, such as guarantor support, international money transfer, student bank accounts, visa assistance, student financing, room essentials, international SIM cards, travel insurance, luggage storage, job search assistance etc as that’s invaluable information,” said Saurabh Arora, CEO of University Living, a student housing management organisation.