Get Your University Application Processed Quickly with IDP FastLane

IDP FastLane is a free feature on the IDP Live app that helps you receive faster preliminary university outcomes from selected institutions before you submit a full application.

Instead of spending weeks preparing and uploading documents before hearing back, you can complete a short academic profile and instantly check whether you are likely to meet the entry requirements for your chosen course. If you’re eligible, you may receive an Offer in Principle (OIP) within as little as 30 minutes.

This matters because uncertainty is one of the biggest challenges in the study abroad journey. Many students are unsure whether they meet entry requirements, whether a course is right for them, or how long the process will take. FastLane helps reduce that uncertainty early, so you can plan your next steps with confidence.

Launched in 2021, FastLane is now available across more than 100 IDP offices in over 15 countries, supporting a growing number of universities and postgraduate courses.

The FastLane advantage:

• Receive an initial university outcome in as little as seconds to 30 minutes

• No academic documents required for the first eligibility check

• FastLane is completely free for students using IDP services

By combining automated eligibility matching with personalised counsellor support, FastLane helps you make informed decisions faster while still benefiting from expert guidance throughout your application journey.

An Offer in Principle (OIP) is an early indication from a university that you are likely to meet the entry requirements for a course based on the information you share through FastLane.

Think of it as a green light that helps you move forward with confidence before you start the full application.

An OIP helps you check if you are on the right track before spending time gathering and submitting formal documents.

Important things to know about an OIP

• An OIP is not a final admission offer.

• It is not legally binding.

• You still need to submit official academic documents and complete the university’s formal application process.

• Receiving an OIP does not negatively affect future applications if you decide not to continue.

• Not every university or course currently offers FastLane.

If you do not receive an OIP, it does not necessarily mean studying abroad isn’t an option. In many cases, an IDP counsellor can recommend alternative universities, pathway programs or courses that better match your academic background and goals.

Receiving an OIP is just the start. The real advantage of FastLane is how quickly you can move forward once you decide to proceed.

1. Your IDP counsellor is notified immediately

As soon as an OIP is generated, your assigned counsellor is alerted. This allows counsellors to contact you quickly and talk through the next steps without unnecessary delays.

2. Your documents are reviewed

If you choose to proceed, your counsellor will support you by:

• Checking your academic documents.

• Reviewing English language requirements.

• Confirming application details.

• Preparing supporting materials. 
  

3. Your formal application is fast-tracked

FastLane-supported applications are prioritised by participating universities. This means they can move faster than standard application routes. Some students receive full offer letters within 3 to 10 days after receiving an OIP. 

At several Russell Group universities, average offer timelines reportedly dropped from around 30 days to approximately 5 days. Overall, FastLane applications may be processed two to three times faster than traditional international applications.

4. You continue to receive support

Your IDP counsellor stays with you throughout the process, including:

• Offer acceptance.

• Visa guidance.

• Accommodation planning.

• Health cover support.

• Pre-departure preparation.

FastLane is designed to be simple and student-friendly. Here is how the process works.

Step 1: Download the IDP Live app or visit the website

You can access FastLane through:

• The IDP Live mobile app on iOS and Android.

• The IDP website.

• Selected IDP offices worldwide. 
  

Step 2: Create your student profile

Start by sharing your study preferences, including:

• Preferred study destination.

• Course level (undergraduate or postgraduate).

• Subject interests.

• Academic background.

This profile helps personalise course recommendations.

Step 3: Browse FastLane-eligible courses

Look for courses with the FastLane tag. Currently, FastLane supports more than 1,000 postgraduate courses across destinations such as:

• Australia

• United Kingdom

• Canada

You can also filter courses by:

• Subject area

• Destination

• University

• Study level
  

Step 4: Enter your academic details

You’ll be asked to provide information such as:

• Highest qualification completed.

• Institution attended.

• Major or subject area.

• Graduation date.

• Academic results.

At this stage, no documents are required.

Step 5: Click “Get a decision today” 

FastLane instantly compares your profile with entry requirements from participating universities. If you meet the requirements, you may receive an OIP within 30 minutes.

Step 6: Receive your offer in principle

Once available:

• The OIP appears inside the app.

• You receive a notification.

• Your IDP counsellor is automatically alerted. 
  

Step 7: Speak with your IDP counsellor

After your OIP is issued, your IDP counsellor will help you take the next steps by:

• Explaining the offer details.

• Confirming whether you want to proceed.

• Reviewing academic documents.

• Fast-tracking your official university application. 

FastLane includes a growing list of universities across the UK, Australia and Canada.

If you don’t see your preferred course on FastLane, you can still apply through IDP’s full counselling and university application support services.

Not every student or course will qualify for FastLane immediately, and that is completely normal.

There are many reasons why you may not receive an OIP, such as:

• The course is not currently available through FastLane.

• Additional academic assessment is needed.

• English language requirements are incomplete.

• Your profile may suit alternative programs better.

The good news is that you’ll still be fully supported by IDP, even without an OIP.

Your IDP counsellor can help you by:

• Reviewing your academic background.

• Recommending alternative universities or courses.

• Suggesting pathway or foundation options.

• Helping you improve your application readiness.

FastLane is just one part of the wider support you receive from IDP.

1. Free expert counselling

IDP has more than 2,200 counsellors across 210+ offices globally, supporting students from regions, including UAE, Oman, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan and more.

Your counsellor can support you with:

• Course and university selection.

• Application strategy.

• Offer acceptance.

• Visa preparation.

• Pre-departure planning.

You can often speak with a counsellor in your preferred language.

2. IELTS support

IELTS by IDP is one of the world’s leading English language testing systems.

Your IDP counsellor can help you understand:

• IELTS score requirements.

• Course-specific English criteria.

• Test preparation strategies. 
  

3. Visa guidance

IDP supports you through the visa process by helping you prepare:

• Visa documentation.

• Financial evidence.

• Application forms.

• Interview preparation where required.

This reduces mistakes that can delay the visa process.

4. Student Essentials

IDP also supports your move abroad with practical services through its Student Essentials, including:

• Health insurance.

• Accommodation assistance.

• Banking support.

• SIM cards.

• Money transfer guidance.

You may also access programs like Arrive & Thrive to help you settle into life in your new country.

5. Community and alumni support

You can connect with:

• Alumni who have already studied abroad (IDP Student Community).

• IDP Live communities.

• Student video resources.

• University experts.

These resources help you prepare for real-life study experiences overseas.

For more than 50 years, IDP Education has helped students pursue international education opportunities around the world. Students choose IDP for its combination of technology, global partnerships, and human support.

IDP a a glance:

• More than 113,000 students supported in 2024.

• Services are free for students.

• 9 out of 10 students say they would recommend IDP.

• Highly rated by students across Google reviews globally.

• Trusted global relationships with universities across major study destinations.

For a smooth experience, download the IDP live app or reach out to your IDP counsellor for FREE.

1. What is IDP FastLane, and how does it work?

IDP FastLane is a feature within IDP Live that helps you quickly check your eligibility for participating university courses and receive an Offer in Principle (OIP), often within minutes.

2. How do I use FastLane on the IDP Live app to get a university decision quickly?

You can create a profile, browse FastLane-enabled courses, enter academic information, and request a quick eligibility check through the app or website.

3. How does FastLane simplify the student journey?

FastLane helps make your journey easier by reducing waiting times, giving you early clarity on eligibility and connecting you quickly with an IDP counsellor who can guide you through the next steps.

4. How much faster is FastLane compared to traditional overseas applications?

FastLane can be two to three times faster than standard application processes, with certain students receiving full offers within days.

5. Which universities are part of FastLane and in which countries?

FastLance includes selected universities in the UK, Australia and Canada.

6. Do I need to submit documents to get an OIP?

No. You usually do not need to upload documents during the initial FastLane eligibility check.

7. Can I use FastLane if I haven’t decided on a course yet?

Yes. You can browse available courses and speak with IDP counsellors before choosing a program.

8. Is IDP’s service free?

Yes. IDP counselling and FastLane services are free for students.

9. How does a counsellor help me convert an OIP into a full offer?

Your counsellor helps you turn an Offer in Principle into a full offer by making sure your application is complete, accurate and submitted quickly.