Studying Abroad FAQs

Am I eligible to study overseas?
To start your studies as an international student, there are a number of entry requirements you may have to meet.
The academic requirements (which include evidence of your English language skills) that you need to meet will vary depending on the education level of your chosen studies. For example, some courses require you to have completed a foundation course before applying for a degree. The different universities and schools have different entry requirements, so please ensure you read the course information on the institutions’ websites carefully.
Our counsellors are here to support you with guidance on courses and locations that best fit you.

How much does it cost to study overseas?
The costs associated with studying at school, college or university overseas can vary greatly. It depends on the type of the program, the length of your stay in the country, the distance you travel and, of course, the kind of lifestyle you want when you get there.
You should be aware that some student visas require you to have a certain amount of funds available in your bank account when you arrive in your chosen country. It is important you review the immigration websites for the country you hope to study in or you can speak to one of our counsellors.
Students can choose to do some part-time work whilst studying to support their living or socialising costs. However, you need to understand that there are restrictions on the number of hours you are allowed to work to make sure you focus on your studies.

What should I consider when choosing where and what to study?
When deciding where and what to study, you should start by thinking about your academic interests and your ultimate career goals.
Take some time to do some research on specific courses, subjects and options such as internships or work placements.
Consider the location of the campus, the institute’s rankings, the amount of time you want to spend away from home and the total cost of studying and living in another country.
Think about what kind of lifestyle you would prefer – do you want to be in a busy city, or alternatively a quiet country town? Would you like to be in a city where there are other students from your home country? Do you want to be close to the beach, the countryside or even in the desert? Do you want to live on or near campus?
If you are considering the option of remaining in the same country after completing your studies in order to find work you will need to look at the migration policies and visa conditions. You should also understand that these government policies can change during the course of your study.

Will studying overseas help me find a good job?
Your career prospects will hugely benefit from your experience of living, studying and socialising overseas. Your experiences are an opportunity to develop a new skills, perspectives plus stronger English language skills as well as persue work experience with the sort of employers you’d like to work for.
A recent study of more than 4,500 past-international students looked at the exact skills US employers value when it comes to recruiting people who have studied overseas.

Will my new overseas qualification be accepted in my home country?
The skills and qualifications employers and professional registration bodies look for vary from country to country. For example, if you are considering a career with strict entry requirements such as medicine, engineering, accounting or teaching, you need to do some research with the appropriate registration bodies in your home country for advice.

What if I can’t afford to study overseas?
There are limited scholarships and bursaries available for international students. The amount available varies according to the level of study and by institution. Scholarships are very competitive and you will need to demonstrate exceptional academic achievements. Governments and other organisations do also provide scholarships and awards to help international students who want to study overseas. Your IDP counsellor will have details of some of the scholarships available.

Can I work whilst studying?
Working while you study can be a nice complement to your study and living experience. If your course is at degree level or above you may be allowed to work while on an international student visa. But,before you take on any paid work, you need to make sure that your visa allows it. The opportunities for students to work part-time during their studies will vary from country to country.
Many universities provide a dedicated job centre on-campus that advertises work opportunities to help students develop their skills. University careers services can also provide useful information on this.

How long does the application process take?
We recommend you start your application process at least one year ahead of your scheduled departure to give sufficient time for your applications to be processed and to prepare for your time overseas.
Remember that the academic year starts at different times of year in different countries. Semester dates usually run as follows:

Australia
Semester 1: starts late February/early March until late May/early June
Semester 2: starts late July/early August until November.
New Zealand
Semester 1: starts February until June
Semester 2: starts July until November
UK
Term 1: starts September until December
Term 2: starts January until April
Term 3: starts April until June
USA
Fall Term: starts August until December
Spring Term: starts January until April
Summer Term: starts May until August
The above dates are a guide only. You should a check the exact dates with the university or college you are applying to.

Do I need an education agent?
While you can apply directly to an institution, you may prefer to use the expertise an agent provides, guiding you through the process of choosing and enrolling in a university or school. Using an trusted and accredited agent, like IDP, can help reduce the stress of choosing where to study overseas, submitting your application and preparing to leave.
Our student advisors (we call these student counsellors) are extremely knowledgeable with the latest information on curriculum changes, and have your best interests at heart. Most of our counsellors have studied overseas themselves so they can offer first hand advice every step of the way.

What if my parents don’t want me to go overseas?
It’s natural for your family to be anxious about letting their loved ones travel alone to a new country. Ofcourse, millions of students have done this and thrived, but this doesn’t make it any easier for parents to accept.
We encourage you to involve your parents in the discussions / appointments you have with IDP. The reassurance of an education agent like IDP can help your parents feel more confident knowling there is a professional and responsible organisation helping you with your applications and preparations.

Who are IDP?
IDP is a global leader in international education. We help students fulfil their dream of studying overseas in English speaking countries. We’ve been doing this for over 50 years and have created a huge network of opportunity across 32 countries. Our experienced education counsellors will work with you to turn your study plans into reality leading to personal growth and professional success.

Reasons students choose IDP
 

Zoe, Jacob, Naresh and Kenny tell us how IDP helped them achieve their study and career goals in Australia


Will IDP Education help me with advice after I am offered a place?
Our service goes beyond just study advice and applications. We can help you with all the essential services you’ll need while living abroad from exchanging money, getting insurance and a SIM card to opening a bank account.
We organise pre-departure orientation seminars talking about student life in your new country, giving advice on adapting to the new culture and dealing with homesickness.
We also host welcome events when you arrive in your new city connecting you with fellow and former international students from around the world.

How much do IDP’s services cost?
Our services are free. There is no cost to you when you book an appointment with IDP. There may be some small fees for things like courier costs or document verification. For more information, phone or speak to us at our IDP office or complete our enquiry form.

Does IDP Education have any special relationship with specific institutions? How many universities and colleges does IDP work with?
Yes, we do have partnerships with more than 700 top universities and institutions around the world.
As a world leader in international student services, with over 50 years of experience, IDP works only with the schools, colleges and universities we know to be of a high standard. Our partnerships are based on official, academic reviews of the institutions as well as our own experience of working with these institutions as well as the feedback from our students.