How to prepare for a study abroad fair | Guide

If you’re attending a study abroad fair soon, save this checklist on your phone so you can refer to it before you go. 

Before the fair 

☐ Check which universities will be attending 
☐ Shortlist 3–5 universities you definitely want to meet 
☐ Research the courses you’re interested in 
☐ Write down your most important questions 
☐ Prepare your latest academic results and relevant documents 
☐ Check the event programme for seminars or sessions you want to attend 
☐ Discuss any questions your parents would like to ask 
☐ Leave some time to explore universities you haven’t considered 

On the day 

☐ Visit your priority universities first 
☐ Ask questions specific to your academic background and plans 
☐ Take notes after each university conversation 
☐ Ask about entry requirements, scholarships, costs and application timelines 
☐ Speak with an IDP counsellor if you need help comparing your options 
☐ Note any follow-up actions before leaving 

After the fair 

☐ Review your notes within a few days 
☐ Compare your shortlisted universities and courses 
☐ Follow up on unanswered questions 
☐ Gather any missing application documents 
☐ Note important application and scholarship deadlines 
☐ Speak with your IDP counsellor about your next steps 

Preparation helps you spend less time asking questions you could answer online and more time getting advice that’s specific to you. 

For example, instead of asking: 

“What business courses do you offer?” 

you could ask: 

“I’m interested in business analytics. How does your programme differ from a general business degree, and what internships are available?” 

Or, if you have already completed further study: 

“I have a qualification in Information Technology. Would my previous studies be considered for advanced standing for this computing degree?” 

Preparation helps you spend less time asking questions you could answer online and more time getting advice that’s specific to you. 

For example, instead of asking: 

“What business courses do you offer?” you could ask: 

“I’m interested in business analytics. How does your program differ from a general business degree, and what internships are available?” 

Or, if you have already completed further study: 

“I have a qualification in information technology. Would my previous studies be considered for advanced standing for this computing degree?” 

1. Decide what you want to get out of the fair 

Start with two or three goals. For example: 

• Compare similar degrees across different study destinations 

• Find out how universities will assess your existing qualifications 

• Understand the entry requirements for a particular course 

• Ask about scholarships for international students 

• Explore postgraduate options after working for a few years 

• Work out which intake best fits your plans 

• Simply explore your options because you’re not sure where to start 

2. Check which universities will be attending 

Look at the participating university list before the fair and identify the institutions you’d most like to meet. A simple way to organise your shortlist is: 

Don’t fill your schedule completely. One of the advantages of a fair is discovering universities you might not have come across during your own research. Leave some time to walk around and see what catches your interest. You can find the latest university line-up on the IDP Vietnam Study Abroad Education Fair page before attending. 

3. Do some basic course research 

You don’t need to memorise university websites before you arrive. For your priority courses, it helps to know the basics: 

• Course name and duration 

• Entry requirements 

• Intake dates 

• Tuition fees 

• Core modules 

• Subject prerequisites 

• English language requirements, if applicable 

This gives you more time at the fair to ask questions that aren’t as easy to answer online. For example, a university website might list the academic requirements for a degree, but you may still want to ask how your particular qualification will be assessed.

4. Prepare your questions 

Save your questions on your phone or bring them in a notebook. 

You don’t need to ask every university the same 20 questions. Choose the ones that matter most to your situation and use the conversation to ask follow-up questions. 

Not sure where to start? Use the question bank below. 

The most useful questions aren't necessarily those that provide you with a vast amount of information, but rather those that help you determine whether the school, the course, and the destination are truly the right fit for you.

Here are some questions you might consider asking:

Questions about entry requirements

• How will the school evaluate my Vietnamese high school diploma or university transcript?
  With a GPA of [Insert your GPA] and an IELTS score of [Insert your IELTS score], am I eligible for direct admission?

• If I do not meet the requirements for direct entry, does the school offer a Foundation or Pathway/Diploma program with guaranteed progression?

• Does the school accept provisional or predicted transcripts for scholarship assessment prior to my high school graduation exams?

• What are the English language requirements for this major? Does the school administer its own English proficiency test?

Questions about the course

• What are the core subjects in the program?

• What elective subjects or specializations are available?

• Is it possible to change my specialization during the course of study?

• Does the program include internships, work placements, or industry projects?

• How is the teaching primarily delivered—through lectures, tutorials, laboratory sessions, projects, or seminars?

• How is academic performance assessed—via exams, assignments, presentations, or projects?
  What distinguishes this course from similar programs at other institutions?
  
  If you are comparing two programs with similar names, ask the school representative to explain the differences. A course title does not always fully reflect the curriculum, teaching methods, or career focus.

Questions about scholarships and costs

• What scholarships does the school offer to international students?

• Is scholarship consideration automatic, or do I need to submit a separate application? What are the scholarship eligibility criteria?

• What is the application deadline for the scholarship?

• Is the scholarship awarded for the first year only or for the entire program?

• What conditions must I meet to maintain the scholarship?

• Apart from tuition, what other expenses should I budget for?

• What is the approximate cost of student accommodation?

• Are there any other mandatory fees?

• How much is the deposit required to accept the offer of admission?

• Does the school offer a semester-based tuition payment plan?
  
  After the fair, you can convert the estimated tuition and living expenses into VND to easily compare total budgets across different schools and destinations. Do not look solely at the published tuition fees; consider the total estimated cost, program duration, scholarship value, living expenses, and associated fees.

Questions about careers and post-graduation opportunities

• What kind of jobs do graduates of this program typically secure?

• Does the course include internships or work placements?

• How does the school assist students in finding internship opportunities?

• What career development support is available for international students?

• Do students have opportunities to participate in projects with businesses?

• Does the school organize job fairs or employer networking events?

• Is the degree recognized or accredited by relevant professional bodies?

• What practical skills does the program help students develop?

• From which year of study can students access career guidance services?
  
  Instead of asking only about the school's general employment rate, find out about specific opportunities available to students in the field of study you are considering.

Questions about student life and accommodation

• What accommodation options are available for international students? Do first-year students receive priority for dormitory housing?

• How far is the accommodation from the campus?

• Does the rent include electricity, water, and Internet?

• What support is available for international students upon arrival?

• Does the school offer an orientation program for new students?

• What clubs and student organizations are available?

• Is there a Vietnamese student community at the school?

• What is the living environment like in the city where the school is located?

• What healthcare and mental health support services are available to students?
  
  If parents are accompanying the student, this is an area where they can actively participate in the discussion. Parents can ask further questions regarding accommodation, healthcare, safety, student support services, and practical matters related to moving from Vietnam to study in a new country.

Questions regarding applications and intake

• When should I submit my application for the intended intake?

• What documents do I need to prepare?

• Does the application require letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or a portfolio?

• What are the typical steps in the application review process?

• Do I need to participate in an interview?

• Can I defer my offer of admission?

• How long is the offer of admission valid?

• When should I complete the English proficiency test?

• Can I submit my English proficiency certificate after applying?
  
  If I wish to apply, what is the next step I need to take?

Bring your latest academic records (if available), a list of prepared questions, and a device or notebook for taking notes. You do not need to have a complete set of documents just to attend and explore your options. However, if you already have a fairly clear goal, having some academic documents on hand can help make the conversation more specific.

Documents and items to bring

Depending on your current stage of education, consider preparing the following:

• Latest high school report card or transcript

• High school graduation exam results (if available)

• High school diploma

• College or university transcript

• College or university diploma (if applicable)

• Current transcript (if currently enrolled in college or university)

• IELTS results or other English proficiency certificates (if available)

• Portfolio or a link to your portfolio (for creative fields)

• CV (for certain postgraduate programs)

• List of schools and courses you are interested in

• List of prepared questions

• Phone, tablet, or notebook for taking notes
  
  Digital copies of documents can also be useful if you want to show them quickly to an advisor or school representative during your conversation.

Visit your priority universities first 

If there are universities you definitely want to speak with, consider visiting those booths earlier in the day. 

That way, you can cover your priorities before spending time exploring the rest of the fair. 

Keep an open mind 

Your shortlist is a starting point, not a rule. 

If another university offers the course you’re looking for, take a few minutes to find out more. You may discover a different course structure, location, scholarship opportunity or pathway that suits you better. 

Take notes after each conversation 

[Image – student taking notes during a conversion with university/counsellor. Alt text: “Student taking notes while comparing universities at an IDP Vietnam study abroad fair”] 

After speaking with several universities, the details can start to blur together. 

Spend a minute after each conversation recording the important points. 

A simple format works well: 

You don’t need detailed notes. Record enough to help you remember why an option interested you and what you need to do next. 

Ask follow-up questions 

If an answer isn’t clear, ask. 

For example: 

“Just to make sure I’ve understood correctly, my previous qualification could potentially be considered for advanced standing, but the university would need to assess my transcript first?” 

Confirming your understanding there and then can save you from trying to decipher your notes later. 

Speak with an IDP counsellor 

If you’ve spoken with several universities and aren’t sure how the options compare, you can also speak with an IDP counsellor at the fair. 

They can help you consider your academic background, preferred destinations and courses, and identify possible next steps after the event. 

Want to see what the experience is like before attending? Read our highlights from past IDP Vietnam Study Abroad Education Fairs. 

Review your notes within a few days, narrow your shortlist and follow up on any actions you discussed at the fair. 

Compare your options 

Look at your notes while the conversations are still fresh. Rather than choosing based on one factor, compare what matters to you, such as: 

• Course content 

• Entry requirements 

• Location 

• Tuition and living costs 

• Scholarships 

• Internship opportunities 

• Accommodation 

• Student support 

• Career opportunities 

You may find that the university you preferred before the fair isn’t necessarily the one you’re most interested in afterwards. 

Fill in the gaps 

There will probably still be questions you couldn’t answer during the fair. Check the university’s official website or follow up through the recommended contact channel. This is also the time to start gathering anything you’re missing, such as transcripts, references, portfolios or English language test results. 

Plan your application timeline 

Once you’ve narrowed your options, note the relevant deadlines and work backwards. Factor in time for: 

• Gathering documents 

• Completing any required tests 

• Preparing personal statements or other application materials 

• Requesting references 

• Scholarship applications 

• Visa preparation later in the process 

If you’re graduating later in the year, balancing applications with full-time work or have another commitment that affects when you can begin studying, build that into your timeline too. 

You don’t need to arrive at a study abroad fair with your future completely mapped out. 

Come with a few questions, your academic information if you have it, and an idea of what you’d like to explore. You can use the conversations you have at the fair to make your next decisions clearer. 

See the latest event details and participating universities on the IDP Vietnam Study Abroad Education Fair page. 

If you’d like to get a feel for the event beforehand, you can also see highlights and experiences from past IDP Vietnam Study Abroad Education Fairs.