Common Mistakes Students Make Before Choosing an Abroad Education Consultant

Dreaming of studying abroad? You’re not alone! Every year, lakhs of Indian students apply to universities in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, and the UK. And most of them rely on abroad education consultants to guide them.

But here’s the twist—choosing the wrong consultant can lead to missed opportunities, visa rejections, or even admission into low-ranked universities. At Study Square, we’ve seen this happen often, and that’s why we’re here to guide you on what not to do before finalising your education consultant.

Let’s explore the common mistakes students make, and how to avoid them!

1. Relying Only on Google Ads or Social Media Popularity

It’s tempting to pick the first name you see in a Google ad or an Instagram post. But don’t choose a consultant just because they look fancy online. Many new agencies invest heavily in ads but lack real success stories.

✅ Pro Tip: Look beyond ads. Ask for real student reviews, visa success rates, and admission history.

2. Not Verifying Consultant’s Credentials

Would you trust someone with your passport and future without checking if they are certified? Many students do! That’s risky.

According to a 2023 report, over 40% of visa rejections in India were linked to incomplete or incorrect documentation—often caused by inexperienced agents.

✅ Checklist: Verify their affiliation with international universities, IDP/British Council partnerships, and their registration in India.

3. Ignoring Reviews and Student Testimonials

Don’t just go by what consultants say—listen to what students say. Google reviews, JustDial, and YouTube videos can give you genuine feedback.

✅ Look for: Students from your city or college who’ve worked with them. Ask to speak to past students directly.

4. Falling for '100% Visa Guarantee' Promises

There’s no such thing as a visa guarantee. Immigration officers, not agents, approve your visa.

Red flag alert: If someone says, "We guarantee your visa," walk away!

✅ Choose someone who talks about visa success strategies, not promises.

5. Not Asking About End-to-End Services

Some consultants only help with applications and stop after that. But a good consultant will assist with:

• SOP/LOR writing

• IELTS prep

• Visa interview training

• Pre-departure briefings

✅ Ask clearly: What is included in the package? Any hidden charges?

6. Not Attending a Free Counselling Session First

You won’t buy shoes without trying them, right? Same logic applies here. Always attend a free demo or counselling session.

✅ Ask questions during the session:

• Which countries do you specialise in?

• How do you shortlist universities?

• How many Band 7+ IELTS students have you guided?

7. Focusing Only on Low Consultancy Fees

Cheap doesn’t always mean best. Some agents attract students with low pricing but compromise on quality services or documentation accuracy.

✅ Balance budget and credibility. Paying a little extra for peace of mind is worth it.

8. Overlooking Country-Specific Expertise

Every country has its own rules. A consultant great for Canada may not be the best for Germany.

✅ Make sure the consultant has expertise and updated info on your target country.

At Study Square, for example, we have dedicated teams for Australia, Canada, USA, UK, and Europe—because one-size doesn't fit all.

9. Not Getting a Written Agreement

Verbal promises won’t help you later. Always ask for a written service agreement with refund clauses and deliverables clearly mentioned.

✅ Written proof = peace of mind.

10. Not Checking University Tie-ups and Track Record

A reputed consultant will have:

• Direct tie-ups with top universities

• 100+ successful admissions

• Testimonials from leading colleges

• 
  

✅ Ask for actual admission letters of past students. Trust real data.

11. Not Comparing Multiple Consultants

Don’t finalise the first one you meet. Shortlist at least 2–3 agencies and compare their:

• Approach

• Success rates

• Pricing

• University portfolio

  
  

✅ You’ll notice the difference in how they handle queries and guide you.

12. Ignoring Post-Admission Support

Many students struggle after landing abroad—no guidance on housing, part-time jobs, or settling down.

✅ A great consultant like Study Square also helps with post-landing services like accommodation and networking support.

13. Choosing Without Parental Involvement

Your parents are going to be your financial and emotional support system. Their involvement ensures you're not misled or pressured.

✅ Always include them in your counselling sessions and decision-making.

Final Thoughts

Your study abroad dream is too important to be left to chance. Choosing the right consultant is your first big step—and avoiding these common mistakes will save you stress, time, and money.

If you're looking for the best abroad education consultants in Ahmedabad, Study Square is trusted by thousands of Indian students for expert, honest, and end-to-end overseas education support.

FAQs

Q1. What is the most common mistake students make while selecting an education consultant?A: Relying solely on ads or social media without checking credentials and real reviews.

Q2. Can consultants really guarantee admission or visa?A: No. They can guide and increase your chances, but visa decisions depend on the embassy.

Q3. Is it necessary to hire a consultant for studying abroad?A: Not mandatory, but consultants help avoid errors in applications, documentation, and visa filing.

Q4. How do I check if an education consultant is genuine?A: Look for official affiliations, student testimonials, registration numbers, and verified success stories.

Q5. Should I attend counselling from multiple consultants?A: Yes, it helps you compare services, transparency, and overall comfort level.