Indian students want to study overseas in Germany, the US, the UK, Canada, and other countries that offer quality education, world-class facilities, excellent job opportunities, and a better quality of life abroad. However, choosing the correct country, university, and academic program can be daunting for a student. The best study abroad consultants in cities like Kochi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi and Chennai have been helping students realise their overseas education dreams. You too can make your academic dreams come true in the country of your choice.

Why Study Abroad as an Indian Student?

India produces exceptionally bright students, especially in IT, healthcare, engineering, finance, etc. They are sought after by top companies worldwide. Unfortunately, the Indian educational and job environment is highly competitive, sometimes depriving qualified students of opportunities. 

Other roadblocks for Indian students include high entrance cutoffs and reservations that can snuff out many dreams. Therefore, many Indian students want to study abroad because of the promise of better education, job opportunities, and quality of life.

Indian talent is in high demand in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, which have been attracting graduates to search for employment opportunities and settle down. These countries offer better job opportunities, salaries, and living standards than India. 

Difference Between Study Abroad Consultants and Educational Advisors 

A study abroad consultant and an educational advisor fulfill the requirements, but the former focuses on overseas education. While an educational advisor helps you with general academic planning and career guidance, a study abroad advisor will aid you in international education and study abroad programs. Choosing a study abroad consultant and an educational advisor depends on your academic goals. 

Why Do You Need Study Abroad Consultants?

Indian students often face many roadblocks in their study-abroad plans. These include financial difficulties, language barriers, cultural differences, and a general lack of awareness about going abroad to pursue education. 

In such cases, turning to study abroad consultants like Onwardo who can handle your end-to-end requirements will be ideal. Suppose you also have plans to study abroad. In that case, it’s best to talk to an overseas education consultant who will help you discover your career direction, develop your right profile, and help you prepare for your study abroad experience. 

If you have booked a session with your study abroad counselor, ask these relevant questions to get the best out of your consultation.  

1. What are the Top Countries to Study Abroad? 

If you haven’t yet zeroed in on a country, consider asking study abroad consultants. They will evaluate your academic record, test scores, career goals, and preferred lifestyle and help you find the right fit.

For example, the consultant will suggest countries like Germany or Finland if you want a budget-friendly study abroad destination. But if you seek work-study balance, they will direct you to countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. They may recommend Germany, the UK, or Ireland if your goal is to pursue tech.

They can also identify each country’s pros and cons and align them according to your requirements. Study abroad consultants can also map your academic strengths and direct you to a country that best serves your needs. 

Read Also: Top Destinations for Study MBA Abroad 2025

2. What Programs Do You Recommend for My Field of Study?

As a student with aspirations to study abroad, you most likely have a precise aim in the field of study you want to pursue. Study abroad consultants aid students in realising their educational ambitions for a living. 

They have the latest information about top universities, programs, and admission requirements. They are trained to guide you about the institutions best suited for the programs you want to pursue. It’s a daunting task for students to figure it all out by themselves; therefore, students are advised to talk to experts who specialise in the field of study abroad. 

3. What are the Top Universities for My Program?

This is a crucial question to ask right at the beginning. Just because a university is prestigious doesn’t mean it is best suited for your program. For example, Carnegie Mellon is great for Computer Science, but Yale and Harvard rule supreme when it comes to Law.

Asking this question will help you decide strategically about the institute you should pursue. Investing in the most reputable program will also give you a better return on investment. 

Your future employers also care more about the reputation of the program and less about the university you got it from. 

4. What Are the Academic Requirements for These Programs?

This is a valid question for students approaching consultants for the first time. Every program has specific requirements; you have to ensure that your profile aligns with the selection criteria of the university you are applying to. This question lets you decide the best fit, ensuring you are not wasting your precious time. 

Ask your consultant about the GPA requirements and test scores for standardised tests such as the SAT, GRE, or GMAT, as well as English language proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL. 

It also helps you narrow your options, improve your grades, take language courses, gain work experience, and arrange the requisite documents. 

5. Which Documents Do I Need? 

Every university and country has different document requirements, and having the correct paperwork is crucial to the admission process. These documents include proof of language proficiency, financial records, medical reports, etc. tudy abroad consultant will be able to guide you correctly regarding the documents needed for your university and country of choice. This also saves you from the last-minute hassles of arranging for crucial documents. If your paperwork is not immaculate, you could face rejection or delay in your application process. 

6. What Should My Personal Statement and Recommendation Letters Include?

Universities abroad require a Statement of Purpose (SOP) and a Letter of Recommendation (LOR) as part of their admission process. SOP is a short essay that pitches your candidature to the university of your choice. On the other hand, a LOR is a recommendation letter written by an authoritative figure, such as a teacher or supervisor. 

Top universities are flooded with applications from candidates with similar profiles and scores. Your SOP and LOR become differentiating factors that can make or break your candidature. 

Study abroad consultants will be able to clarify the contents of your SOP and LOR. They will be able to curate an SOP that tells your story effectively and tailor it according to the values of your institution. Similarly, when it comes to LOR, they will help you choose the right recommenders who can put you in the best light possible. 

Read Also: 10 College Essay Writing Tips for Undergraduate Application

7. How Much Will This Program Cost Me?

Irrespective of your financial background, getting a clear picture of the financial 

The requirements of your program can help you plan. You will also know whether the program offers you value for your money. 

But the expenses don’t stop at the tuition fee. Living abroad can be expensive for a student’s budget, which includes rent, food, and travel expenses. You could be in for some unwanted surprises if you don’t have a complete financial picture. 

Some countries also offer employment opportunities for students who wish to work part-time to fund their studies and living expenses; however, some don’t. Get clarity from your consultant on whether the country or university you apply to allows for part-time employment. 

Every country has a specific proof-of-funds requirement to see whether the student can manage financially throughout the course. This can help you and your family arrange the necessary funds for the course. You can also seek educational loans or other funding methods if you understand your financial situation.

Getting these doubts out of the way helps you stay stress-free as far as budgeting is concerned. 

8. Are there any scholarships or financial aid options available? 

Financing overseas education is often a decisive factor for many students. Many decide to opt out of their study abroad plans due to the daunting financial burden involved. However, many students get a chunk or whole of their educational expenses covered through scholarships and financial aids. Students should therefore ask the right question to their study abroad consultants to get a full understanding of the various scholarship options. They should also ask questions about their eligibility criteria for applying for educational scholarships.

9. Which Intake (Fall/Spring/Summer) Is Ideal for Me? 

Indian universities have single intakes, which means that the admissions happen once a year. In simple terms, it’s called the “academic year,” which usually starts in June. But universities abroad have multiple intakes–fall, spring, and summer. You can pick which intake you want.  

Spring intake starts from January to May. Fall intake is between August and December. Summer intake is in May. 

This is an important question to ask your study abroad consultant because it can impact your study abroad experience, admission schedule, and internship opportunities. 

Most students opt for the fall intake, especially in countries like the UK, the US, and Canada. This time period has many programs that allow students to participate in student orientation and other activities. Fall intake also aligns with job cycles, optimising chances for summer internships between their academic schedules. 

10. When Are the Application Deadlines, and How Early Should I Start Preparing?

Missing an application can sound like the death knell for your aspiration to study abroad. Deadlines can differ from university to university and program to program. They can also change from year to year. Study abroad consultants are your best resource if you want to stay updated. They are up to date with the workings of top universities and can provide accurate information for the programs you aim for. Asking this question in advance can save you from costly mistakes.

11. What is the Safety Situation Like in the City and University? 

With the changing geopolitical landscape, some countries have become more hostile towards students of other nationalities. This has also considerably shifted the preferences of students in different countries. Before you zero in on a university or a government, know the safety and security situations in your study abroad destination is essential. The best person to inform you of this is your overseas educational advisor. Ask them about your chosen country’s political and social situation, and if you could talk to some students there. 

Your personal security is of the utmost importance. It provides a healthy learning environment and offers peace of mind to your loved ones back home. Asking this question at the outset will help you clear your apprehensions and settle for a country that provides the best security.  

12. What is the Academic Culture in the University?

You can avoid culture shocks by understanding the academic environment of the university of your choice in advance. If you have a clear picture, you will be better equipped to deal with student-teacher and peer-to-peer relationships at the university.

Study abroad consultants will give you a clear picture of what to expect regarding university culture, and you can plan your learning strategies accordingly.

13. What Kind of Support Do You Offer After I Have Been Accepted?

 Most study abroad consulting services may not offer end-to-end services. If you are new to studying abroad, you need a trusted advisor who will put your needs at the forefront and offer you a clear roadmap that you can follow.

A trustworthy advisor will offer you complete support, from profile building to post-admit services. At Onwardo, we will tailor the services to your needs, giving you end-to-end support from career discovery to profile building, test preparation, and allied services. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can Study Abroad Consultants Help Me?

A study abroad consultancy can help you navigate the complexities of applying to universities abroad by providing information about top programs and universities according to your academic needs and financial background. They can assist you with the application process by guiding you through the SOP and LOR process. They can also help you with he visa and documentation process, providing complete information about financial planning and other logistical challenges.

Where Do Most Indians Go to Study Abroad?

Most Indians prefer to study abroad in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Germany. While these are the traditional favourites, new countries such as Singapore, France, New Zealand, and Ireland have been rising in popularity among Indian students thanks to their visa policies and overall student experience. 

How Much  Do Study Abroad Consultants Charge in India?

Your study abroad consultant can charge you according to the extent of their services. In India, study abroad consultants can charge a basic fee between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000. More comprehensive packages with bespoke services can cost you between Rs 30,000 and Rs 2,00,000. However, some consultants can also offer free counselling for basic services. 

What Are the Benefits of Studying Abroad?

The benefits of studying abroad as an Indian student are plentiful. You get global exposure, a better quality of education, exceptional career prospects, and higher chances of personal growth than you would if you studied in India.  

What Does a Study Abroad Consultant Do?

A study abroad consultant can help shape your career in a strategic manner through Career Discovery, Profile Building, Test Prep, Admissions Consulting and Post Admit Services. At Onwardo, we create a future-ready candidate by training the student from Grade 9. Through our varied services, we help the candidate zero in on an area of interest, direct them to the right programs, build a strong profile, help them ace their tests and then help them with allied services.