How does counselling work?

If you want to live in Canada, studying here is one of your best pathways – and we can help you get started. No matter what stage you’re at – comparing schools, choosing a program or evaluating career options – we can help you find the best fit and coordinate your college or university application. Here’s how.

How we help you find the best course for you

When you first meet one of our experienced advisors, we'll discuss:

• What you’re looking for – your education, career and migration goals
• Your background – education, experience, interests
• Your requirements – location, budget and start date
• Your choices – which schools and courses match your goals and background
• Next steps – how the application process works

Our counsellors have years of experience and broad knowledge about Canada’s offerings, from college to university.

Deciding on a program of study is something you don’t take lightly, so neither do we. Your counsellor will work with you to develop a shortlist of programs and explain the benefits of each one.

In addition to your career goals, two things you’ll discuss with your counsellor are your budget and timeline. Knowing how much a course will cost and how much you can afford to spend on your education are important factors in choosing where and what to study.

Another factor to consider when looking at your options is where you want to study – not just which city or province, but what kind of place. Do you want to be in an urban centre, or somewhere quiet? Do you care more about cultural diversity or clubs and activities?

You should also carefully consider the academic year you wish to enroll in and the semester you want to apply for. Your IDP counsellor will guide you through the first steps of when, where and how you can apply to study and commence your course. There are three school semesters in Canada:

• Fall: Primary intake starts in August/September
• Winter / Spring: Smaller intake in January/February
• Summer: Limited programs intake in May/June

One of the biggest benefits of working with a trusted agency like IDP is the help we provide in submitting applications. Different institutions have different application requirements, so our counsellors will help compile your paperwork and make sure everything is in order. They’ll even send your application directly to your chosen schools.

Managing your documents is even easier thanks to the IDP Live app. You can add files from your phone (or just take a photo to upload) then get feedback from your counsellor – all in the app! You can also use it to search and bookmark programs that interest you. Download it now on the Apple Store or Google Play.

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Schools respond as fast as a few days, or up to two months. If they offer you a place in a course, you will receive an official offer letter.

Depending on how early you apply, the competitiveness of your program, and your qualifications, schools can take anywhere from a few days to up to two months to review your application. However, most schools respond within 2-6 weeks. If they offer you a place in a course, you will receive an official offer letter.

In the event you receive offers from multiple schools and/or programs, our counsellors will work with you to decide on which offer is best for you. If there are no conditions on your offer letter that you need to meet, you can accept the offer immediately!