What is an international education consultant? This is a question commonly asked by students before they are made aware of how consultancy can lead to smart decision-making. Educational consultants work with students to improve educational experiences and outcomes. This involves counselling students about their educational and career goals, analyzing their strengths and weaknesses to identify the right programs or schools, and offering advice on applications, study or work permits, and how to access financial aid if necessary.
Education consultants like IDP Canada are routinely sought after by international students already in the country, for help with furthering their academic journeys overseas by enrolling in a new educational institution or program.
Studying in Canada is one of the best choices you can make for your future. As experts in international student placements, IDP Canada can help you choose a course that’s right for you and make sure you have the best chance at having your application accepted. We specialize in helping students navigate the process of switching programs and extending their study permits, among a host of other services.
Here’s what a lot of international students want to know: What options do I have to continue my studies in Canada? How do I extend my study permit in Canada? Or can I change my program or university after arriving in Canada? IDP Canada counsellors have answers to these, and other questions related to academic goals, career and immigration pathways, and more. It's why thousands of students from around the world choose to work with us.
Applying to a new school or program can be tough, given the paperwork, deadlines, essays, test scores, or information about programs and seats available. Experienced education consultants help students find a new program that aligns with their academic or career goals. By working with a counsellor, students save themselves the worry of double-checking that they have all the right documentation. They don’t have to wonder about the status of their applications either, because our counsellors have close relationships with nearly 150 Canadian schools and can intervene if issues with applications arise.
Working with IDP Canada also improves your chances: 92% of IDP students get into their first-choice schools, and almost 100% get their study permit extensions approved!
Our counsellors also offer advice on selecting the right program, switching options, sending multiple applications, and reviewing offer letters. Switching programs or universities is common among international students in Canada, provided their study permits are extended to accommodate a new program. If you have questions about extending a study permit, IDP counsellors can guide you through the process with the help of immigration partners, making sure you meet all requirements to extend your stay, while helping you with timelines.
IDP Canada counsellors can also help you with further studies, after you have completed your first program in Canada.
Wondering about the steps to transfer to another university in Canada? Or if you can extend your study permit after enrolling in a different program?
Changing your school or program depends upon students meeting all the conditions of their study permit. A student must be enrolled at a designated learning institution (DLI), and must be actively studying while in Canada. The IRCC must be informed of any change, and if conditions on a study permit need to be changed. Students may also be asked to confirm their status.
An education consultant can help international students navigate the rules and regulations that come into play while switching programs or schools. If you change post-secondary schools, for example, the chosen school must also be a DLI.
Transferring to another educational institution in Canada requires careful planning. IDP Canada consultants provide step-by-step guidance to make the process smooth, from submitting applications, to securing the right documentation. They can also ensure that your study permit extension aligns with your new program.
IDP Canada’s counsellors have a high success rate helping students while they transition between programs. We can offer tailored advice based on a student’s academic background and goals, thanks to our long association with top Canadian universities, immigration partners, and experienced counsellors who have guided thousands of students over the years.
IDP Canada works with some of Canada’s top educational institutions. We have long-standing relationships with university and college partners that are built on trust, and a mutual goal of supporting students in achieving their education ambitions. These partnerships also allow our counsellors to help students choose the right program or school, based on their individual plans.
We believe the best consultancy to study in Canada is one that puts student needs first and backs them with expertise as well as results.
Here is another question from international students that our counsellors deal with often: Can I work while studying and will I be able to apply for a work permit after finishing my new program?
Canada allows international students to work while they study. Their spouse or common-law partner can also get a work permit. Students can also work temporarily or find a pathway to permanent residency in Canada after graduating, if they apply for a post-graduation work permit. However, it is important to understand who is eligible for a work permit, who can work on-campus or off-campus, and for how many hours.
A Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) allows students who have completed eligible programs at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) to gain valuable work experience, which can significantly enhance their career prospects and help them transition to permanent residency.
As of September 2024, new regulations related to work permits are in place, which makes it important for students to find out if their programs allow them to extend their stay in Canada after completing their studies. Obtaining a PGWP can be a major step for students, as this work experience is valuable when applying for permanent residency under programs like the Canadian Experience Class (CEC). IDP Canada has also teamed up with trusted immigration consulting partners to help our students build their lives in Canada after graduation. Here's how our immigration partners can help.
IDP is trusted by universities and students worldwide. In its 50-plus-year history, our company has helped more than 500,000 students make their international education dreams a reality.
IDP Canada has been recognized as a leading education consultancy with a proven track record of providing personalized and comprehensive support. This is thanks to our experienced counsellors, trusted partnerships, and extensive experience.
It’s not just the number of students we’ve served overseas; it’s how well we have done it. Here's what makes IDP the best education consultancy for you: In the past five years alone, IDP has been named Education Agency of the Year, Language Educator of the Year, Agent of the Year, and Most Trusted Agency by international education organizations. When you work with IDP, you’re working with the best.
If you’re ready to extend your stay in Canada, or continue your educational journey, contact our international education consultants for a free consultation today. Our student counsellors have over 100 years of combined experience, and can help you apply for a second program, switch courses to a different one, transfer to a new school, or get personalized advice on your academic or career goals.