Free study abroad counselling

With numerous options to consider, making decisions about where and what to study, and discovering the optimal application approach for increased acceptance odds, can be challenging. Here's how we can assist you in discovering the perfect course and destination.

Course selection and application  

IDP’s counselors are adept at comprehending your educational aspirations and locating the ideal course that aligns with your ambitions. Our team can make the optimal choice for you, thanks to our advanced knowledge matching system that houses the latest information about our 600 partner universities and institutions. Additionally, you have the convenience of browsing various universities and tracking your application progress using the  IDP Live app. 

Relatable and approachable 

Our experienced counselors comprehend your study objectives. In fact, a number of our counselors were international students themselves, enabling them to address all your queries.

Speak your preferred language 

If you prefer conversing in your native language during your visit, rest assured that we have team members who can make you feel at ease and understand you.
 

What should you expect? 

During your initial meeting with us, your counselor will discuss the following topics:

• Your education, experiences, interests, timeline, budget, and career or migration objectives.

• Courses that align with your requirements.

• The application process.

• Visa considerations and their alignment with your intentions.

• Upcoming information on events that might be of interest.

Submitting your study applications 

We provide the necessary institution course application documents and institution program guides, and also compile your applications while ensuring the certification of supporting documents.

Subsequently, we handle the task of submitting your application to the university or institution you've selected.

You might receive an invitation to meet with education institution representatives who will evaluate your application and determine your eligibility for the course.

Additionally, you could seize the chance to engage in discussions about course structures and graduate outcomes during our education seminars.

Response from the study provider  

Within two to six weeks of submitting your application, you can expect a response from the school or university. When you are granted a place in a course, an offer letter will be issued to you.

In certain instances, a school or university representative can evaluate your eligibility for the course and provide an offer letter during your interview. These interviews might occur at our office or at one of IDP's numerous international student events held throughout the year.

Acceptance and payment 

If your offer letter has no conditions, you can accept it right away. Some examples of conditions that might be listed in the offer letter include providing a fresh IELTS test result, an academic transcript from your most recent study, or certified documents.

You can accept these offers at an IDP office, and the deposit will be directly paid to the school or university extending the offer. Your counselor will accompany you throughout the process, ensuring guidance and ease.

1. Are there any basic entry requirements for studying abroad?

Admission requirements vary greatly from country to country, degree to degree, and school to school. In addition, some schools require students to complete a foundation course in order to be admitted, as the scope of recognition for Korean majors is different. Even if it is the same course, every university has its own admission criteria, so you should carefully check the admission requirements for your major at each school.

IDP's professional counsellors can guide you through the exact entry requirements for your desired major and give you professional advice based on your requirements.

2. How do I estimate the cost of studying abroad?

There are many factors to consider when estimating the cost of studying abroad. Depending on the programme you choose, the duration, the country and your lifestyle, the cost of studying abroad will vary greatly. Even within the same country, tuition fees for different majors vary greatly between different universities.

In some countries, you may need to prove the financial capacity in advance in order to get a visa. Many students also expect to work part-time in their host country to help meet their living expenses. However, some countries do not allow part-time work on a student visa.

This is a very important aspect of studying abroad and should be prepared for with the advice of a professional counsellor.

3. What should I consider when choosing a school and major?

• The first thing to consider when choosing a school and major is your aptitude, interest, and career path. The suitability of the major should be the first choice as it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and a large investment of money and time.

• When choosing a major, the details, curriculum, employment rate, prospects, and internships or practicums depending on the major are important factors that allow you to consider both the major and the school. The curriculum of each school in each country may be different, and the content of internships and practicums may be very different.

• The location of the university, its world ranking, tuition fees, and the cost of living in the area are also important to consider, as well as the country's political and economic situation and social safety, which are often overlooked aspects of studying abroad.

• Lifestyle can also be a consideration. Some students love big city life, while others prefer smaller cities where they can focus on their studies. You may prefer a city with a large number of Korean students, or you may want to choose a beach or holiday resort, or a place where you will definitely be able to live on a university campus.

• Some countries, such as Australia, Canada, and New Zealand, offer post-study work visas to encourage international students to gain a more diverse experience. Each country is very different and these policies change from time to time depending on the country's circumstances.

• Choosing your major and school is a very important and detailed process. IDli's full-time study abroad counsellors provide accurate, up-to-date information and advice to help you make the best choice, taking into account your aptitude, career aspirations and other factors.

4. Will studying abroad help me choose a career?

Studying abroad is one of the most important aspects of studying at one of the world's leading universities, but it is not the only one. In an increasingly globalised world, you will be able to share and learn values, languages, cultures, perspectives and new skills with students from different cultures and gain a broader perspective on things and the world. This is something that many global organisations are now looking for.

A recent survey of 4,500 international students graduating from universities in the United States found that studying abroad was very beneficial and a better fit for the talent and skills employers are looking for.

5. Will my degree from abroad be recognised in Korea?

All of IDP's partner universities in Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, and New Zealand offer degrees that are recognised in Korea. However, the method of obtaining professional courses or certificates is very different in each country.

In particular, professional qualifications such as medical, engineering, accounting, or teaching qualifications are recognised by different countries, some through exams and some through experience, so the process can be very different. If you want to study a professional course, you will need to follow the exact guidelines of each professional association, and you can get accurate advice and recommendations from your IDP counsellor.

6. Are there any ways to finance my studies abroad?

Many students ask us about scholarships for IDPs, and when you look up each school, you'll find that there are more scholarships available in each country than you might think. As you can imagine, the terms and conditions of each scholarship are very different and the amount varies.

Some schools offer special scholarships for Korean students to attract Korean students. There are different scholarships available for different grades and majors, and while you'll need to be very good to get a full-tuition scholarship, some scholarships may be a little easier to get.

At IDP, we collect the most up-to-date scholarship information for schools in each country and advise students on the exact terms and conditions. Did you know that more IDP students are studying abroad on a variety of scholarships than you might think?

Check out our scholarship reviews!

7. Can I work while studying?

If you are able to work while studying, it will help you a lot in terms of living expenses. However, if you are not able to stick to your studies because of this, it will be a problem. Some countries limit the amount of work you can do or allow you to work for a limited time.

It is very important to check the exact conditions of the student visa for each country, which are clearly stated on the website of the respective immigration or visa centre. For the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada, the criteria for part-time work varies depending on your degree, so be sure to get accurate guidance from your IDP advisor.

Part-time work, internships and post-graduation employment for international students is now a very important aspect of studying abroad. Many universities have opened employment centres so that international students can receive various information, and there are many cases of successful employment. Going to the university's employment centre and getting consultation is one of the experiences you should have as an international student.

8. When is the best time to apply for admission?

If you are considering studying abroad, you should prepare, decide, and apply at least one year before the start of the school year.

Some countries have deadlines, but in Australia and New Zealand, applications are reviewed as soon as they are received, so you may get a quicker result and have an advantage in the early stages when there is no competition.

Semesters by country

• Australia

  • 1st semester: February/March to May/June

  • Semester 2: July/August to end of November

• New Zealand

  • 1st term: February to June

  • Term 2: July to November

• Australia

  • Term 1: September to December

  • Term 2: January to April

  • Term 3: April to June

• USA

  • Autumn term: August to December

  • Spring Term: January to April

  • Summer Term: May to August

• Canada

  • Autumn term: starts August

  • Spring term: starts January/February

  • Summer term: starts May/June

# The above information is a basic guide and may vary for each university you wish to apply to.

9. Do I need an agent to apply for admission?

It is not mandatory to use an agent to apply for admission to overseas universities. However, it is not uncommon for applicants to receive a delayed response or rejection due to incomplete documents. In addition, for some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, if you do not use an official agent, you must send original documents to the country. Similarly, visa documents must be prepared meticulously or they may not be considered.

IDP is an official agent of our overseas partner universities, so all our counsellors are knowledgeable and up-to-date. We are committed to helping students achieve the best possible outcome.

10. What kind of company is IDP?

IDP is a 50-year-old global education organisation established by the Australian Universities and Colleges Council and co-organiser of IELTS, the official English language test. With offices in more than 100 countries in 34 countries, IDP has a global network of offices around the world and provides a range of study abroad and local support services to students wishing to study abroad in English-speaking countries.

IDP was established exclusively for students, so we provide transparent and accurate information and conduct study abroad counselling and procedures for students' purposes.

Learn about IDP Education

11. Do I have to pay a consultation or processing fee for IDP?

All consultations with IDP are free of charge. We provide study abroad information and study abroad counselling at any time for free in person, over the phone, and via email. IDP's partner schools are also free of charge, although certain fees may apply in some cases, such as the U.S. Other fees may include professional translation of documents, original postage, and notary fees.

Contact IDP's expert counsellors today. We will provide you with detailed counselling to help you succeed in your studies.