How does LeapScholar's fee structure differ from IDP's for study abroad counseling services?
Yes, both are currently free. LeapScholar charges no counselling fee, funded through university partnerships and commissions. IDP also offers free study abroad counselling and application help. The real difference lies in paid add-ons like test prep, university network size, and application fee waivers offered through IDP.
Your counselling fee at LeapScholar and IDP is currently the same: zero. Both platforms say core counselling, from profile evaluation to visa guidance, costs Indian students nothing. Where they genuinely differ is in how each is funded and what paid add-ons sit alongside the free counselling.
LeapScholar vs IDP Fee Structure
| Service | LeapScholar | IDP India |
|---|---|---|
| Initial counselling | Free | Free |
| University shortlisting | Free | Free |
| Application assistance | Free (core counselling) | Free |
| Visa guidance | Included | Included |
| Paid add-ons | Test prep, premium tools | Third-party costs may apply |
| Funding model | University partner commissions | University partnerships |
What Actually Differs Between the Two
- IELTS/PTE prep: LeapScholar sells test preparation courses separately from its free counselling.
- Application fee waivers: IDP says many partner universities waive application fees when you apply through them.
- University network: the specific universities each counsellor can offer you may differ, so ask upfront whether your target university is a partner of theirs.
My Advice
Don't choose your counsellor based on the headline free claim alone, since both are free. Instead, ask each counsellor directly whether every university on your shortlist is a partner, and whether that affects which options you're shown. That question matters far more than the counselling fee itself.
Confused about SOPs, transcripts and documents?
Step-by-step application support from an expert.
More Universities & admissions questions
- What are some effective online German language classes for Indian students preparing to study in Germany?
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- If I apply to two courses at the same university, do I need separate letters of recommendation for each course or can I use the same letter for both?
- What are the chances of getting a conditional offer letter requiring IELTS even if I have a good 12th standard score?
- Is January 2027 intake possible for masters in business analytics in UK/UAE?
- Which universities in the USA offer MS Engineering Management for a B.Tech Automotive Engineering graduate, Duolingo 120 and ₹80 lakhs budget?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Is it possible to study computer science with specialization in artificial intelligence in UK/New Zealand for a Master's?