What should I verify myself instead of relying completely on an education consultant for studying abroad?
Verify four things yourself: university course content on the university website, admission criteria on the official course page, visa steps and timelines on the government portal, and scholarship details on direct scholarship pages. Consultants help with logistics, but the final decisions and checks remain yours.
Consultants can help with logistics, but you should personally verify your course, admission criteria, visa steps and scholarships using official sources. Some may promote only the universities they are tied up with, so cross-checking protects you.
What to check yourself
| What to check | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|
| University course content | Ensures subject and career fit | University website |
| Admission criteria | Avoids rejection due to ineligibility | Official course page |
| Visa steps and timelines | Embassy rules change often | Government portal |
| Scholarship details | Many consultants skip these | Direct scholarship pages |
Boundaries to keep with any agent
- Review your SOP, LORs and documents before anything is submitted.
- Keep university communication on your own email address.
- Do not agree to pay upfront visa or tuition fees without receipts.
My Advice
Stay involved in every step. Ask for copies of what is submitted on your behalf and compare it with the official pages, because a missed deadline or a mismatched course costs you, not the consultant.
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