Top 20 Important Questions to Ask Your Study Abroad Consultant

Seneca, an ancient Roman philosopher, once said, “If you don’t know, ask. You will be a fool for the moment, but a wise man for the rest of your life.”

Studying abroad is a terrain full of unknowns. It is also a life-changing process, and we want to encourage you to talk to a study abroad consultant like Uni Enrol. Here are 20 critical questions to think about.

Essential Questions For Your Study Abroad Consultant (Q1-Q5)

Q1: Should I Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• It may seem like an obvious question, but by reflecting on this question, you will need to examine what really motivates you to study overseas. Is it merely to follow your friends, or is cultural exposure important to you? Are the courses offered overseas not available in Malaysia? Do you hope to increase your chances of securing a career overseas with certification from a highly prestigious university?

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• A well-trained consultant will put things into perspective. They help you identify your priorities and the pros and cons of studying abroad.

• For example, if your priority is to study Veterinary, Astrophysics, or Sports Science, then your consultant may recommend considering going to Australia or the UK because they are not offered at private institutions in Malaysia. Most of the top universities in these countries have complete faculties to support various medical and science studies.

Q2: What Do I Need To Prepare To Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• There are a bunch of things you need to plan ahead of time, especially in preparation for studying abroad. For one, you must ensure your passport is valid before flying off! Beyond this, there are many other documents you have to compile for your course and visa applications. Among those documents are a statement of purpose, proof of funds, a health check report, and more. If your head is already spinning, don’t worry. Read on!

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• This is not your consultant’s first rodeo. Typically, they will have a very comprehensive checklist of what to do from the pre-application to the post-application. They guide you step-by-step, keep track of deadlines, and double-check your documents before submitting them on your behalf.

Q3: How Much Does It Cost To Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• For many families, studying abroad does require a fairly substantial budget. At the minimum, you will need to set aside RM150,000 to RM200,000 annually for tuition fees, accommodation, and daily expenses. For prestigious universities and up-market neighbourhoods, the total cost will be higher. It is crucial for your parents to be informed so that they know what options are realistic and how much they need to set aside on a monthly or yearly basis.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• Not only do study abroad consultants have more insights about each university’s tuition fees, but also the accommodation and living costs for different regions of Australia or the UK.

• For example, studying in Perth is definitely more affordable than in Sydney. Your consultant will also be able to compile different budget scenarios for you to compare. They will also help you apply for scholarships, usually up to 25% for international students, if you meet the requirements.

Q4: How Do I Qualify To Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• Although qualifying for the higher education system abroad and private institutions in Malaysia is similar, there are still certain criteria or preferences to note. It is more convenient to ask an education consultant like Uni Enrol. (Trust us, they will know the different requirements set by each university.)

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• For a smoother transition to studying abroad, your consultant will tell you that overseas universities will prefer qualifications from internationally recognised pre-university programmes. It can be A-level, SACE, AUSMAT, CIMP, or ADP. This is because local foundation courses may not be 100% transferable to an overseas degree.

• Moreover, an education consultant will also be able to advise on the subjects and minimum results you should attain in your pre-university to qualify for certain degree courses. For example, securing at least a BBC grade in your A-levels (with Chemistry) to study Medical Research at the University of Tasmania (UTAS).

Q5: What Can I Do If I Don’t Qualify To Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• Most students exploring how to study abroad by themselves tend to only have one plan, i.e. ”to enter my dream university”. What if Plan A fails? Without extensive research, most are unaware of other possible pathways to get to their preferred university. They may not know what would be their second-best option.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• An information-rich platform, like Uni Enrol, empowers our education consultants to provide many alternative pathways. They even customise them to your needs and preferences.

• For example, if you do not directly qualify for certain high-ranking universities, there are special pathway programmes offered by institutions like Navitas, Study Group, and Kaplan.

• An alternative option to consider is taking a Diploma first before pursuing a Degree. If you pursue a Diploma, the criteria to meet are generally lower.

Choosing What And Where To Study Abroad (Q6-Q12)

Q6: What Should I Study?

Why is this question important?

• This is another simple but very important question. Based on our experience, many students choose courses by following the crowd. Some also choose based on what their parents say they should take or what seemingly has good career prospects (even if it is not their interest).

• Thus, you should deeply reflect on this question, as it will set the direction for your research. You need it to find out what areas of learning inspire you and what career paths intersect with your knowledge and skill set.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• If you are clueless, a consultant will let you go through personality, strength, or career tests. By doing so, you will understand your interests and the latent talent that you may have.

• Your consultant is ready to enlighten you about courses that match your interests and which universities fit your field of study. With the help of Uni Enrol’s technology, hundreds of courses can be easily and instantly narrowed down.

Q7: How Do I Choose The Right Course To Study?

Why is this question important?

• Knowing what you want to study is as important as knowing how you are going to choose the right course. This is because there are several factors to consider beyond just your interest, such as the syllabus of the course and its relevance to industry needs, what practical exposure you will get from the course, the qualifications of the lecturers, the recognition of the course by professional bodies if this is applicable, and so forth.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• These are insights that your consultant can easily fill you in on or have direct access to clarify on your behalf with the university. A study abroad counsellor will guide you on what to consider and make comparisons between similar courses from different universities, as well as how they may differ in the content of their modules and syllabus.

Q8: Which Countries Are Great For Studying Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• Studying abroad gives you the opportunity for a great study and research experience. The UK has an abundance of rich schooling heritage. Australia is a melting pot of innovation, and Ireland is known for its serene learning environment.

• So, there is no one best place. Rather, look for what suits you best. Perhaps it is also the cultural, food, and travel aspects that you would like to immerse yourself in. Or it could also be the eventual career you hope to explore in these countries.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• With a wealth of experience and knowledge, your consultant will share the differences and what to expect about each popular study destination. Each region within the countries is different, with each city having different things to offer. The choice of country will typically go hand in hand with what you look for in a university. Priorities such as ranking and course offerings play an influencing role.

Q9: What Is The Education System In These Countries Like?

Why is this question important?

• The education system is also an important consideration. It impacts your learning experience, from the grading system to the entire structure of your degree programme.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• An education consultant is familiar with the differences. That aside, they will try to understand your preferences and learning style before recommending a suitable country.

• For example, the UK is generally more exam-weighted. Meanwhile, in Australia, there is more balance between exams and coursework, such as presentations, quizzes, participation, discussion, and assignments.

• Moreover, obtaining honours recognition in Australia and the UK is different, especially the duration. The Australian system entails studying an additional year after the completion of your 3-year degree. It generally prepares you for a postgraduate programme. Whereas a UK honours only requires 3 years in total, with additional work on either a project or dissertation in the final year.

• Australian universities have more flexibility in selecting majors and have a diverse set of electives as well. UK universities generally offer fewer electives and have a more focused set of disciplines.

Q10: How Should I Choose A University?

Why is this question important?

• Choosing one’s university to spend the next 3 years at makes the decision process all the more crucial to be systematic and informed. Most students are not sure what parameters and aspects they should think about when making that decision.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• One of Uni Enrol’s missions is to guide and educate students on how to process the right information and arrive at an informed decision they are happy with.

• Your consultant will go through a series of checklists to understand what your priorities are. Some of these consideration points include university ranking, tuition costs, campus environment, international student mix, industry ties with the university, and the employability track record of graduates.

Q11: Which Are The Awesome Universities I Should Consider For My Chosen Field?

Why is this question important?

• With the accessibility that the internet brings, you can easily do your own research and browse various university websites you are interested in. However, not all information is shown upfront or is as apparent.

• Different universities have different course specialisations they are known for. For instance, the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) heavily covers physics, biology, and engineering sciences. Thus, a majority of their courses are science-focused.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• A study abroad consultant who works closely with multiple universities will have insights that may not be publicly available that you can tap into. They recommend the right options based on what you are looking for and the university’s strengths. If you seek an engineering course, universities with big investments in research labs and close collaboration with industrial experts will top their list. 

• Aside from resource and facility compatibility, your consultant will share information about the types of support and services universities provide for international students.

Q12: What Courses Do They Offer?

Why is this question important?

• Not all universities offer the courses you want. Especially when your selected course is really niche. In that situation, get help from your study abroad consultant. They are able to instantly scan through many universities. Furthermore, it is also good to know what kinds of fields of study each university is popular for and how they differ in content and teaching approach.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• A consultant will be able to provide you with accurate updates about a course. Each year, new courses may come about or be discontinued, and new upgrades to the syllabus and entry requirements may take place. Should there be any changes, your consultant will be the first to know.

Study Abroad Expectations (Q13-Q20)

Q13: Is There Support For International Students?

Why is this question important?

• Being in an unknown country is sure to invite some anxiety. Even though one should build connections with local students and local communities, there is a sense of comfort in seeking out international students who share similar circumstances.

• Moreover, the transition into your new life will be smoother with the help of an international student support system that can point you in the right direction for whatever you need.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• Your consultant may not be able to physically be there with you, but they can share how each university provides support for their international students. This support and service include pre-arrival briefings, orientation programmes, on-campus counsellors for international students, and relevant student affairs bodies.

• There could also be past students assisted by your consultant who went to the same university. They can share their experiences with you and let you know how to best integrate with the community.

Q14: Are There Scholarships Or Financial Assistance I Can Apply For?

Why is this question important?

• Being able to save on your study abroad degree through scholarships will be helpful in stretching your parent’s or guardian’s budget. This savings can be reallocated for your living expenses, learning materials or extra-curricular experiences to be had. In some instances, they may need to close the funding gap using education loans offered by banks or authorised financial institutions.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• As part of the application process, your education consultant will be able to assess if you qualify for any type of scholarship and will help you submit it alongside your enrolment application. In fact, most scholarships for international students go up to 25%.

• There are local banks that provide overseas education loans such as Maybank, Affin and Alliance Bank. However, the financing rates can be relatively high.

Q15: What Are The Difficulties Of Applying To Study Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• The process of applying to study abroad is not rocket science. It is very tedious, and many mistakes can be made if you attempt it by yourself. The consequence of this is you may miss application deadlines, get your application rejected, or lose your scholarship opportunity.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• This is where the training and experience of a professional study abroad consultant shines. As shared earlier in this article, they have a comprehensive checklist so that you do not miss any deadlines or required documentation. Your consultant will also guide you through the visa application process until you secure a seat at your dream university.

• Along the way, they solve problems and provide pro tips. For example, they may share the “formula” for selecting UK universities on UCAS (which is applying for 3 top-tier, 1 mid-tier, and 1 lower-tier university, OR, choosing 3 top-tier and 2 mid-tier institutions) to increase the chances of securing better choices.

Q16: I’m Worried I Can’t Fit In My New Environment. What Should I Expect?

Why is this question important?

• For someone who finds it hard to be away from family for extended periods of time, it is good to get as much information. Know what to expect and how to deal with social situations in a new culture. This will help to minimise any culture shock, anxiety and feeling homesick.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• They help you settle into your new environment by managing your essentials (accommodation). As part of the services, you will gain an overview of your country from your consultant. During the preparation, they also link you to the university representative who will give you a comprehensive briefing on what to expect and what social support is available.

• Your consultant may even give you extra pointers, such as popular social hangouts near campus or your accommodation and what new experiences and activities you can seek outside of your learning environment.

Q17: What Should I Do To Make The Most Of My Study Abroad Experience

Why is this question important?

• The point of going overseas to study is not just to bury your nose in books and assignments. It is to have a well-rounded and holistic experience. Broaden your horizons and perspective, hone your social and networking skills, learn to be independent, learn how best to secure a career there once you graduate or start a side hustle if you want.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• At Uni Enrol, we want you to have a transformative experience in those 3 years or more. We emphasize optimizing 3 areas, which are your academic exposure, social exposure and career exposure.

• To improve academics, have more deep discussions with your lecturers and peers who are performing well. Learn how they prepare for exams. Understand what your lecturers look for in the assignments. Do not be afraid to ask questions as university is the place where you develop your critical thinking.

• Next, get yourself involved in various social clubs or events. You get to meet new people, and form strong relationships with both local and international students.

• It is not easy to secure a job as an international graduate. Nevertheless, there are many ways to improve your chances, such as taking internships, getting your lecturer’s recommendation, and reaching out and meeting with influential people from the working industry while you are a student.

Q18: Where Should I Stay During My Studies?

Why is this question important?

• Accommodation is probably the second most important decision after picking your university. In fact, for many students, the availability of reasonably nearby accommodation will greatly influence the university choice as well. Securing an accommodation that is safe and convenient is important.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• Your consultant will help you secure on-campus accommodation by liaising directly with the persons in charge at the university. Another alternative is connecting you to trusted student accommodation agents who will search for the right off-campus location for you and will assist you in settling in once you arrive.

• Good accommodations are in high demand in Australia and the UK. This is why study abroad consultants will advise starting the university application process early so that you can secure your accommodation quickly once the university enrolment is confirmed.

Q19: Can I Work While Studying Abroad?

Why is this question important?

• Many students look for part-time jobs to fund their living expenses or to have additional pocket money. Some may even provide some tutoring services on the side. As an international student, you need to be aware of the labour laws and your rights.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• Your consultant will be able to fill you in on some of the basic rights you have under the labour law. For instance, your student visa grants you permission to work part-time overseas. In Australia, you are entitled to 48 working hours per fortnight and a minimum wage of AUD$23.23 per hour. In the UK, you are entitled to 20 working hours weekly and a minimum wage of GBP5.28 per hour (for under 18s), GBP7.49 per hour (for ages 18-20) and GBP10.18 per hour (for ages 20–21).

Q20: Can I Work Abroad After I Graduate?

Why is this question important?

• If you have plans to find a job overseas after graduating, it helps to be aware of the rules and limitations, so you can plan ahead. You should also be aware of the different lists of job categories prioritised by different countries. How easy to secure is generally determined by the labour shortage of certain skills needed by society and businesses in those countries and is usually evaluated based on what you studied.

How does your Study Abroad Consultant help?

• If you have plans to find a job overseas after graduating, it helps to be aware of the rules and limitations to plan ahead. You should also be aware of the different lists of job categories prioritised by different countries.

• Furthermore, how easy to secure is generally determined by the labour shortage of certain skills needed by society and businesses in those countries.And, it is usually evaluated based on what you studied.

• Before graduating, you should start to apply for a working visa. In the UK, the Graduate Visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years. In Australia, you procure a Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which gets you 2 to 4 years depending on your level of study and qualification.

Your education matters, and your study abroad consultant is here to help you out. A trip overseas requires a lot of preparation, so ask away!