Are education consultants pushing countries based on commission, not student interest?
Yes—in many cases, education consultants do push countries, universities, or pathways based more on commission structures than on a student’s long-term interest. But the reality is nuanced. Here’s a clear, honest breakdown—especially relevant in the Indian study-abroad ecosystem 👇
How the commission system actually works
Most overseas universities pay agents a commission:
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Typically 10%–25% of first-year tuition
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Some private colleges pay 30%+
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Commission varies by country, intake urgency, and student volume
This creates an incentive bias.
Where student interest gets compromised
1. Country pushing instead of career planning
Students are often pushed toward:
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🇨🇦 Canada (earlier)
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🇦🇺 Australia
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🇬🇧 UK (1-year masters = quick turnover)
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🇮🇪 Ireland / 🇳🇿 New Zealand (smaller markets but high commissions)
Even when:
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The course has weak employability
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The visa pathway is tightening
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The student’s academic profile doesn’t fit long-term outcomes
2. Low-ranked / private universities get preference
Many consultants promote:
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Colleges with low entry criteria
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Institutions struggling to fill seats
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Universities unknown to employers
Why?
👉 Faster offers + easier visas + higher commissions
Not necessarily better education.
3. “Study–Work–PR” dream is oversold
Consultants sometimes:
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Downplay visa risks
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Overpromise part-time income
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Ignore mental health, cultural shock, or academic pressure
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Treat post-study work visas as guaranteed pathways
This turns education into a migration sales pitch.
Who gets affected the most
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First-generation international students
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Middle-income Indian families investing life savings
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Students unaware of global ranking, accreditation, or labor-market realities
Not all consultants are the same (important)
Ethical consultants:
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Disclose commission relationships
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Present multiple countries and options
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Focus on career mapping, not just visas
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Say “no” when a student is not ready or suitable
Many smaller, academically driven institutes (like serious language-test and counseling centers) actually lose business by being honest.
How students can protect themselves
Ask these uncomfortable questions:
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“Do you get paid by this university?”
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“What are my options if PR rules change?”
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“How many graduates from this course actually get skilled jobs?”
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“Can I apply independently to this university?”
If answers feel defensive or vague → 🚩
The hard truth
When education becomes a product, students become customers—not learners.
And commission-led counseling turns dreams into financial experiments.
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