Choosing a Reputable Study Abroad Consultancy: 7 Things to Check

  •  / Choosing a Reputable Study Abroad Consultancy: 7 Things to Check

Choosing a Reputable Study Abroad Consultancy: 7 Things to Check


Choosing a trustworthy study abroad consultancy matters just as much as choosing the right school or major. A good consultant keeps the family on the right track, is transparent about costs and reduces the risk of application problems. A poor choice can cost the family time, money and confidence. Below are 7 things parents and high school students should check before signing a study abroad consultancy contract.

Why does choosing a consultancy matter?

For most families, studying abroad is a major investment and the first time their child lives far from home. Parents are rarely familiar with foreign admission procedures, visa requirements or how documents must be legalised. The consultancy is the family’s guide through this stage.

There are many options on the market, from long-established companies to individual “collaborators”. Not every provider works directly with schools or follows a clear application process, so families should check for themselves instead of relying on advertising.

7 things to check when choosing a study abroad consultancy

1. A clearly registered legal entity

A reputable consultancy must be a registered business with a tax code, a head office address and a real working office. Parents can look up the company name and tax code on Vietnam’s National Business Registration Portal.

A note on study abroad licences in 2026: Under the amended Law on Investment passed by the National Assembly on 11/12/2025, study abroad consultancy was removed from the list of conditional business lines from 01/07/2026 (Tuoi Tre Online). This means “having a licence” is no longer the only criterion. Providers that were previously granted a certificate by a Department of Education and Training can still use it as evidence of having been vetted, but parents should also look at the criteria below.

2. An official partner or recruitment representative of the school

Ask the consultancy to show the authorisation letter, recruitment representative confirmation or partnership agreement with the school, and check its validity date. A consultancy that works directly with the school will have more accurate information on tuition, intakes and entry requirements than one that passes applications through several layers of intermediaries.

Families should also visit the school’s official website to compare the programme name, tuition fee and admission conditions.

3. Honest advice, no “guarantees”

An easy warning sign is promises such as “100% visa approval”, “guaranteed job” or “guaranteed residency”. Visa decisions belong to the authorities of the destination country; jobs and post-graduation opportunities depend on the student’s own ability and each country’s regulations.

A good counsellor will ask carefully about the student’s academic record, language ability, interests and the family’s finances, and then explain both the advantages and the difficulties of each option.

4. Transparent costs, written into the contract

Parents should ask for a breakdown of each item: tuition paid to the school, dormitory fees, insurance, translation and notarisation, visa fees, flights and the consultancy’s service fee. Anything paid to the school should come with an invoice or a confirmation letter from the school.

5. A contract with clear rights and a refund policy

Before signing, read the terms on scope of work, timeline, responsibilities of each party and especially the refund policy if the school does not accept the application or the visa is refused. Every verbal promise should be written into the contract.

6. Real experience and support after departure

Ask how many students the consultancy has sent abroad, to which countries, and whether you can speak directly with parents or students who have already gone (with their consent). Also ask what support is provided once the student has arrived: airport pick-up, enrolment guidance and contact when problems arise.

7. A real office and easy communication

If possible, visit the office in person to meet the counsellor. A provider with a stable office, a clear hotline and timely responses will give parents more peace of mind throughout the application process.

Quick checklist before signing a contract

Criterion Question to ask Warning sign
Legal status What is the company name, tax code and head office address? Payments only to personal accounts, no contract
School partnership Is there a recruitment representative letter, and until when is it valid? Cannot show any partnership documents with the school
Commitments How is the visa success rate calculated? Promises “100% visa approval” or “guaranteed job”
Costs Which items go to the school and which are service fees? Quotes an “all-inclusive package” without itemising
Contract What is refunded if the visa is refused? No written refund clause
Support Who is the contact person after departure? “You’ll have to manage on your own over there”

How SHI Global works with parents

SHI International Trading Co., Ltd. (SHI Global) currently focuses on two pathways: vocational study in Singapore through the 6+6 programme, and studying in Bulgaria. Some information parents can verify for themselves:

  • Tax code: 2301133141.
  • Certificate of Registration for Study Abroad Consultancy Services No. 05/GCN-SGDDT, issued by the Bac Ninh Department of Education and Training on 24/03/2026, valid until 01/03/2031.
  • Recruitment representative of Varna University of Management (VUM, Bulgaria – programmes taught 100% in English), with a confirmation letter valid until 05/06/2028.
  • Partners in Singapore: AceTek College (6+6 programme: 6 months of study + 6 months of paid internship) and SSTC Institute.
  • Has supported more than 330 students studying abroad.
  • Offices: Head office at No. 12 Viem Xa Residential Group, Kinh Bac Ward, Bac Ninh City; Tien Du office: Lung Son Residential Group, Tien Du Ward, Bac Ninh City; Hanoi office: Times Tower, 35 Le Van Luong.

SHI does not promise visa approval or guarantee jobs. What we commit to is honest advice, clear costs and accompanying families from choosing a major until the student has enrolled.

Frequently asked questions

Do study abroad consultancies still need a licence in 2026?

Under the amended Law on Investment passed on 11/12/2025, from 01/07/2026 study abroad consultancy is no longer a conditional business line. Parents should therefore assess a consultancy on several criteria – legal status, school partnerships, contract terms and real experience – rather than only asking “do you have a licence?”.

How can I tell whether a consultancy is really the school’s partner?

Ask to see the recruitment representative letter or partnership agreement showing the school’s name, signature and validity period. If needed, families can contact the school’s international admissions office directly to confirm.

Can I trust a consultancy that promises “100% visa approval”?

No. Visa decisions are made by the authorities of the destination country. A consultancy can only help prepare a complete, compliant application to improve the chance of success.

Should we pay all fees as soon as we sign the contract?

Ask for a payment schedule by stage (application, offer letter, visa…) and request receipts for each item. Tuition paid to the school should come with an invoice or confirmation from the school.

Free consultation for Singapore and Bulgaria with SHI Global

Choosing the right partner is the first step to a worry-free study abroad journey. Parents and students can contact SHI Global for free counselling and to see our legal documents and school partnership letters in person:

Maybe you are interested