Frequently Asked Questions
Who are agents?
Agents are representatives appointed by education providers to help recruitment of prospective students and assist with the college/university applications. Most of the providers expect students to use the service of the agents since the agents are oriented on the processes and can provide proper guidance.
What are the roles of agents in the application process?
Agents are tasked to be the local resources to help students to apply for the courses offered by them. An agent’s roles include assessing genuine students, counselling on the suitability of courses, advising on the documentation, facilitating the processes, and filing visa applications.
How to know if an agent is a registered entity?
In Bhutan, an agent should qualify to become an Education Consultancy and Placement Firm (ECPF).
ECPFs are regulated by the Higher Education Quality Council (HEQC), Bhutan Qualifications and Professionals Certification Authority (BQPCA), affiliated to the Ministry of Education and Skills Development. List of registered ECPFs with contact details are published on the website of BQPCA.
An education provider (College/University) may appoint more than one agent to represent them in a region or market. It is important for students to know if the agent is an official representative of the education provider and should validate prior to seeking services. Almost all the Australian Education Providers publish the list of their agents who represent them in a particular region or country on their website.
Are there any differences among agents?
The general functions of the agents remain similar. The only difference would be the level of services and the way they serve the clients.
While the choice of an agent is a personal matter, it is important to choose the agent who can help you make the right choices of course/education provider/destination and guide and advise you throughout the process.
What is an agent fee?
The agent fee is not standard and is not regulated. An agent may charge a nominal fee to meet the operating fees or a charge deemed necessary based on market competition. A client has the right to ask the basis of the fee charged by the agents and also ask for payment receipts.
What is the purpose of providing English Language Proficiency?
English language proficiency assesses your ability to read, write, understand and converse in the English language. While it is acknowledged that English is the medium of instruction in our schools in Bhutan, English is not our native language. Therefore, evidence of our abilities in the language is required, to be eligible to study in English-speaking countries like Australia and Canada.
What are the different proficiency tests?
There are many proficiency assessment tests accepted by colleges and universities. The common ones are IELTS, TOEFL and PTE.
Candidates can take ANY of the language proficiency test, so long as the requirement is met.
Are there English Language test centers in Bhutan?
There are several registered test centers in Bhutan facilitating the different types of English proficiency tests.
What is the minimum score requirement to be eligible for a study program?
Language proficiency requirements will differ for different courses. Your agent will inform you on the language proficiency requirement, based on the language requirement stated by the education provider for your chosen study program.
For English Language Proficiency requirements, please refer to English Proficiency.
What if the language proficiency requirement is not met?
Securing the required language proficiency scores can ensure admission to your preferred course.
If the language proficiency requirement is not met, the provider can advise for the Academic English Program (AEP), which is usually for six weeks prior to the start of the course and at an additional fee apart from the actual course fee.
Is there an age requirement to study abroad?
Minors below the age of 18 need to make adequate welfare arrangements including applying for study permit and arranging for parent/legal custodian/close relatives until they attain 18 years of age. It is important to understand the age entry requirements prior to processing for study-abroad.
Some universities and colleges state an age limit, specific to certain study programs.
Age aspect is also assessed from the immigration point of view, if the candidates intend to exercise the post-study rights. For example, along with other conditions, a candidate should be below 50 years of age to be eligible for a Temporary Graduate Visa.
What are the options for a post-study work visa?
Depending on the type of your course, international students can apply for a post-study work visa, which will allow you to stay and work after completion of their course. You might be eligible to apply for either of the two stream of post study work visa, depending on your course:
- The Graduate Work stream
- Post-study Work stream
In both cases, the study program should be completed over two academic years and the applicant should be less than 50 years old.
(Note: Education agents have limited knowledge on immigration regulations and laws. Therefore, it is important to seek proper advice from a Registered Migration Agent (RMA), who is certified to legally represent clients on matters relating to immigration.)
Why is it important to provide evidence of financial capacity?
An applicant processing for study-abroad needs to demonstrate financial capacity to support and provide for the tuition fees, living costs, and other incidental costs during the study period. It is important to exhibit availability of sufficient funds to support the student and accompanying dependents (spouse/parents/children).
What are the acceptable means of finance?
Availability of funds in the form of bank deposits (savings, recurring or fixed) can be provided. If sponsored by parents and close relations, evidence of sponsorship is required.
Is it necessary to take loans from the banks to supplement the finances?
It is NOT necessary to avail loans if you have adequate funds meeting the finances required to support yourself and your dependents, if any. It is important to understand that exhibiting your financial abilities is to allow you to stay and study without financial stress.
As a student, can I work during the study period?
Students are allowed to work during study periods as a way of gaining professional experience and to earn while studying. However, it is important to adhere to the regulations and allowable work hours prescribed against your program type. Most importantly, the primary purpose as a student is to study and meet the course requirements.
Will my spouse be allowed to work full time while I am studying?
Only dependents of postgraduate students can work full time. There is a limit on the work hours for dependents of students who are enrolled in diploma and undergraduate courses.