By Ankit Mehra

The wild chase for a brighter future was portrayed quite well in Shahrukh Khan’s Dunki movie, where the craze of settling abroad allegedly forced aspirants to cross borders illegally. The dream of studying abroad is shared by millions of students worldwide, and it’s a particularly strong aspiration among Indian students, with over 1.4 million (2023-24) seeking education overseas.

Sadly Dunki was not just a movie about the workforce struggling to move abroad but the reality of many international students as well. Each year, while many students successfully cross borders to achieve their dreams, thousands fall victimhood to various scams, losing significant sums of money and jeopardizing their academic futures.

Before discussing how to avoid these pitfalls, it’s important to know the common scams prevailing in the study abroad market.

Guaranteed Admission Scams: Fraudulent agents promise guaranteed admissions to top universities for a fee. No legitimate institution guarantees admission without a proper application process.

Job Scams: Fake job opportunities abroad require an upfront payment for processing fees. Once paid, the job offer disappears, leaving students with financial losses.
Student Visa Scams: Impersonators claim visa issues and demand immediate payment to resolve them. These scammers create panic, causing students to pay without verifying legitimacy.

Accommodation Scams: Fraudulent landlords ask for deposits or advance rent before property visits. Once paid, the landlord vanishes, leaving students without accommodation and money.

Scammers are lurking, ready to take advantage of eager students. Here’s how you can avoid them and secure your future without falling prey to their traps.

1. Do your Homework and Stay Updated

First things first, always run a detailed research marathon from your end. Read articles, watch YouTube videos, and spend time on the official websites of the institute you are applying to. Make sure before you press the apply button you verify the legitimacy of the institutions.

Next, many international student policy updates have recently been introduced by several countries, which often leaves students confused about what to believe and ignore. Experts commonly report instances where students are contacted by individuals posing as immigration officers. These impostors typically claim that there are discrepancies in the students immigration history or missing documents, asserting that failure to address these issues will result in penalties or even apprehension. Under panic, students offer to pay the ‘penalty’.

In such scenarios keep in mind the following points-

Make sure the university is well-known and has a solid reputation in the field you are interested in.

If you receive any phone calls stating that your application lacks information and it will be canceled or rejected if you do not follow the instructions given, be cautious of immigration or admissions officer ever calls; official emails are the only mode of communication used to approve or deny your application.

If there is an error in your application, you will receive an official email with instructions on how to correct it. No monetary penalty will be associated with the rectification process.

Now as far as the updates are concerned, stick to only official sources or well-known news portals.

2. Watch Out for Too-Good-To-Be-True Offers

Sometimes things are just too good to be true. Remember the following before hitting the ‘submit’ or ‘pay now’ option.
No institution guarantees admission without a thorough application process. Be cautious of anyone promising a sure spot in a prestigious program without proper qualifications.

Scholarships typically have rigorous selection criteria. Be careful of unsolicited offers of instant scholarships that require no effort or documentation from your side.

Compare tuition fees with other similar institutions. Extremely low fees can be a red flag. Make sure to understand what the average cost is for your program of interest and question any drastic discrepancies.

3. Avoid Unofficial Agents

Many students have faced serious consequences, including deportation, due to fake college offer letters and fraudulent admissions facilitated by unofficial agents. These scams often come to light only when students apply for permanent residency, leading to devastating outcomes. Always verify the credentials of any agent and use official channels to ensure the legitimacy of your application.

To avoid any such cases –

Build direct contact with universities through their official communication channels. This reduces the risk of misinformation and ensures you are dealing with legitimate representatives.

If you choose to go via an agent, verify their credentials. Ensure they are authorized by the relevant educational bodies. To check whether your agent is authorized or not you can simply verify the same on the chosen country’s immigration website.

If you are planning to secure admission to one of the top universities in Canada and are applying via an agent then you can check your agent’s credentials at the Government of Canada. Similarly, if you are eyeing admission to an Australian university then you can check your agent’s authorization through the Australian Government – Department of Home Affairs.

Do not pay an upfront fee to any agency promising you a job. Wait till you reach there and find a part-time job yourself.

4. Stay Alert to Common Accommodation Scams

Verify the credibility of housing offers and avoid paying large sums upfront. When arranging accommodation for your study abroad experience, prioritize safety and legitimacy. Look thoroughly, read reviews, and verify the location and amenities of the accommodation options provided by the program. Avoid making payments or signing contracts until you’re certain of the accommodation’s authenticity.

If possible, seek recommendations from trusted sources or alumni who have previously participated in the program. If you are unsure about the accommodation options available then opt for on-campus accommodation for the first year and you can later move out as per your convenience.

5. Build a Support Network

When the idea of studying abroad first crosses your mind, it’s natural to reach out to friends and peers who have already gone through the same experience. This initial step can help pave a clear path for you, outlining the steps you need to take and the challenges you might face.

Connecting with fellow students and even professors on platforms like LinkedIn can provide valuable insights into the application process, helping you stay informed about the latest developments and procedures. These connections can offer guidance, support, and first-hand advice, making the entire process smoother and more manageable.

Additionally, engaging with a community of like-minded individuals on Quora and Reddit who share your aspirations can be incredibly motivating.

And yes, listen to your gut feeling, if something doesn’t feel right, take a moment to analyze and understand the situation before taking action. Trust your instincts and be cautious.

If you unfortunately encounter a scam, report the incident to local authorities and the relevant educational bodies. This not only helps prevent others from falling victim to the same scams but also raises awareness. Share your experience on forums and social media to warn other students, contributing to a safer community for international students. By staying vigilant and proactive, you can help create a more secure environment for everyone.

Studying abroad is a major milestone. By staying informed and cautious, you can protect yourself from scams and ensure a smooth and successful educational journey. Remember, a little skepticism goes a long way!

(Author is IIT Kanpur and IESE alum, CEO and Co-Founder, GyanDhan)

Disclaimer: Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of FinancialExpress.com. Reproducing this content without permission is prohibited.