Co-Design® Your Journey with Gradstar
Gradstar Global Education is a study abroad consultancy for Indian students, with offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore. We offer free counselling and end-to-end overseas education support. With Gradstar's Co-Design Process®, you make the decisions. Your Student Success Consultant guides you from your first shortlist to your first week on campus.
Why Gradstar Global Education?
We help you build a study-abroad journey around your future, not just your next degree. Don’t just choose a degree. Choose a career path with us.
Gradstar works closely with universities and understands the job market in different countries and the skills that are in demand to bring students accurate, first-hand and up-to-date information, so they can make decisions with clarity and confidence. From understanding your career options to choosing the right course, university and destination, and then navigating applications, visas and pre-departure.
Because studying abroad is more than choosing a university. It's about choosing the right future.
Get personalised support throughout your study-abroad journey, from choosing your program and university to settling into your new life on campus.
Core Study Destinations
Global Reach
Searchable Programs
GRADSearch Portal
Direct Partner Institutions
University Network
Students Guided
Student Alumni
High Visa Success Rate
Visa Filing Record
Not sure where to start? Use these two free tools.
Start with GRADCheck for a quick reality check on your admission odds. Then use GRADSearch to build your university shortlist. A counsellor can help you turn it into applications, free of charge.
GRADSearch
What is it? GRADSearch searches 130,000+ study abroad programs so you can discover real courses with live tuition fees at real universities.
Use it when: You know what you want to study, or you want ideas.
How it works: Tell us your subject, destination, and level to build your shortlist.
GRADCheck
What is it? GRADCheck estimates your admission odds across Gradstar's 850+ partner universities from three fields — no signup, no spam.
Use it when: You want a reality check before you talk to anyone.
How it works: Enter your score, level and destination to see likely matches.
Explore Destinations We Advise For
Every destination features distinct admission cycles, post-study work routes, and entry regulations. Gradstar counsellors advise on admissions, scholarships, and visas for all ten.
What does Gradstar do as education abroad consultants?
Choosing among the top study abroad consultants is an important decision. You need clear information, support that fits your plans, and an understanding of what happens at each stage of the process.
Australian Catholic University
Australian National University
Bond University
Central Queensland University
Charles Darwin University
Charles Sturt University
Curtin University
Deakin University
Edith Cowan University
Flinders University
Griffith University
James Cook University
La Trobe University
Le Cordon Bleu Australia
Aberystwyth University
Aston University
Bangor University
Birkbeck University of London
Birmingham City University
Brunel University LondonAustralian Catholic UniversityAustralian National UniversityBond UniversityCentral Queensland UniversityCharles Darwin UniversityCharles Sturt UniversityCurtin UniversityDeakin UniversityEdith Cowan UniversityFlinders UniversityGriffith UniversityJames Cook UniversityLa Trobe UniversityLe Cordon Bleu AustraliaAberystwyth UniversityAston UniversityBangor UniversityBirkbeck University of LondonBirmingham City UniversityBrunel University LondonWhat are the steps to study abroad with Gradstar?
Gradstar accompanies you through an 8-stage process, starting from your initial advisory meeting all the way to landing at your destination. The full process usually takes 6 to 12 months, and we recommend starting 8 to 10 months before your target intake.
Free Counselling
One-on-one sessions to map your budget, academic profile, and career goals. No charge, no obligation.
Book a free session →Program & Uni Selection
We shortlist courses and universities that fit you and manage the paperwork for every application.
How to apply →English Test Preparation
Guidance and practice for IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL to reach your target university's score cutoff.
Test prep details →Funding Your Studies
Scholarship identification, realistic funding breakdown, and education loan sanction support.
Explore funding →Application Filing
We submit your applications with every transcript, SOP, and LOR complete and strictly on time.
Application check →Visa Processing
Complete paperwork assistance, interview coaching, and destination compliance backed by real-time policy updates.
See visa guidance →Accommodation & Health
Verified student accommodation options, health cover (OSHC), and knowing what to expect in week one.
Pre-departure ready →Departure & Arrival
Flight booking guidance, airport pickup coordination, and final departure checks before you fly.
Arrival support →New to study abroad? Start here.
First-time applicants can follow five clear steps before booking a counselling call to make the fastest possible progress:
- 1 Pick a course, specialization, and study level
- 2 Establish your annual budget using the cost breakdown below
- 3 Check academic percentage and English test requirements
- 4 Shortlist 3 to 5 programs on GRADSearch
- 5 Then book a free session to turn your shortlist into applications
Hear it from Gradstars
Real students, real campuses — straight from our YouTube shorts.
What Gradstar Students Say
Real stories from students who co-designed their journey with Gradstar Global consultants.
My experience with Gradstar has been excellent. My dream Maker, Chaitali, cleared my biggest doubts and supported me throughout, right from my SoP to acceptance.
My counsellor's proactive guidance allowed me to prepare well in advance, ensuring a smooth application process for my study abroad journey.
My counsellors (Dream Makers) at Gradstar have been really helpful to me at every stage, especially while shortlisting universities. They patiently addressed all of my questions, requirements, and aspirations, professionally.
Study abroad support that doesn’t end at the departure gate
The first two weeks in a new country are the hardest, for students and for parents at home. Gradstar stays with you until you settle.
Airport Pickup
Pre-arranged pickup from your arrival airport so you never have to navigate a new city with heavy luggage at night.
SIM & Connectivity
A local SIM card with an active telephone number provided before you fly, so you can call home immediately upon landing.
Bank Account Setup
A guided appointment at a student-friendly local bank in your first week, with all verification documents prepared in advance.
Accommodation Check-in
Verified student housing shortlists, lease documentation review, and on-ground check-in support.
Health Cover Activation
Health insurance (OSHC / NHS / equivalent) activated on arrival, with a vetted directory of local medical clinics.
Ongoing Check-ins
Dedicated calls at Day 3, Week 3, and Month 3 with your consultant, along with a direct support line for parents in India.
Compare Destinations, Intakes, Costs & Visas
The data parents ask for first — post-study work rights, intake calendars, cost breakdowns, visa categories, scholarships and eligibility, side by side.
| Destination | Study Route to Know About | Post-Study Work Route | Consultant Resources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Bachelor's degrees & foundation courses open after Class 12 at 9 of top 100 unis. Strong in business, IT, engineering, healthcare. | Temporary Graduate visa (Subclass 485) | Study in Australia Consultants → |
| United Kingdom | Accelerated degree pathways in 4 of global top 10 universities. Strong in finance, tech, healthcare, business. | Graduate Route (2 years stay-back) | Study in UK Consultants → |
| Germany | Many public universities charge zero tuition for bachelor's & master's; nominal semester contributions apply. | 18-month permit to seek work | Study in Germany Consultants → |
| Ireland | European hub for Fortune 500 tech and pharmaceutical conglomerates. Excellent ROI on 1-year master's. | Third Level Graduate Programme (up to 24 mos) | Study in Ireland Consultants → |
| Canada | Strong demand for skilled professionals in tech, healthcare, engineering, and trades. | Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP, up to 3 yrs) | Study in Canada Consultants → |
| USA | More than 4,000 institutions. Flexible liberal arts curricula; SAT/ACT test-optional at many colleges. | OPT (12 months; STEM graduates eligible for 36 mos) | Study in USA Consultants → |
| China | English-taught degrees with generous Chinese Government Scholarships (CSC). Leader in tech & medicine. | Category B Work Permit / Z Visa | Study in China Consultants → |
| Dubai (UAE) | Branch campuses of top global institutions with hands-on internship access and global mobility. | Job Seeker Visa (up to 120 days) / 10-Yr Golden Visa | Study in Dubai Consultants → |
| New Zealand | All 8 public universities globally ranked in QS WUR 2027. High safety index and post-study opportunities. | Post-Study Work Visa (up to 3 years) | Study in NZ Consultants → |
| Finland | Research & practical skills focus; standout reputation in software engineering, renewable energy, and AI. | Post-study residence permit | Study in Finland Consultants → |
| Destination | Main Intake | Secondary Intake | Recommended Application Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | February or March | July | Jul – Nov (8-10 mos before) |
| United Kingdom | September | January | Oct – Jun (8-10 mos before) |
| Canada | September | January | Feb – Aug (8-10 mos before) |
| United States | Fall (Aug / Sep) | Spring (January) | Sep – Apr (8-10 mos before) |
| Germany | Winter (October) | Summer (April) | Jan – Jul (8-10 mos before) |
| Ireland | September | January | Nov – Jun (8-10 mos before) |
| New Zealand | February | July | Jul – Nov (8-10 mos before) |
| Dubai (UAE) | September | January, May/June | Dec – Jul (6-8 mos before) |
| Finland | September | January | Jan – Apr (8-10 mos before) |
| China | September | February/March | Nov – Jun (8-10 mos before) |
| Country | Undergraduate (per year) | Postgraduate (per year) | Key Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | USD 25,000–45,000 (INR 22.6L–40.8L) | USD 30,000–45,000+ (INR 27.2L–40.8L+) | Highest starting salaries; substantial on-campus aid. |
| United Kingdom | GBP 10,000–38,000 (INR 12.3L–46.8L) | GBP 15,000–30,000+ (INR 18.5L–36.9L+) | 1-year master's degrees lower total living expenses. |
| Canada | CAD 15,000–28,000 (INR 9.9L–18.5L) | CAD 18,000–35,000 (INR 11.9L–23.1L) | Affordable tuition compared to US; PR pathways. |
| Australia | AUD 20,000–45,000 (INR 12.7L–28.6L) | AUD 22,000–45,000+ (INR 14.0L–28.6L+) | Part-time work permitted; high minimum hourly wage. |
| Germany | Public: €600–1,000 (INR 64K–1.06L); Private: €10,000–30,000+ | Public: €300–500 per semester (~€600–1,000/yr); Private: €10,000–30,000+ | Most affordable destination; low to zero tuition at public unis. |
| New Zealand | NZD 30,000–50,000 (INR 15.5L–26.0L) | NZD 26,000–45,000 (INR 13.5L–23.5L) | Competitive living costs outside Auckland; strong post-study work. |
| China | USD 2,500–10,000 (INR 2.1L–8.4L) | USD 3,000–12,000 (INR 2.5L–10.1L) | Extremely cost-effective with extensive government scholarships. |
| Dubai (UAE) | AED 40,000–80,000 (INR 9.4L–18.7L) | AED 45,000–100,000+ (INR 10.5L–23.4L+) | Tax-free earnings and modern branch campus facilities. |
| Country | Student Visa Category | Indicative Government Visa Fee | Compliance Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | F-1 Student Visa | USD 535 / MRV + SEVIS (INR ~45,000) | Consular interview required; prove non-immigrant intent. |
| United Kingdom | Student Route Visa | GBP 558 (INR ~71,000) | Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) payable separately. |
| Canada | Study Permit | CAD 150 + CAD 85 Biometrics (INR ~16,000) | Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required. |
| Australia | Student Visa (Subclass 500) | AUD 2,500 (INR ~1.68 Lakh) | Genuine Student (GS) evaluation strictly enforced. |
| Germany | National (D) Student Visa | EUR 75 (INR ~8,000) | Blocked bank account (Sperrkonto) required for proof of funds. |
| Ireland | D-Study Visa | EUR 60 Single / EUR 100 Multi-entry (INR 6K–11K) | Requires full medical insurance & verified financial history. |
| New Zealand | Fee-Paying Student Visa | NZD 850 / Fee + Levy + IVL (INR ~44,000) | Direct electronic visa processing with medical clearances. |
| China | X1 (Long-Term) / X2 (Short-Term) | INR 3,900–7,800 (~USD 45–90) | Requires JW201/JW202 form from the university. |
| Dubai (UAE) | Student Residence Visa | AED 3,000–8,200 (INR 70K–1.9L) | Sponsorship handled directly through university registry. |
| Destination | Prestigious Examples | Funding Source & Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Chevening Scholarship, Commonwealth Scholarship, GREAT Scholarships | Government-funded / British Council (Full tuition + living stipend) |
| United States | Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship, Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship | Government-funded (USEFI) for Master's and research scholars |
| Australia | Maitri Scholarship, Research Training Program (RTP), Vice-Chancellor's Awards | Government-funded / University institutional awards (20% to 100% tuition waivers) |
| Canada | Canada Graduate Research Scholarship, Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute Awards | Government & institutional research fellowships |
| Germany | DAAD Scholarships, Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships | Government-funded / Foundation-backed living stipends |
| Ireland | Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES) | Government-funded €10,000 stipend + full tuition waiver |
| New Zealand | Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships | Government-funded comprehensive grants |
| China | Chinese Government Scholarship (CSC), Provincial & University Grants | Full & partial waivers with accommodation and monthly stipend |
| Dubai (UAE) | University Merit Scholarships (e.g. Wollongong Dubai, Univ of Dubai) | Institutional merit awards from 15% to 50% tuition reduction |
| All Destinations | University tuition fee waivers | Merit-based automatic consideration upon application (10%–100%) |
| Criteria | Undergraduate (UG) | Postgraduate (PG) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12 (or equivalent) from an accepted school board (CBSE, ISC, State, IB, Cambridge) | Bachelor's degree from a recognized university (3 or 4-year degree) |
| Minimum Academic Score | Approximately 50–60%, varies by course and university selectivity | Approximately 55–65%, depends on university and degree competitiveness |
| Subject Requirements | Some courses require specific subjects (e.g. Mathematics for CS, Physics/Chem for Engineering) | Relevant subject background required for specialized courses |
| Standardized Tests | SAT/ACT required, optional, or not needed depending on the institution | GRE/GMAT may be required for specific MBA/Technical courses (optional at many) |
| Accepted English Tests | IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Duolingo English Test, Cambridge C1/C2 |
| Category | Mandatory Documents Required |
|---|---|
| Academic Dossier | Official grade transcripts, mark sheets (10th, 12th, Bachelor's semesters), provisional or degree certificates. |
| Identification | Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity), school leaving / transfer certificate, passport-size photographs. |
| Application Materials | Statement of Purpose (SOP), Letters of Recommendation (LORs from professors/employers), updated CV/Resume, portfolio (for architecture/design). |
| Language & Tests | Official test scorecard: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo, Cambridge; SAT/ACT (UG) or GRE/GMAT (PG) where applicable. |
| Financial Proof | Bank statements (3–6 months), proof of funds, affidavit of financial support, scholarship letter or loan approval sanction letter. |
| Health & Security | Medical examination reports, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) where required. |
Explore Everything Gradstar Brings to Your Journey
Comprehensive consulting infrastructure engineered to optimize every stage of international admission.
- Connect face-to-face or online with university admissions teams, get real-time answers about entry criteria, and fast-track your applications.
- Target world-class destinations from Australia and the UK to Canada, Germany, and beyond, with a tailored roadmap designed around your ambitions.
- Filter through 130,000+ courses by subject, intake, and tuition fees to pinpoint your ideal academic program in seconds.
- Take the worry out of paperwork. We organize your visa file and ensure full departure readiness with zero guesswork.
Meet Our Gradstar Experts in India
Meet our counsellors in person at any office or online from anywhere in India.
Mumbai Office
Office no: 1004, 10th Floor, Chandak Chambers, Adjoining Western Express Highway Metro Station, Next to Maharaja Restaurant, Andheri Kurla Road, Andheri East, Mumbai 400069Delhi Office
315, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi 110019Bangalore Office
Sy No 17, 332, Thimmaiah Road, Kaverappa Layout, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560051Questions Students Ask Us
Clear, direct answers to common questions about studying abroad with Gradstar Global.
1. 1. How do I choose the best study abroad consultant in India?
Look for transparent processing and fees, direct university partnerships, student reviews you can read, and advice that fits your career goals rather than pushing specific institutions. Be cautious of anyone who guarantees a visa, since governments make visa decisions. Gradstar offers free counselling and has offices in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
2. 2. Does Gradstar offer end-to-end services, from exam prep to visa assistance?
Yes. Gradstar supports you through counselling, program and university selection, English test preparation (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL), funding, applications, visa documentation and interview preparation, accommodation and pre-departure, and departure.
3. 3. How much do study abroad consultants charge, and does Gradstar charge?
Fees and what they include vary by consultant, so ask for a written list of services and any charges. Gradstar's counselling is free from start to finish.
4. 4. Can I study abroad right after Class 12?
Yes. You can pursue undergraduate programs, including bachelor's degrees, diplomas, or foundation courses, abroad after Class 12. Depending on your stream and English proficiency, destinations such as Australia, the UK, Germany, the USA, Canada, Dubai, and Singapore offer direct admission or pathway programs.
5. 5. Which country is the most affordable to study abroad?
Public universities in Germany offer low tuition. Many other European countries, Malaysia, and Taiwan also offer relatively low tuition and living costs. In Canada, Australia, and the UK, choosing universities in regional areas or securing partial scholarships can lower overall costs.
6. 6. Does Gradstar help with scholarships and visa interviews?
Yes. Gradstar guides scholarship applications and essays and prepares your visa documentation and interview, so you do not have to handle them alone.
7. 7. Can I prepare for the IELTS exam with Gradstar?
Yes. Gradstar offers IELTS preparation support, including test strategy, practice materials, and mock sessions, to help you meet the score requirements of your target universities and visa categories.
8. 8. What are Gradstar's main strengths?
Personalised one-on-one counselling, expertise across ten destinations (the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Finland, China, UAE and Ireland), end-to-end support from shortlisting to visa filing, IELTS preparation assistance and direct access to education experts.
9. 9. Are there specific scholarships for undergraduate Indian students in the USA?
Yes, but they are competitive. Most undergraduate aid comes from universities as merit- or need-based awards. Fulbright-Nehru targets postgraduate study, so undergraduates should focus on university awards first.
10. 10. How do visa procedures differ when using Nehru Place education consultants versus other areas?
They do not. The visa process follows the destination country's rules, whichever consultant or office you use. What differs is how carefully your file is prepared. Gradstar's Delhi office is in Nehru Place and follows the same official steps as Mumbai and Bangalore.