Every year, thousands of students in India aspire to pursue their study abroad dreams. Because of this growing interest in studying abroad, there is a huge demand for professionals to assist these students, the study abroad counsellor. With the increasing demand for study abroad counselling services comes the question most individuals ask: Is it lucrative? The answer is yes, and the need for study abroad consultants is bigger than ever before. More than simply advising students about which college to attend or how to write an SOP, being a study abroad consultant is an actual full-time job that pays very well. This is a sector that is continuing to grow.
If you love interacting with people, you enjoy the idea of studying abroad, and you want a job that is fulfilling and pays the bills, study abroad counselling could potentially be your dream employment. In this blog, we will discuss the study abroad counselling salary, industry growth, salary influencing factors, and answer the common questions people ask before entering the field.
What are the earnings of a study abroad counsellor in India?
The pay of study abroad counsellors is different based on variables like their professional experience and years in a particular city or organization. An average estimate would be:
- For entry-level roles (0 to 2 years), candidates typically earn ₹25,000 to ₹40,000 per month.
- For a mid-level professional (2 to 5 years), candidates typically earn ₹40,000 to ₹70,000 per month.
- For senior consultant or manager roles, salaries can start at ₹80,000 to ₹1.5 lakh per month.
Several of the roles of study abroad counsellor roles may also offer bonuses, based on the number of successful admissions. In most metro cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, the salaries of study abroad consultants can be higher as there are higher volumes of students and charges for items or homogeneous premium services are higher.
If you would like to see how you, too, can become a successful candidate, please see this guide on how to navigate this career path.
Key Factors That Affect Counsellor Income
Here are the key drivers in your counselling job salary:
1. Experience and Qualifications
The more experience you acquire, the greater your worth. Those who have been trained or certified receive better packages. Certification in career guidance and international education further enhances these qualifications.
2. Geography
If you are working in tier-1 cities, there is an opportunity for greater income. In these large cities, there are significantly greater demands for study abroad services, and parents have a better willingness to spend on expert recommendations.
3. Specialisation
If you are practicing country-focused counselling on study abroad, especially in the USA, UK or Canada, your salary will likely be higher. These are clear destinations for Indian students and experts in these study abroad countries are sought after.
4. Commission-Based Earnings.
Some agencies will offer a base salary plus commission. So for every student helped with a change of status to study abroad you will earn a commission. This facilitates growth in overseas agent income. You may also want to read this blog about Options for a Career Counsellor without psychology background - career options for non-psychology students.
Average Earnings of Educational Consultants in India
Educational consultants who provide various services, such as test preparation, visa guidance and university shortlist, often have other income streams.
The average education consultant income India is around ₹5 to ₹15 lakh per year. Many educational consultants also provide psychometric tests to assess student strengths and aptitudes adding to their income. If you want to add assessments to your service list, acquire this psychometric test online.
You, too, can earn multiples by working in one of the highest paying education jobs available today, if you diversify your services.
Is it 2025? Too Late to Enter This Field?
Not. Countries like Canada, Australia and Germany are welcoming international students, and the demand for more educated and informed counsellors has never been so urgent. The earnings of the counsellor profession in 2025 are expected to increase based on:
- Growing student interest in studying abroad
- Partnership agreements between Indian Universities and International Universities
- Growing trust in certified education consultants
Do you want to know how much a career counsellor earns in 2023? Follow this post on career counsellor income.
Advancement and Opportunities
1. Titles and Roles
- Study Abroad Advisor
- International Admissions Consultant
- Global Education Coordinator
- Student Visa Counselling
Each expert has a different pay scale and responsibility. The study abroad advisor pay scale is expected to continue to improve with additional skills and client satisfaction.
2. Starting Your Own Consultancy
Many professionals will eventually start a business of their own. With some of the due diligence, tools, training, and the right network, your income can grow exponentially. Plus, you get to choose the level of service and storied development.
If you are thinking about starting your own consultancy, check out this comprehensive counselling roadmap if you are not already aware of it.