Guide
Independent vs commission-based counselling for study abroad: what's the difference?
You will hear the words 'independent' and 'commission-based' often when looking at study abroad advice. This page explains what they usually mean and how to find out what applies to the person advising you.
Last reviewed 2026-10-04
How counselling is commonly funded
Some counsellors are paid by the institutions that enrol the students they place. Others charge students directly. Some combine both. The label 'free' often means someone else is paying.
Why it matters
Any funding model can shape advice, whether through the options presented first or the ones left out. That doesn't make a model dishonest, but it means you should understand it and weigh the advice accordingly.
How to find out
- Ask whether the counsellor has any arrangement with the universities or institutions they recommend.
- Ask whether they would recommend an option that earns them nothing.
- Ask how they would handle it if the best choice for you was not one they work with.
- Compare the advice you receive with the official information on the institutions' own websites.
A Launchpad consultant's role
Launchpad's role is to guide you through where to go and what to consider, using current visa rules and the wider situation. You are welcome to ask any of the questions above in your free intake conversation.
Related: Study and work abroad destinations
Frequently asked questions
- Is a free counsellor always commission-based?
- Not necessarily, but if you aren't paying, it is reasonable to ask who is. Ask directly.
- Does a commission arrangement mean the advice is bad?
- Not automatically, but you should know about it so you can weigh the advice and check key facts yourself.
Talk it through with a Launchpad consultant
Free intake conversation for students and job seekers. A consultant calls you directly to talk through where you should go, based on recent visa rules and the wider world situation.
Launchpad provides guidance only. It is not a law firm, a licensed immigration consultancy or a licensed overseas-recruitment agency, and it does not provide legal immigration advice, represent applicants before immigration authorities, or guarantee admission, a visa or a job. Rules and conditions change often - always confirm current requirements with the official government source for your destination.