Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes AOP different from other education consultancies in Nepal?
AOP specializes in UK and US placements—destinations where many Nepal-based consultancies have limited expertise. What truly sets us apart is our US Visa Interview Preparation program, led by Sagar Aryal, our COO and one of Nepal's most experienced career counselors. While most consultancies focus on application support, we go deeper by preparing students for one of the most challenging parts of the process: facing the visa officer with confidence. We combine this specialized expertise with personalized guidance throughout your journey—from your first diagnostic test to your final visa stamp.
2. Do I have to pay for your consultation services?
Our initial career counseling session is completely free. We believe in understanding your goals first before recommending the right path forward. For our core services—university selection, application support, and visa guidance—we work on a commission basis through our university partnerships, which means there's no direct cost to you for these services. We do charge for our specialized test preparation courses (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GRE, Duolingo) and our unique US Visa Interview Preparation program, which are priced competitively.
3. Which countries does AOP help students get into?
Our primary expertise is in the United Kingdom and the United States, where we have strong university partnerships and deep knowledge of admission and visa processes. We also assist students with Canadian applications and are expanding our services to include Australia. Additionally, we process applications for Cyprus. If you're specifically interested in UK or US education, you're in the right place—these markets are where our team's expertise truly shines.
4. What is your visa success rate?
We maintain an exceptionally high visa success rate, which we attribute to thorough preparation and honest guidance. Rather than promising unrealistic numbers, we focus on what matters: preparing each application meticulously, ensuring all documentation meets embassy standards, and—especially for US-bound students—conducting intensive interview preparation. Our approach is simple: we never push students toward universities or programs that don't genuinely match their profile, because mismatched applications lead to visa refusals.
5. How early should I start the study abroad application process?
Ideally, you should begin at least 10-12 months before your intended intake. This gives you adequate time to prepare for required tests (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, etc.), research universities, compile documentation, submit applications, and complete the visa process without rushing. For US applications, starting even earlier—around 15-18 months ahead—is beneficial since the process includes additional steps like securing funding proof and preparing for visa interviews. During your free consultation, we'll create a personalized timeline based on your specific situation.
6. What test preparation courses does AOP offer?
We offer comprehensive preparation for IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, GRE, and Duolingo English Test through both online and in-person formats. Our courses are structured to build not just test-taking skills but genuine language competence and confidence. What makes our approach effective is personalized attention—we regularly assess your progress and adjust our teaching to address your specific weak areas. Whether you're targeting a specific band score for UK universities or preparing for the TOEFL for US admissions, our instructors have the experience to get you there.
7. Can you help with scholarship applications?
Absolutely. While we guide students through scholarship opportunities as part of our university selection process, it's important to understand that scholarships for international students are highly competitive. We help you identify universities where you have strong scholarship potential based on your academic profile, research opportunities that align with your field of study, and prepare compelling scholarship applications. For US students especially, we guide you through merit-based scholarships, graduate assistantships, and funding options available at partner institutions.
8. What documents do I need to study abroad?
The required documents vary by country and university, but generally you'll need: academic transcripts and certificates, standardized test scores (IELTS/TOEFL/PTE for language, plus GRE/GMAT if applicable), a valid passport, letters of recommendation, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), financial documents proving ability to fund your education, and sometimes a CV or resume. For visa applications, additional documentation is required including proof of accommodation, medical certificates, and police clearance. Don't worry—we provide you with a comprehensive, personalized checklist during our consultation and guide you through each document's preparation.
9. What is AOP's US Visa Interview Preparation program?
This is one of our most valued services. The US student visa interview can be challenging—consular officers ask probing questions about your academic plans, financial situation, and intentions to return to Nepal. Our program, led by Sagar Aryal, equips you with the strategies and confidence to navigate this successfully. We conduct mock interviews simulating actual embassy conditions, teach you how to articulate your study plans convincingly, prepare you for difficult questions, and help you avoid common mistakes that lead to visa denials. Many students have excellent applications but struggle in the interview—this is where we make the difference.
10. Can I work while studying abroad in the UK or US?
This depends on your destination. In the UK, international students on a Student Visa can typically work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. The US has more restrictive rules—F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during term and may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) related to their field of study. We provide detailed guidance on work rights, regulations, and opportunities during your pre-departure orientation, ensuring you understand exactly what's permitted in your specific situation and how to make the most of opportunities to gain experience and manage expenses.