Generic FAQs

What English language tests are accepted for Study Abroad? IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE are top English tests for studying overseas, with Duolingo and Cambridge also being accepted. (Check your university)

• What IELTS scores are accepted by institutions? For university courses, test scores may be between 6.0 and 7.5 or higher.
• What TOEFL scores are accepted by institutions? For university courses, test scores may range from 80 to 100 or higher.
• What PTE scores are accepted by institutions? For university courses, test scores may range from 50 to 65 or higher.

Has it often been possible to achieve an average of 10.0 GPA? A GPA of 10.0 is rare but possible in weighted systems, where bonus points for AP or honours classes allow students to exceed the standard 4.0, yet it remains highly challenging.

• What was Albert Einstein’s highest GPA? Einstein achieved average marks while studying at ETH; his GPA was 4.6 out of 6.0.
• Who achieved a 10.0 GPA in recent history? A student named Tina Kumar in Florida achieved a GPA of 11.00 in 2023.
• How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated? GPA is calculated by dividing total weighted grade points by total credits.

What does the acronym STEM mean in higher education? STEM in higher education stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, focusing on skills and knowledge that drive innovation and problem-solving.

• What was Albert Einstein’s highest GPA? Einstein achieved average marks while studying at ETH; his GPA was 4.6 out of 6.0.
• Who achieved a 10.0 GPA in recent history? A student named Tina Kumar in Florida achieved a GPA of 11.00 in 2023.
• How is the Grade Point Average (GPA) calculated? GPA is calculated by dividing total weighted grade points by total credits.

What is the most serious and difficult career to study? Medicine is often considered the most difficult career to study due to its long duration, high academic concentration, complex subjects, and intense practical training.

• What careers can graduates with STEM pursue? Graduates can work in research, healthcare, IT, engineering, and data science.
• Are STEM programs available at most universities? Yes, many institutions worldwide offer a wide range of STEM-focused degrees.
• What key skills are gained from studying STEM? Students develop analytical thinking, creativity, and strong technical expertise.

What is the cheapest way to be an exchange student? Apply for scholarships, choose host families or short-term exchanges, budget carefully, use public transport, book early flights, and consider fundraising.

• Is college cheaper in the US or the UK? UK tuition typically ranges from GBP 10,000–38,000 per year, while US costs range from USD 35,000–60,000; the UK is generally more affordable.
• How much does Oxford cost for four years? A four-year degree at Oxford costs approximately £100,000–145,000, excluding living expenses.
• What GPA is required for Harvard? Harvard typically expects a GPA around 4.18, reflecting consistently high academic performance.

Counsellor FAQs

What services do you provide for study overseas students? I guide students through every stage of their study overseas journey. This includes university selection, application support, visa assistance, financial planning advice, and pre-departure preparation. My goal is to make your transition smooth and well-informed.

Does the student pay the tuition fees to the counsellor? No. Students do not pay tuition fees to counsellors or other third-party organisations. Tuition fees are paid directly to the chosen university or college according to their official payment instructions. My role is to guide and support you through the application and admission process, not to collect tuition payments.

What policies should I be aware of before enrolling? By signing the counselling agreement with me, you agree to confidentiality, data privacy, and termination clauses. These policies are in place to ensure professionalism while protecting rights and transparency.

How is my personal data protected as I sign with you? I handle all your personal, academic, and financial information with strict confidentiality. I comply with both local and international data protection laws, including GDPR and CCPA, and use secure systems to prevent unauthorised access or misuse of your information.

How can I get in touch if I have further questions? You can reach me by email, phone, or through my official website. I also offer both online (virtual) and in-person consultations and counselling to make the process convenient for you. Full contact details are provided in the final section of the agreement.

UK FAQs

Can I extend my student visa in the UK if I fail my studies? You cannot extend your UK student visa if you fail your studies. Extensions require satisfactory academic progress and attendance; failing makes you ineligible to remain.

• What can I do if I am failing due to academic reasons? You should consult your student support centre for guidance or seek help from a qualified student counsellor.
• Can unpaid tuition affect a visa extension? Yes. Unpaid tuition fees make you ineligible for visa extension and may prevent qualification completion.
• What documents are needed for a visa extension? A new CAS, a valid passport, and sufficient financial evidence are required.

How can I get into Oxford with a 100% funded scholarship? To secure a fully funded Oxford scholarship, you must first gain admission through strong academic performance and then apply for funding schemes such as the Clarendon Fund, which covers tuition and living costs.

• What do I need for an Oxford scholarship? Excellent grades, a strong application, competitive test scores, and successful interview performance.
• What is the Clarendon Fund at Oxford? A prestigious Oxford graduate scholarship covering tuition fees and living expenses.
• Are external Oxford scholarships available? Yes. Many external organisations offer full or partial financial support to Oxford students.

Do student visas get refused or rejected in the UK? Yes. UK student visas may be refused due to incomplete applications, forged documents, insufficient funds, weak academic background, poor English proficiency, or unclear study intentions.

• What is the difference between a visa refusal and rejection? A rejection usually relates to correctable errors, while a refusal is a formal denial issued by the consulate.
• What is the UK student visa success rate? Approximately 99% of UK student visa applications are approved, with only around 1% refused.
• Is the UK student visa strict? Yes. The UK applies strict assessment, compliance monitoring, and credibility checks.

Can I be self-employed on a student visa in the UK? No. UK student visa regulations prohibit self-employment, freelance work, and business ownership during the validity of the visa.

• What happens if I work more than 20 hours per week? Exceeding the permitted hours breaches visa conditions and can lead to future visa refusals or study disruption.
• Can I run my business back home while studying in the UK? No. Any form of business activity, including overseas operations, is prohibited.
• How can students legally start a business in the UK? They must switch to an appropriate route such as the Innovator Founder visa.

What does UKVI’s eVisa plan mean for travellers? UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) plans to replace physical visa vignette stickers with digital eVisas by the end of 2026, simplifying visa access and verification.

• When will the eVisa system be fully implemented? By late 2026, all visa categories, including visitor visas, are expected to be fully digital.
• Will visitors still receive visa stickers in passports? No. UKVI intends to discontinue all vignette stickers once eVisas are fully active.
• How will travellers access their eVisa? Through an online UKVI digital account portal.

EdCounsellor

The Overseas Education Counsellor is a vital support person for students, particularly international students, in the higher education sector, offering guidance and assistance in various areas. They are typically introduced as a middle person who provides assistance and support in academic and psychological aspects...

From the time a student arrives in an educational institution to explore and learn about overseas education options, the student adviser/admission officer often engages in supporting the student through orientation programs...

Extending beyond the advisory/admission role, at FutureWise Counselling, the counsellor proceeds further to offer two distinct services from an end-to-end perspective: Psychological and Academic profiling...

In a merger of the student advisory/admission and overseas education consulting roles, plus mentoring, the Personal Student Counsellor role emerges...

I’m Certified

I am Omal Matharaarachchi, an Overseas Education Counsellor, with experience in multinational education systems, international student rights, student visa types, and immigration matters...

*To search my status, visit the BC website | Database access

My Practice

Practice: Overseas Education Counselling | UK, EU, USA, CAD, AUS

I offer complimentary guidance (terms and conditions apply, completely free for the UK) for international students to make informed, confident decisions about their overseas educational and professional career...

• Engage with students to identify solutions
• Set achievable goals for student requirements
• Provide a safe space for students without judgment
• Offer one-on-one career guidance and coaching
• Do skill assessments to help students find their path
• Support students in finding suitable college programs
• Supply study materials to aid in college admissions
• Report potential violence or abuse against students
• Comply with channels to ensure student safety

This Portal

I use this site to:

• provide counselling services and academic guidance
• post educational content and career guidance resources (strictly), such as tips for students, parents, instructors, teachers, lecturers, etc.
• provide students with motivation and encouragement, study tips, and explanations of the services I offer with full transparency
• market my services as an independent professional, promoting structured counselling sessions (via British Council certification #71760, authorised by Connect2Counsellors and other affiliated institutions)
• share testimonials (with consent), offer free tools and webinars, and run sponsored advertisements under my brand with full transparency

Payments to me

Practice: Overseas Education Counselling | UK, EU, USA, CAD, AUS

I offer complimentary guidance (terms and conditions apply, completely free for the UK)...

• QAA/RQF
• EUBP/EQF
• CHEA/USDE
• CMEC/CDQF
• TEQSA/ESOS

Complying with ICEF ethical code of conduct and BC-AQF Standards.

A bit about myself

💼 | Profession

• Overseas Edu. Counselling
• Data-driven decision-making
• AI-driven change analysis
• Business strategy evaluation
• Marketing strategy evaluation

🛰️ | Passion

I'm a science fiction author whose ideas are crafted through the "Cosmic Prophecy" Sci-Fi series, with my first book, "Subtle." I write stories that pull you into fantastic elements of metamorphosis and futuristic adventures where reality and imagination collide. Think of real people tangled up in mind-bending ideas, with a twist of science that dives deep into the brain and the strange world of metaphysics, so I dive headfirst into the unknown and foresee what the future’s really got in its secrets.

￬

Trace my SciFi and Thoughts blog on, medium.com/@omaltrident ... to study some SciFi and creative writing tips.

"I have thoughts—some are lucid and illuminating, while others are morbid—but my fictions are distinct, rich with perspectives, beyond the far realm of science, in oddity and futurism."

🤖 | Aspiration

Fascinated by the evolving limit between human cognition and AI enhancement, I have a deep interest in engaging as a Turing Test Interrogator, decoding how intelligence manifests in both forms. Planning on implementing my intelligence in,

• Interacting with AI through text, written and verbal
• Testing blindfolded human intelligence against ultra super AI
• Creating strategic conversations to study response
• Finding new perspectives in communication

💡 | Vision

Guided by a blend of wisdom, academic knowledge, and a passion for the future, I believe in,

1. Renewable energy-powered world
2. Every boutique is a cooperative
3. Dairy produce from your Greenlab

Editorial Note

Once, at twenty-seven years of age, I remember cruising up the 101 Freeway north from Los Angeles with gas money for my Ford SUV and about $20 for expenses. Little did I know, I ended up in the facade of Redwood College, where the abundantly lush green field was filled with sweet cows grazing—a sight. Surrounded by empty harmony and tall trees standing like sentinels, this place offered me nothing more than thoughts, ideas, wisdom … and a concept.

I pulled out my netbook and began drafting a passage, just to capture the pace of what flowed naturally and impulsively. In a most neuroscientific way, if I am honest, I felt the separation of my soul from my body, and the distinct way my mind worked through the drafting process. The chilled feeling of the tingling air carried the smell of earth. How delicate it was as I felt like I was in an air-conditioned room.

This moment granted me a purpose for my lone, vagabond life, as I was desperately seeking who I was and who I would be. And it did not stop there, but continued as I drove further, searching for a place where, if only, the most divine could reside.

Eventually, not knowing, I reached Eureka, just past the bay. Alas, I didn’t know it at the time, but I had arrived somewhere. Have I made it to my purpose? From the edge of the cliff, it was the vast horizon before my eyes, while the copious surroundings embraced me with the wind.

I felt as if I had been born again. The horizon, in some way, began speaking to my inner voice; it revealed an ambition it had been paving for my destiny … or perhaps my future. I remained attentive, ever so consciously, only to be distracted by my phone—a notification from NATGEO updates.

Wishing I could write for them one day, I drafted an article. That moment marked the milestone of something I never thought I would so deeply dedicate myself to delivering, from my heart and soul. And yes, I am Omal—a creator just imagining—who chose to be that passionate writer for anyone who believes in a soul still existing against all the material things in the world.

Manifesto

To witness a rubble, or a dilapidated world as a middle-aged man is not my desire, nor why I was born to this world. Do I need to be vulnerable to human egos, crawl on the ground to look for dirty water in a mud pit amid toxic air after a chaotic war? No. I simply do not wish to witness that, experience that, or pollute my mind to contemplate that hatred.

One man’s naivety, driven by abstract power to manipulate civilisations, cannot be the gravel to announce my human faith and destiny. In the most human sense, they are far more pragmatic and spiritual than that. I am true to that belief, and I remain credulous.

From scratch, I sought and manifested a purpose. I support education; therefore, I created a vision that took form through this portal as an answer to those who wonder, “Why does he do what he does?” I do this with little support from others—except AI, especially Grammarly, OpenAI, and Grok.

Let me give you reasons for my motive:

• I seek the power of natural wisdom and wish to share it with you.
• I failed tests as a dyslexic when I was young, but I want you to succeed despite any disability.
• I believe knowledge drives us as an intelligent species, and I learn through moral sense.
• I support not only knowledge, but the education that gives discipline in a world too advanced to be called primitive.
• I demand that education be freely available online, while campus life remains disciplined, elite, and expensive—a living ecosystem within civilisation.

Nothing is free.

Aligned with the bigger vision:

• Sustainable Growth: Support 200+ students annually within 3 years with 90% placement success.
• Partnership Development: Build 5+ international university partnerships within 4 years.
• Diversification: Partner with global education and career guidance organisations by year 2.
• Reputation and Recognition: Become one of the top 5 trusted independent consultants in the region within 5 years.

If you see potential in this vision and motive, I am open to investment and funding under a formal agreement.

Cartification

Code of Conduct Acceptance

The National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents (referred to as ‘the National Code’) sets out the standards and best practice that education agents and aggregator agents, representing UK education providers, are expected to adhere to. Born out of the London Statement (2012) and the British Council Good Practice Guide for Education Agents (2013), it is endorsed by many of the UK’s peak bodies and promotional. Education Agents have contributed to the National Code’s development, and UK providers have committed to embedding the National Code into their education agent contracts and quality management practices. It is not, in itself, a legal document. This document is a record of your acceptance of the National Code. It is valid for two years from the date shown. This is not your certification award.

– Council of British International Schools, British Council

Awarded to:
Omalka Matharaarachchi

*learn certification status

Declaration

Issued by: FutureWise Counselling© Solutions
Date: 06/08/2025

FutureWise Counselling© Solutions hereby declares its deliberate commitment to delivering ethical, academically sound, and globally aligned student counselling services, backed by professionally trained personnel and a rigorous code of conduct. This declaration affirms our alignment with internationally recognised frameworks governing educational quality and student welfare across the UK, Australia, and the European Union.

1. International compliance and Framework alignment
   All student counsellors affiliated with FutureWise operate in accordance with ICEF, British Counselling, and other international standards for advisory services, following:
   • United Kingdom - QAA: Our counselling methodology reflects QA's core principles, including transparent academic guidance, progression pathways, recognition of qualifications, and support systems aligned with UK higher education institutions.
   • European Union - Bologna Process: Our operations are informed by the Bologna Process, particularly the use of the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS), quality assurance protocols, mutual recognition of qualifications, and facilitation of academic mobility within the EU.
   • Australia - TEQSA / ESOS Acts: FutureWise counsellors are trained in compliance with TEQSA and the ESOS framework, ensuring protection of international students' rights, provision of accurate pre-departure information, and adherence to institutional and legal obligations.
2. Professional training and competence
   Counsellors engaged by FutureWise undergo structured training and certification in:
   • Student psychological and academic profiling
   • Cross-border academic pathway planning (primary, secondary, and tertiary)
   • Visa/Immigration advisory and compliance awareness
   • Cultural adjustment and settlement support
   • Ethical advisory conduct and information confidentiality
   • Emergency referral protocols and safeguarding policies

   Each professional is periodically assessed to ensure continued compliance with emerging global standards and jurisdictional requirements in destination countries.

3. Institutional capability and service provision
   As a comprehensive educational guidance and career planning entity, FutureWise Counselling is equipped to provide the following services:
   • In-depth student assessments and academic profiling
   • Tailored curriculum recommendations for domestic and international study
   • Migration and settlement support for overseas-bound students
   • Orientation and acculturation programming (Pastoral care)
   • Crisis response and external referral coordination
   • Institutional liaison and partnership facilitation with foreign education providers
   • Monitoring of academic progress and risk-mitigation plans
   • Guidance on financial literacy and personal development abroad

   These services are delivered through a unified counselling framework that integrates academic expertise, international policy knowledge, and cultural intelligence.

4. Institutional collaboration and partnership readiness
   FutureWise Counselling is fully prepared to collaborate with:
   • Government bodies involved in education, migration, and youth development
   • Private institutions, Universities, Colleges, and Schools seeking streamlined student placement partnerships
   • International awarding bodies, such as those requiring compliance with verifiable counselling standards
   • Student welfare and development organisations across global territories

   I, Omalka Matharaarachchi, welcome partnerships with public and private sector institutions that prioritise student success, educational access, and academic excellence.

5. Ethical assurance and safeguarding
   FutureWise Counselling maintains a strict code of ethics that governs all engagements with students and institutions. Data privacy, consent-driven advisory, transparency in communications, and professional boundaries are strictly enforced.

   All student interactions are documented and securely stored in accordance with relevant data protection laws and institutional policies.

   Authorised by:
   Omalka Vidulawantha Matharaarachchi
   Founder (Overseas Education Counsellor)
   FutureWise Counselling©

Green Ambassador

I am honored to be appointed as an Edupro Green Ambassador (Volunteer) for the JEL ISABC & Edupro Green Talent Awards (GTA) 2026, organized by Edupro in partnership with the James E. Lynch India and South Asia Business Centre (JEL ISABC), University of Leeds.

In this role, I will serve as a forward-facing sustainability advocate, helping to raise awareness, build credibility, and drive engagement around green skills, environmental responsibility, and future-ready leadership. My focus will be on influence over execution—shaping how sustainability is understood, valued, and adopted across both professional and youth ecosystems.

Functionally, the role delivers:

• Strategic Visibility: Elevating sustainability and green talent initiatives in the Asian region through thought leadership and strategic, high-impact positioning.
• Audience Creation: Engaging professional and academic communities to broaden reach and impact.
• Green Skills Advocacy: Championing environmental responsibility as a core leadership and employability asset, seeking and discovering novel talents.
• Insightful Contribution: Strengthening program relevance, credibility, and measurable outcomes through data-informed guidance and strategic consulting.

As Green Ambassador, my mission is to scale sustainable thinking, accelerate engagement, and reinforce sustainability as an essential driver of future economic and social development.

Collecting Data

I collect personal information of students to provide personalised and end-to-end educational counselling and career guidance. The types of data I may collect include:

For Students and Parents:

• Full name, date of birth, nationality
• Contact information (email, phone number/WA, address)
• Academic history, goals, interests, and preferences
• Passport, visa, and travel details (for international students)
• Financial information (only when relevant for advising or planning for overseas educational opportunities)
• Emergency contact details

For Counsellors:

• Full name, professional credentials, work experience
• Contact details (email, phone number/WA)
• Affiliated institutions or independent status
• ID and verification documents (for registration purposes)

Automatically Collected Data:

• Website usage data (IP address, browser type, device, cookies, etc.) of any submissions
• Feedback or form submissions

Using Information

• Provide one-on-one academic and career counselling
• Recommend personalised education pathways
• Support overseas international students with migration, settlement, and documentation
• Connect students with verified counsellors, mentors, institutions, and other organisations
• Enhance student experiences through virtual sessions, events, mentoring, and peer support
• Monitor academic progress and help manage risk factors
• Improve my services and user experience
• Send industry and educational updates, newsletters, or important notices (with your consent)

Sharing Information

I do not sell or rent your personal data. However, I share it with other officially connected parties:

• Verified counsellors and mentors within the FutureWise network (with your permission)
• Partner institutions and universities, or any other edu/career support agency (only with student consent)
• Government or visa authorities, including immigration (if required by law or for visa processing)
• Technical service providers supporting my operations, either personal platforms or social media (e.g., website hosting)

All third-party partners are expected to comply with confidentiality and data protection obligations.

Storing Information

I implement industry-standard security measures to protect your personal data from unauthorised access, disclosure, editing and forging, or misuse. Your information is securely stored using encrypted systems and limited-access protocols.

I retain your data only as long as necessary for counselling purposes, legal compliance, or service improvement, unless a longer retention period is required or permitted by law.

Your Strict Rights

You have the right to:

• Access and review your personal information
• Request corrections to inaccurate or incomplete data
• Withdraw consent for marketing communications
• Request deletion of your personal information (subject to legal and service obligations)

You may exercise these rights by contacting me.

Cookies and Tools

The FWC website may use cookies and analytics tools to improve your experience. Cookies help it understand how you interact with its content and enhance performance. You can modify your browser settings to disable cookies if preferred.

Links to Third-party

The FWC platform may contain links to third-party websites. FutureWise Counselling is not responsible for the privacy practices of those websites. I recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.

Updates to this Policy

I may update this Privacy Policy to reflect changes in law, services, or data practices. Any updates will be posted on this website or social media with the new effective date. Continued use of FWC services implies agreement with the revised policy.

Data Protection

Intellectual Property, Data Misuse, and Legal Enforcement

Any data, content, documents, assessments, materials, insights, frameworks, or information accessed, downloaded, captured, or otherwise obtained by a user or client from the FWC website, platforms, communications, or official documents are provided strictly for personal, authorised use only.

Such data must not be copied, shared, distributed, reproduced, remixed, repurposed, sold, published, or used for commercial or non-commercial purposes without explicit written consent from FutureWise Counselling.

Unauthorised use, misuse, or redistribution constitutes a breach of confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and applicable data protection laws. This may result in legal action and penalties enforceable under the applicable laws of the offender’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to civil claims, injunctions, and damages.

Bottom line: data stewardship is non-negotiable. Any abuse will be treated as a compliance failure and escalated accordingly.

Get in touch

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or your personal data, please enquire.

• Address: Virtually formed as a platform and resource provider, complying with the international educational law, the British Council and the ICEF ethical code and standards