Backed by student trust – why international students choose IDP

When students embark on their international education journey, they are excited and keen but also very aware of the complexities involved. From choosing the right institution to managing applications, visas, and cultural transitions, the choices and processes can be overwhelming. This is where IDP steps in. As a global leader in international education services that partners with quality institutions and stakeholders, IDP has built a model that students trust. IDP has: 

• an average score of 9.2 out of 10 across ease, satisfaction, and trust 

• more than 123,000 verified reviews on Google and Dianping 

• a global average rating of 4.78 out of 5 

• 94% of global students who say they trust IDP ‘highly’. 

In this article, we explore IDP’s trusted approach, how and why it benefits students, and why trust is important in providing exceptional outcomes. 

Students face a range of challenges: navigating complex application systems, securing visas, finding accommodation, and adjusting to new cultures. These obstacles can cause significant concern and may even derail their plans to study overseas. In IDP’s Emerging Futures 5 survey (March 2024), we asked students which aspects of the application process they found most stressful – the top answer was ‘waiting for a response’ (54%), followed by ‘comparing information about universities’ (34%), then ‘being unclear about the outcome of my application (34%). This clearly shows the need for timely, accurate information and clarity about student application processes.  

In our Emerging Futures 7 survey findings (February 2025), 22% of students who had decided not to continue with their international education journey, told us that it was too difficult to get a visa.  Among prospective and applied students, 56% and 46% respectively are concerned about obtaining or maintaining a visa.  

In this landscape, trusted information becomes a critical factor, especially when there is so much information available and determining what is authentic can be difficult. 

Students need to feel supported, understood, and guided. IDP’s student-first approach ensures that empathy and reliability are embedded in every interaction – making trust not just a value, but a strategic advantage. 

Trust isn’t built overnight, it’s earned through consistent, transparent, and ethical practices. In May 2025, our Customer Experience and Insights team conducted a student satisfaction survey as part of our NPS programme – 94% of our students said they ‘highly’ trust IDP.  This reflects our commitment to: 

• Transparent communication that sets clear expectations. 

• Reliable support systems that guide students from enquiry to enrolment. 

• Ethical marketing and recruitment that prioritises student wellbeing. 

This trust translates into stronger engagement, better outcomes, and long-term relationships with students and institutions alike. 

IDP has committed to providing exceptional outcomes for our student customers and to amplify their voices, so their experiences are understood and acted upon. By providing processes to simplify the international education journey we make the experience of working with us as smooth as possible. In fact, in our May NPS student satisfaction survey, 94% of global students surveyed said IDP was very easy to work with. 

Our suite of digital tools, and streamlined processes, backed by our highly trained experts, make the journey accessible and organised: 

• IELTS and TAP peer-to-peer services for test preparation and peer support. 

• FastLane and Propose for speedy, proactive admissions. 

• Integrated visa and financial aid guidance. 

• Clear timelines and pre-emptive updates. 

Support is more than a service – it’s an assurance of care and concern. With a 94% satisfaction rate, (NPS May 2025) students consistently praise IDP’s personalised and professional guidance. 

We deliver this through: 

• Expert counsellors, many of whom were international students themselves. 

• Dedicated student offices across more than 35 countries. 

• Pre-departure and post-arrival support, ensuring continuity and care. 

Recent independent research highlights a strong correlation between IELTS scores and levels of early academic success for international students. The study findings underscore the importance of reliable guidance and preparation in the student journey.  

Trusted support services, such as those offered by IDP, play a pivotal role in helping students achieve the language proficiency needed for academic excellence. These findings validate the impact of expert-backed processes and reinforce the value of choosing a trusted partner.

Students trust other students. With over 123,000 verified reviews on Google and Dianping, and a 4.78/5 global rating, IDP’s reputation is reinforced by real experiences. 

We amplify this trust through: 

• Student testimonials and success stories. Real stories, real dreams: Students share their study abroad journeys 

• Alumni networks that showcase long-term outcomes. 

• Social proof integrated into digital marketing and platforms. 

Successful international student recruitment is about so much more than the numbers – it’s about relationships, trust and a desire to enable education aspirations. Institutions that partner with IDP benefit from a trusted ecosystem that prioritises student outcomes and already partners with some of the most prestigious institutions in top global study destinations, including our most recent Innovation Partner, Adelaide University. 

Five key strategies underpin our approach: 

• A student-first mindset, embedded in every service. 

• Investment in digital tools, data and insights, and expert people who really care about what they do. 

• Global reach with more than 210 network offices in over 35 countries and expert Student Placement teams with over 2,200 highly trained counsellors. 

• A commitment to quality, including our upcoming “Commitment to Quality” promise and our work with prestigious, dedicated partners. 

• Continuous feedback and adaptation, driven by student insights. 

Our teams are on hand to discuss how IDP can assist you and explain how our products and services can help you navigate current challenges: Please reach out to your Partnership Director today:

• Tanya Perera, Senior Partnerships Director

• Rustico Dulguime, Senior Partnerships Director

• Fiona Simpson, Partnerships Director

• Jerry He, Partnerships Director (NZ)

• Chamalee Karunanayake, Partnerships Director (P2P)