S
Standards
Eight core competencies, clear assessment criteria and a published code of conduct. Everyone knows what is expected and what the STAR certification represents.
A free international certification for high school counsellors who guide students to universities abroad. A published standard, a credential any university can verify in two taps, and a community that meets. Issued jointly by FPP / The Student World and World Educational Leaders.
What STAR is
Eight core competencies, clear assessment criteria and a published code of conduct. Everyone knows what is expected and what the STAR certification represents.
Ten online modules covering approximately twelve hours of self-paced learning, complemented by live webinars with partner universities and education experts.
Practical knowledge to guide students from their first interest in studying abroad through university admission, financial planning, family support and cultural preparation.
A professional credential with a unique ID, public verification, a digital badge for LinkedIn and email signatures, and recognition from participating universities.
Why STAR exists
Whoever guides students to universities abroad takes part, with each family, in one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. Until now there was no simple way to show that this professional follows a standard.
And designed for the United States or the United Kingdom. None exists in Portuguese or Spanish, and none was built for counsellors who send students to many destinations.
The university that receives the student has no way to check who guided them. A seal that cannot be verified is worth nothing.
STAR brings international admissions together with the real work of the counsellor at school, with partner universities endorsing the credential.
STAR was created to take that place: a published standard, a credential any university verifies in two taps, and a community that meets, starting with Brazil and Latin America and open to counsellors from any country.
Already certified?
If you hold a university admissions counselling certification, we recognise your prior training, as universities recognise credits from one another. The programme office reviews every application individually.
Recognised as equivalent
Send your proof, accept the code of conduct, and the programme team reviews and issues your STAR credential.
No module requiredExample
Such as the programme at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Send your proof and complete a short bridge module on the STAR standard and tools.
Bridge module, about 2 hoursExample
Focused on one destination, the United Kingdom. Send your proof, complete the bridge module and the destination modules 2 to 4.
Bridge + modules 2 to 4What you learn
From the first conversation about studying abroad to the day the student arrives on campus. Each module ends with a learning check; the programme ends with a written assignment applied to your own school.
How it works
Leave your details below. When your cohort opens you receive access to the programme on University Access.
About twelve hours, at your own pace, plus live webinars with partner universities, recorded for those who cannot attend.
A short text applying the programme to your own school, reviewed by two certified peers against a public rubric.
Valid for two years. You renew with short update modules, without repeating the programme.
What you receive
International Counsellor Certification
STAR Certified Counsellor
Your name here
Your school · Your city, your country
Credential number and public verification page, with real-time status.
Who signs
FPPSince 1997, FPP has connected educational institutions worldwide with international students through innovative technology, recruitment events, and digital solutions. Its core business combines technology-driven recruitment with meaningful human connections.
World Educational LeadersBrings together owners and leaders of private and international schools, recognises schools shaping the future of education and holds its annual Forum in New York. Co-chairs the advisory board.
First cohort
Leave your details and tell us your situation. You will receive by e-mail the certification standard, the opening of the recognition window and the date of the first cohort. No cost and no commitment.