I got scammed by 24 news channel's study abroad agency
24 Study Abroad completely wasted my Austria intake and basically scammed me
I’m a 2025 Plus Two graduate from India, and my plan is to pursue my bachelor’s in Austria. Since I was new to the whole process and especially needed help with visa procedures, blocked account guidance, document legalization, accommodation, insurance, etc., I decided to consult an agency called 24 Study Abroad.
Big mistake.
They told me they had a “dedicated Austria team” and acted like they were experts in Austrian admissions. They only asked for ₹3000 as a registration fee initially, so I thought it seemed trustworthy and low-risk.
One thing that still bothers me is this:
When me and my father went for registration, we specifically asked for a proper agreement or written document mentioning their responsibilities, timelines, services, and other details clearly.
But they refused.
They told us that making an agreement would “become a burden in the future” and convinced us it wasn’t necessary. At that time, we trusted them and ignored the red flag.
Now I realize they simply didn’t want accountability.
I started the process around September.
From there, everything became slow, unorganized, and honestly frustrating. Every time I asked for updates, I got vague answers or excuses. It slowly became obvious that these people barely knew the actual Austria process themselves.
The funniest part? Most of the admission process can literally be done by students themselves with proper research.
The only reason I even went to an agency was because Austria has a complicated visa and document procedure:
- legalized documents
- German translation requirements
- accommodation proof
- blocked account / financial proof
- insurance
- residence permit application
- embassy appointment timing
- university communication
I expected professional guidance for THESE things.
Instead, they delayed everything so badly that I lost an entire intake.
By March, I should’ve already been preparing for visa submission if the process had been handled properly. Other students who applied independently or through competent consultants already had progress by then.
Meanwhile I was stuck waiting for updates from people who clearly had no clue what they were doing.
Now because of this delay, I have to wait for upcoming intakes and spend MORE money again on:
- updated bank statements
- document renewals
- translations
- courier charges
- accommodation expenses later
- visa-related costs
- another year of preparation and waiting
And the biggest loss isn’t even money.
It’s time.
One entire academic intake gone because I trusted the wrong agency.
What makes this worse is that this agency themselves markets aggressively to students who are already confused and desperate for guidance. They act professional until you actually start depending on them.
Btw they didn't do the refund of 3000 rupees too even after asking them for around 2,3 times.