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Process Overview Step-By-Step Guide Recommendations Frequently Asked Questions

Process Overview

Date: 15 April 2025


Dear Candidate,

Exciting Update - International Education Funding Application Process - 2025

Thank you so much for your interest in studying. At Step Ladder Academy, we are passionate about helping students like you find the perfect academic path. We offer outstanding services to help you apply to top universities in the USA, Canada (Fully Funded — Tuition Fees & Accommodation), or Ireland (Self-Funding).

The programs are offered in fields like Social Sciences, Technology, Engineering, Nursing, Health Sciences, Arts, and many more. Let us know your degree choices.

We are truly excited to be part of your journey, and we can’t wait to help you take the next step toward studying or working abroad.

Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process, answer any questions, and support you every step of the way.

We have 5 options available:

Option 1: Study in Canada — We have a list of over (25) top universities. There is funding for Fees & Accommodation. The funding you pay back up to 10 years after graduation.

Option 2: Study in the USA — We have a list of over (461) top universities. There is funding for Fees & Accommodation. The funding you pay back up to 10 years after graduation.

Option 3: Study in France (1) or Singapore (1) — Over 500 top universities available. There is funding for Fees & Accommodation. The funding you pay back up to 10 years after graduation.

Option 4: Canada Work Program — Go abroad for work via the new visa entry system. Places in Canada are limited to outside main cities and will most likely be in cold provinces. (Not easy to get into and not guaranteed.)

Option 5: Study in Ireland — You pay your own fees and accommodation. Please note that once you are in Ireland, you are allowed to work 20 hours a week. After completing your studies, you can secure a job or even switch into categories like Health & Social Care, which is popular.

(Entry into a university is not guaranteed. Admission is dependent on grades, statement of purpose, course type, CV, and passing a university interview.)

15 April 2025

Step-By-Step Guide

International Education Funding Application Process

Here are the simple steps to follow in order to successfully submit an application and be considered for this exciting opportunity

STEP 1 – Initial Registration

To start the process, a USD 150.00 registration fee is required, plus a $50.00 processing fee totaling $200.00. This will provide an individual access to the application portal with a unique system-generated email address created for correspondence purposes.

STEP 2 – Registration Form

Registration form must be completed. (All documents must be commissioned by a commissioner of oaths.)

Kindly note that for Section 6, the following services are available. If you choose to use them, please contact our office before uploading your final documents:

You will be required to sign a disclaimer if you choose to skip these services:

1. CV/Resume Assistance: We can prepare a professional CV tailored to the type of profession you are applying for. This service attracts a non-refundable admin fee of USD 100.

2. Statement of Purpose: 500 words explaining why you wish to pursue the course and why you believe you are a suitable candidate. Universities require this to learn more about you. We can prepare this statement for you at a non-refundable admin fee of USD 100.

Non-refundable Processing Admin Fee: USD 150 for Step 2.
(Candidates can upload proof of payment for administrator review. Once approved, candidates will receive an email at the address created in Step 1.)

STEP 3 – University Application

Once the documents and registration form are completed and uploaded, we will apply to a maximum of 10 universities on your behalf. You will be notified of acceptances, rejections, and we will wait for interview offers from the universities.

There is NO admin fee required for this process.

STEP 4 – Interview Offer

We will inform you of the interview date and time set by the university.

There is NO admin fee for this process.

STEP 5 – Mock Interview (Optional)

If required, we offer a 45-minute mock interview session (in-person or via Zoom) to prepare you for the real university interview.

This service attracts a USD 100 admin fee.

STEP 6 – University Interview

If shortlisted, you will be invited to an interview via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

There is NO admin fee for this process.

Note: Should you fail all interviews from the 10 universities, an additional USD 150 will be required for us to resend your application to another 10 universities.

STEP 7 – University Acceptance & Offer Letter

We will notify you once your offer letter is ready. You will be required to sign the acceptance letter.

There is NO admin fee for this process.

STEP 8 – Student Funding Loan Application

You and your guardian/parent will meet with us to complete the funding loan application process.

Loan Terms:
• Loans are repayable up to 10 years after graduation.
• Interest rates range between 10% – 16% of the total sum.
• Tuition and accommodation fees will be paid directly to the university.

Once the loan process is completed, we will then assist with the visa application.

There is a USD 200 admin fee for this process.

STEP 9 – Visa Application

Assistance with filling online visa forms, uploading documentation, and ensuring accuracy.

• A valid passport is required (should not be within 6 months of expiry).
• A separate visa fee (around USD 200) must be paid directly to the consulate.

There is a USD 500 admin fee for this process.

STEP 10 – Accommodation & Travel

The university accommodation office will assist in finding a place to live. Students are encouraged to live on campus for their first year.

Flights: Students must pay for their own flights.
However, students who meet the following can qualify for a 0% interest "Fly Now, Pay Later" loan (payable over 3–6 months after scholarship approval):

• Must be a SACCO student member with at least 10 shares.
• Guardian/Parent must be a SACCO or COMFWB member with at least 10 shares.
• Must be Zimbabwean by nationality.
• Guardian/Parent can also join the SACCO Travel Fund.

Recommendations

Dear Parents and Students,

As we consider the opportunity for our children to pursue degrees in Canada and the United States, it's essential to focus on programs that are in high demand. These degrees will not only provide valuable education but also increase the likelihood of job opportunities upon graduation. We encourage our children to explore the following degrees:

In-Demand Degree Programs
In Canada:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Bachelor of Engineering (various disciplines):
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Environmental Science
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Education (BEd)
  • Bachelor of Health Sciences
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Diploma in Carpentry and Construction
  • Diploma in Welding Technology
  • Diploma in Electrical Techniques
  • Diploma in Plumbing Techniques
In the United States:
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
  • Bachelor of Computer Science
  • Bachelor of Engineering (various disciplines):
    • Mechanical Engineering
    • Civil Engineering
    • Electrical Engineering
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
  • Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Bachelor of Data Science
  • Bachelor of Health Administration
  • Bachelor of Public Health
  • Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
  • Associate Degree in Automotive Technology
  • Associate Degree in HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
  • Associate Degree in Electrical Technology
  • Certificate in Plumbing Technology
Conclusion

Encouraging our children to pursue these degrees can provide them with the skills necessary to thrive in their future careers. Let's support them in making informed decisions about their education and the paths they choose to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

01. Fees

No. All service fees charged by Step Ladder Academy are strictly non-refundable, regardless of the outcome (e.g., application rejection, visa refusal, or loan denial).

The registration fee includes:
  • Support with up to 3 university applications
  • Document verification
  • Creation of student profile
  • Academic email setup
  • Course and university selection support

No. University application fees are paid directly to the respective institutions by the student and typically range from $50 to $250. These fees are non-refundable.

Yes:
  • CV Enhancement - $50.00
  • SOP Drafting - $20.00

02. Application Process & Interview

Yes. A 45-minute mock interview (via Zoom or in-person) is available at $100. While this offers valuable preparation, it does not guarantee admission or visa success.

Yes. You may apply to three more universities for an additional fee of $150.

  • Passport photo/bio page
  • Updated CV/Resume
  • Final degree certificate and marking scheme
  • Complete academic transcripts (no consolidated transcripts)
  • English proficiency certificate (if required)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Predicted grades (for current high school students)

There is no age limit. However, eligibility may vary depending on individual university and visa requirements.

Yes. Pregnancy does not hinder the application or visa process.

  • You will be required to pay a deposit (typically $500–$2000) to confirm/secure your place.
  • The deadline for payment will be stated on your offer letter, usually within 3–4 weeks.
  • Begin the next steps, including visa processing, accommodation arrangements, and travel planning.

03. English Proficiency

No. English language test fees (e.g., IELTS/PTE) are paid directly to testing centers. For example, the IELTS fee is approximately $346 through the British Council. See https://www.britishcouncil.co.zw.

Yes. IELTS Academic or General training is available for $75. This does not include the test fee.

  • Academic: for university entry
  • General: for immigration/work purposes

Both formats are valid. Choose the format that suits your comfort level and testing preference.

04. Visa Support

Yes. Comprehensive visa support is offered for $500. This includes guidance on form completion, submission, and interview preparation. Embassy fees are payable separately by the applicant.

05. Accommodation & Travel

Yes. We provide advisory support for accommodation and travel planning. However, actual bookings and associated payments are the responsibility of the student.

06. Confidentiality

Absolutely. All client information is treated with strict confidentiality and only shared with third parties as required for your application process.

07. Student Loans

Yes. Loans are available for eligible students in their 3rd or 4th year, as well as Master’s and Doctoral Programs in select fields. Eligible fields of study include:
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Medicine (Nursing, Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Dental Surgery)

Yes. The total loan support fee is $350, which includes:
  • $150 registration
  • $200 loan application assistance

  • Eligibility assessment
  • Loan application support
  • Document verification
  • Ongoing tracking and advisory services

  • Valid Passport
  • National ID
  • University admission letter
  • Proof of immigration status (visa or permit)
  • Financial documents (bank statements dated within 90 days, scholarship letters, etc.)
  • Any other relevant supporting documents

Yes. Renewal assistance is available for $250 per application cycle.

  • No collateral or co-signer required
  • Fixed interest: 10% – 16.99%
  • Loan amounts of up to $100,000
  • Approval in 10–14 business days
  • Interest-only payments while in school and for 6 months post-graduation
  • Repayment term: 10 years

08. Other Common Questions

Yes. We are happy to assist at any stage of your journey.

Yes. We help identify and apply for scholarships; however, outcomes are not guaranteed.

Yes. Advisory support is available. Formal transfers must comply with regulations in the destination country.

All fees are paid on a step-by-step basis and are required before each stage of the process begins. To avoid delays in the next steps or missing important deadlines, we kindly ask that payments be made promptly. If you need clarification, please speak to our team directly. We’re here to help!

Yes. Support is available upon request. Additional fees may apply.

09. Contact Information

Call/WhatsApp: +263 781 120 884 / +263 780 464 646

Email: info@stepladderacademy.com

Website: www.stepladderacademy.com