When students begin exploring overseas study, one of the first questions they often ask is simple: “What is it actually like?”
To help make those answers easier to find, IDP has launched the IDP Student Community, a new peer-to-peer space inside the IDP Live app where prospective students can connect directly with those already living and studying abroad.
Developed in partnership with The Ambassador Platform and now in beta, the Community gives students a trusted place to explore real experiences and ask practical questions as they prepare for their global study journey.
Designed around real student needs
The Community brings together several features shaped by what students say they value most. A continuously updated live feed highlights authentic, student-generated content, while one-to-one chats connect prospective students with verified Student Ambassadors who have firsthand experience living and studying overseas.
Themed group discussions, along with a growing collection of photos and videos from students worldwide, provide practical insights into everything from choosing a course to settling into a new city. Together, these components create a single space where students can reliably seek out peer perspectives during their decision-making process.
Responding to changing student behaviour
Recent research has shown a clear shift in how students explore their study options. One in four prospective students now speak directly with current students, and more than 40 per cent say student stories help them feel most connected to their future institution.
The IDP Student Community reflects this change by offering a safe, moderated and easily accessible environment where students can build confidence and gain a clearer picture of what life abroad might look like.
Neil Pearson, Chief Digital Officer at IDP, said the platform aligns with the way today’s students seek information.
“Students want to hear directly from people who have already walked the path they’re about to take,” he said. “By creating a safe and authentic peer-to-peer space, we’re giving them access to the insights that matter most and strengthening the support they receive throughout their international education journey.”
Enhancing engagement
The platform adds a new dimension to IDP’s broader support and technology ecosystem, creating a more connected experience for students and offering institutions deeper visibility into the questions and interests shaping student decisions.
Over the coming months, IDP will introduce new features including FAQs, a “dream wall”, live-streamed sessions and future IELTS integration, all designed to help students feel informed, inspired and supported from the moment they start exploring their study options.