How to choose an education agent as an international student

One of the biggest decisions you can make is to study abroad. It’s a life-changing step and requires careful research and planning. Many students choose to seek help from an education agent to assist and guide them through the process of starting a new chapter in their lives. Selecting a professional, certified and reputable agent is crucial in making your move abroad stress-free. We’re here to explain how you can do this, including how to identify a good agent, the questions to ask and what you should expect when working with them.  

Why is choosing a reputable education agent important?

Choosing the right education agent is essential in ensuring that you receive accurate, up-to-date, unbiased and relevant information about studying abroad. This should cover, but is not limited to, the following:

• A knowledge and understanding of the UK higher education landscape and system.
• An advanced knowledge of UK institutions and their academic offerings, including subjects and degrees. 
• An excellent understanding of eligibility requirements and application procedures in the UK.
• Professionally trained in matters relating to UK immigration and visas.

Knowing that you can rely on the advice and guidance you are given means more confident decision-making. It will also help you develop an accurate timeline and plan.

How do you identify a quality education agent?

Identifying a good education agent requires asking the right questions and doing your own research. If the agent has a physical office or location, be sure to visit so you can assess the professionalism of the environment and the friendliness of the staff. If they are a virtual agency, search for reviews on trusted sites and forums.

Evaluate their digital footprint across social media to see how they interact with prospective students and clients, as well as what people say about them. Further, enquire with the agent if they are familiar with the national code of ethical practice for UK education agents. You can ask to see a copy of the code from an agent.

Verify whether the agent you are thinking of using is registered on the British Council database of accredited agents and holds a local license to operate in your country, if necessary. You can also research if your prospective agent is listed as an official partner of any of the institutions you are interested in studying at.

Don’t stop there. Contact universities directly to ask their admissions or international office if they are familiar with the agent. Lastly, always check that an agent has a clear way for you to give feedback or raise complaints. All of these steps can help you build a more accurate picture of the education agent you’re thinking of using.

What makes a good UK education agent?

According to the Agent Quality Framework’s guide to selecting an education agent, an agent advising you on your academic journey abroad must be able to answer key questions. If they are unable to do so, it should give you reason to question whether they are a suitable choice. Some of the essential questions to ask are:

1. Can you provide in-depth information about studying in the UK and what the options available are, from institutions to subjects?
2. Do you have a license to act as an education agent, and can you show this registration or accreditation?
3. Do you charge fees? What are they for? When am I expected to pay them?
4. Are you licensed to provide immigration advice either with the OISC or the Law Society?
   1. Remember that education agents don’t necessarily require licensing to give expert UK immigration advice. However, it is useful to ask when they last received training on UK visa regulations.
5. Do you subscribe to and comply with the UK’s National Code of Ethical Practice for UK education agents?
   1. They need to know what the code is and what it says, so asking additional questions on the topic is a good strategy.
6. Is it possible to speak with any students or alumni who have used your services?
7. Do you offer any pre-departure and arrival services or support?

These questions are not the only ones to ask, so you can include additional queries that you feel are appropriate for your circumstances. This can be particularly important if agents offer to hold money, secure loans, or pay tuition fees. It is crucial to ask questions, especially when finance is involved and ensure that these transactions are legitimate. Remember that you can also refer to the Student and parent guide to choosing an education agent for reference and additional information.  

What should you expect from an education agent?

You should always have high expectations for the quality of service you receive from an education agent, especially when paying. Education agents should be able to provide you with the following services:

1. Discussion and guidance on whether the UK is an ideal study destination for you. An agent should never pressure you to decide on where you choose to study.
2. Agents should help you investigate your degree and course options based on your unique profile, including your abilities, interests, aptitude and qualifications.
3. Help you evaluate and review appropriate institutions that match your aspirations. This includes location, lifestyle, education quality, career goals and even specialisation. An agent who tries to force you to select a university is a red flag.
4. You should receive help and guidance through the application process, and includes submission. In some cases, an agent may apply for you. Further, they should help you understand what your offer means, should you receive one. Agents can’t offer you separate entry requirements from those that students applying directly will use. However, they can help fast-track your application with quicker turnaround times. You can even get an offer in principle before submitting a full application with IDP’s FastLane service.
5. Agents should be suitably trained to assist you with your visa application, including the required documents, bookings and preparation. Some agents are not, however, licensed immigration advisers. You should always familiarise yourself with requirements by consulting the UK government website  or resources offered by the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
6. If you are accepted to study in the UK, good education agents should help you prepare and get ready for your new life abroad. This can extend to additional products or services, such as money transfer, accommodation, insurance and even connectivity.

Always remain cautious if agents are not upfront about fees or charges. In most cases, agents receive commissions from institutions and may offer additional services at a charge. However, this should never influence the advice and information they give you. 

When making your decision to study abroad, an education agent is there to facilitate the process. Their role is not to make the choice for you or pressure you into a particular decision. Be clear about your goals and ambitions and set realistic expectations. If you are concerned about the service or information you have received, always contact the institution directly or speak with other students who may be able to recommend a better agent. Choosing a quality education agent partner can make all the difference in you having a positive and supportive study abroad experience.