Universities

Working with education agents responsibly

Many universities, and some boarding schools, recruit international students through agents. Agents can help students a great deal, and they can also cause harm if they are not managed well.

Contracts

Use a written contract that sets out what the agent may do, how they are paid and what they must not do, such as making promises about visas or outcomes.

Training

Train agents on your courses, entry requirements and costs, and update them every year.

Monitoring

Check what agents say about you in their marketing. Ask students how they were advised, and act on complaints.

Frameworks

In the UK, the Agent Quality Framework sets out good practice for universities working with agents. In Australia, education providers are responsible for the agents they use under national rules for providers of education to overseas students.

Transparency

Tell students whether an agent is paid by the institution. Students should know that commission is involved.

Accurate information

Agents rely on the information you give them. Make sure the same facts appear on your own site and in listings such as Universities DB.