Choosing an Education Agent: A Guide for Students and Parents

Why use an education agent

A good agent saves you time and helps you avoid costly mistakes, but where and what you study is always your decision. This guide from EduQuantica Ltd explains what to expect from any agent, including us, so you and your family can choose with confidence. It follows the British Council's student and parent guide and the National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents.

A good education agent will help you to:

1. Confirm the UK is the right destination for you, and understand your course options and visa requirements.
2. Find universities and colleges that match your academic, personal and financial circumstances.
3. Apply to the providers you choose.
4. Compare your offers and meet admissions deadlines.
5. Gather and submit the documents you need for your visa.
6. Prepare to travel to and live in the UK.

A trustworthy agent will have:

• Completed British Council training. Certified counsellors hold an "I am a UK Certified Counsellor" digital badge and may appear on the British Council's database of certified counsellors (opens in a new tab).
• Committed to the national code. The National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents (opens in a new tab) sets the standards expected of agents representing UK education. They should be able to show you a copy.
• Formal contracts with the providers they promote. An agent should be clear about which universities they officially represent and which they do not.
• Regular training from their partner universities, the British Council and UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).

Checklist: is this a good agent?

• The counsellor is listed on the British Council database of certified counsellors.
• The agency appears as an official representative on the website of the university or college you want to apply to.
• The agency shows its company name and registration number on its website and materials.
• It has given you a copy of, or a link to, the national code of ethical practice.
• It offers a written, signed agreement that sets out its services, any fees and its complaints process.
• It has a written refund policy for any fees you pay.
• Other students and families say good things about it. Even the best agent can't please everyone, but reviews help you judge.
• You can speak to students it has placed in the UK before.
• If your country requires agents to hold a local licence, it has one. Check with your government's education department or official agent association.

Questions to ask your agent

1. Which UK universities and colleges do you have a formal contract with? Can I see them listed on the providers' websites?
2. Are your counsellors British Council certified?
3. Will you charge me any fees? What exactly are they for, and when are they refundable?
4. How are you paid by universities, and does that affect which ones you recommend?
5. Why do you think this course and university suit my grades, English level, budget and goals?
6. Will you work with any other agents or partners on my application? Who will see my personal data?
7. What support do you give with my visa, and are you a regulated UK immigration adviser?
8. What help do you offer before I travel and after I arrive?
9. If I am unhappy with your service, how do I complain?
10. Can I talk to students you have placed in the UK?

Fees, money and red flags

How agents are paid. Most agents are paid commission by the university or college, which covers their running costs. Paid by commission or not, an agent must give you high-quality, unbiased advice.

Fees you may be charged. Some agents charge for extra services. They must tell you at the start what they charge and why. If you are unsure, check with the university you plan to apply to.

Paying tuition and deposits. Agents should not hold your money or make payments for you. Pay tuition fees and deposits directly to the university, using the payment details on its official website or offer letter. If an agent asks you for money, check with the university first.

Warning signs

Walk away, and tell the university, if an agent:

• claims they can get you lower entry requirements, a special application route or information that direct applicants can't get. Agents cannot do this.
• promises a guaranteed offer or a guaranteed visa.
• asks you to pay tuition fees or deposits into their own or a personal bank account.
• suggests false, altered or "borrowed" documents, such as bank statements or certificates. This can lead to a visa refusal and a ban from the UK.
• pressures you to decide quickly or to choose one university without explaining why.
• encourages you to switch to another university after you arrive to earn more commission.
• claims special links with government officials, or uses university logos without a contract.
• won't put fees, services or refunds in writing.

Visa advice

Many agents are not regulated UK immigration advisers but can still give useful help with a student visa application. Make sure you understand the requirements yourself. Use GOV.UK (opens in a new tab), UKCISA (opens in a new tab) and Study UK (opens in a new tab) to check what you are told.

Your decision

An agent is there to help you make an informed decision, not to decide for you. Listen to their ideas, but stay firm about what you want.

If something goes wrong

1. Use the agent's complaints process. EduQuantica students and parents can use our Complaint Form or email complaints@eduquantica.com. We acknowledge within 5 working days and respond in full within 20 working days.
2. Contact your university or college. If the issue isn't resolved, tell the provider you are applying to. UK providers monitor their agents and can investigate.

Had a good experience? Help other students by recommending your agent and leaving a review.

Useful sources