Study Australia's Five Tips for Choosing an Education Agent, Explained

If you're unsure about how to apply to study in Australia, an education agent can help. But not all agents follow the rules, so it's important to choose one that's reliable and trustworthy.

1. Use a trusted agent

Only use reputable, verified agents. Australian education and training providers (including all Australian universities) publish lists of education agents they work with on their websites. You can also check if an agent is listed on the Qualified Education Agent Counsellors list.

Under Australian migration law, only registered migration agents or Australian legal practitioners can give you visa advice. An education agent who is not also a registered migration agent must not provide immigration assistance. You can search for registered migration agents on the Register of Migration Agents.

2. Avoid guarantees

Be cautious of any promises that seem too good to be true. No agent can guarantee the outcome of your Student visa application or any future visa application. No agent can guarantee that you will pass your course and get an Australian qualification.

3. Understand agent fees

Contact a few agents and compare their service fees. Some education agents are paid by education providers to recommend them, and this cost is usually included in your tuition fees. Be aware of average fees and be cautious if an agency seems very cheap or very expensive, as that may mean it's not being honest about what agent services should cost.

4. Get everything in writing

Make sure you have a written contract (or agreement) with your education agent. The contract should include:

The fees you will pay.
The exact services that are included in those fees.
Their refund policy.

Do some of your own research too, to make sure you're aware of all your study options or education providers that might suit you better.

5. Ask lots of questions

Before signing a contract, ask the following:

Which education providers do they represent? Some agents are paid by certain education providers to recommend them and will only focus on those.
What is the fee breakdown for their services? Make sure you understand the agent's fee structure and what services are included.
How will they support you and keep you informed throughout the application process? Make sure the agent has a clear plan for keeping you updated and what you can expect at each stage.

After you have started studying in Australia (onshore), be wary of any agents offering services for transferring to another education provider. Agents cannot be paid by your new education provider for you to change. Ask your current education provider for help if you need it.

Extra safeguards

Education providers are banned from paying their agents commission fees to recruit students who are already studying in Australia. Education agents or Australian education providers should not offer gifts, shopping vouchers, gift cards, cash, or rewards to convince you to enrol or to encourage you to transfer away from the provider you are with after you arrive in Australia. They also cannot guarantee permanent residency or other migration outcomes as part of any education offer.

Getting the right advice is important for your studies and your future. Poor or incorrect advice from an education agent can have serious consequences. It may affect your visa status and could limit your ability to travel or study in Australia or other countries in the future. It can also impact your access to quality education that delivers the qualifications and outcomes you expect from your study investment.