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Australia is a top destination for international students, offering world-class education, unique experiences and a safe environment.
If you’d like to study in Australia, you’ll need to apply for a Student visa. You can apply for a Student visa directly, by following these steps.
However, if you’re unsure about the application process, you may wish to seek support from an education agent. So, how can you ensure that the agent you choose is reliable and trustworthy?
What is an education agent?
Education agents specialise in helping students navigate the study and visa application process. An experienced agent can:
- Give you guidance on choosing the right course, city and education provider for you, based on your academic background, career goals and budget.
- Help you with your study application.
- Explain which visa options are available to you.
- Help you to prepare and submit a visa application.
Why use an education agent?
Using an agent for visa applications will not impact the visa decision or make the whole process any faster, but it could make the process easier for you. Some advantages in using a registered education agent include:
- They are familiar with the latest Australian Government policies, course options, eligibility and entry requirements.
- They have a formal agreement with an Australian education or training provider to represent them internationally. This means they know the application process well and can contact the provider on your behalf with any questions if any issues or complications arise.
- They can help you ensure that you have completed all your forms correctly, which reduces the risk of errors that could lead to a visa delay or refusal.
- They can help you to source and receive the necessary documents for your visa application, such as your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) and advise you on applying for health insurance (OSHC).
How to find a reputable agent
While many education agents are legitimate and offer valuable services, there are unfortunately some who do not follow the correct, legal procedures. To protect yourself, follow these tips:
1. Use a trusted agent
There are a few ways to find a trusted education agent:
- Australian education and training providers, including all Australian Universities have a list of agents that they have approved and work with published on their website.
- You can see if they are listed on the Qualified Education Agent Counsellors List (QEAC).
There are other types of agents you may wish to use. These include migration agents, who help people wanting to move to Australia permanently.
If you want to use a migration agent, it is very important that you make sure the migration agent is registered. A Registered Migration Agent must abide by Australian laws and is required to stay up to date with all rules and regulations. You can find a Registered Migration Agent by searching the Register of Migration Agents.
2. Look for reviews and testimonials
Before choosing an agent, do some research online and make sure any reviews are done by legitimate people.
3. Avoid guarantees
Be cautious of agents who promise a guaranteed visa approval. No agent can guarantee the outcome of your visa application. Reputable agents will be honest about your chances and not make unrealistic promises.
4. Understand agent fees
It’s important to know the average agent fee so that you don’t get overcharged. It’s a good idea to contact a few agents and compare prices. Be cautious of agencies that are too cheap or too expensive.
5. Get everything in writing
Make sure that you have a written contract (or agreement) with the agent. The contract should include:
- the fees
- the exact services that are included in the fees
- their refund policy.
Questions to ask your agent
1. Ask which education providers they represent
Some agents are paid by certain education providers to recommend them. You might want to do your own research first to make sure they aren’t excluding some available study options or education providers that might suit you better.
2. Ask for a breakdown of their fees
Take some time to understand the fee structure before signing any contract and understand exactly what is included in their services.
3. Ask how they will support you and keep you informed throughout the application process
Communication is important, so make sure the agent has a clear plan for keeping you updated.
Get started!
Here are some places to get started with your research:
We wish you the best of luck with your application and hope to see you in Australian soon.