UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF)
Brunel is committed to maintaining the highest standards of agent management, to support the principles of the Agent Quality Framework and ensure that the UK remains a leading study destination for international students. The Agent Quality Framework promotes four key principles:
- Empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making
- Ensuring good agent governance and professionalism
- Promoting ethical agent practices, professional knowledge and competency
- Increasing transparency and accountability
What is the role of an Education Agent?
A good Education Agent will help support you by:
- Supporting you to decide which destination is best for your study goals
- Understanding what course options are available
- Identifying universities that meet your academic and lifestyle preferences
- Applying to your chosen universities on your behalf
- Gathering and submitting the documents you need for your visa
- Preparing you to come and study at the university of your choice
We are required to conduct reviews on all education agents prior to engaging their services. This ensures that the agencies meet our high standards of quality and integrity.
For a list of Brunel approved agents, please check the ‘Your Country’ pages to locate a regional Agent. If you are unable to find an education agent in your country, we encourage you to email ‘Your contact at Brunel’ also located on the Your Country page, and our Regional Managers would be happy to help.
Our agents will assist you with your application, provide any advice necessary, and support you with preparing and submitting any required documents. Whilst the agent will assist in this process, you have overall responsibility for your application and any communications.
- Agents will be given full access to the data provided in your application form, as well as permission to discuss all aspects of your application with Brunel.
- Agents must be honest in their communications with the student regarding the University, and vice versa. Agents shall not provide you or the University with false or misleading information.
- Agents must behave with integrity and honesty and are appointed following a thorough selection process. Brunel also provides all agents with training to ensure the highest standards.
- Agents representing Brunel are paid commission for their services*.
*Except for the United States or representatives working with students receiving US federal loans; or applicants applying from countries with financial sanctions in place.
All the representatives listed on the ‘Your Country’ pages of our website are required to undertake the British Council agent training or Brunel agent training and have up to date awareness about UKVI Laws and compliance.
How to choose the right Education Agent to support you
Before choosing an agent, we recommend that you read the British Council’s guide to choosing an education agent. This guide includes a checklist to help find out more of the services provided by the agent, to help with the decision-making process.
Agent feedback
If you have used one of the recommended Education Agents and would like to provide feedback or have a complaint about an agent or the service they provide, please contact us by email: international-enquiries@brunel.ac.uk.
Remember, where and what you study is your decision
Education agents are there to help you make an informed decision, not to decide for you. Be open to any ideas they may suggest but remain firm about what you want.
If you believe that you are not receiving the best service, contact us using the details above and we will investigate your complaint and will also provide an alternative approved education agent. Similarly, if you have had a good experience with an Education Agent, support other students by recommending them and providing reviews.
Your education agent should not offer to hold money, apply for or offer loans or make fee payments on your behalf. Please contact us if this occurs.