International Agents

Our Relationship with Agents

Our global network of approved education agents can facilitate your application journey to the University of Wolverhampton. These trained advisors possess comprehensive knowledge of our application procedures and can provide support across all aspects of the process, from programme selection to application submission.

Each agent in our network operates under an official partnership agreement with the University of Wolverhampton. They receive ongoing training and support from our international team, ensuring they can provide accurate and current information about studying at the University.

We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of agent conduct through regular performance reviews and student feedback. Our agent partnerships align with the British Council's Agent Quality Framework - a set of principles established to safeguard international students and ensure ethical recruitment practices.

Please note - Agents receive a commission for students who enrol through their services.

Choosing an Agent: What to Look For

If you are considering working with an education agent, we recommend verifying the following:

• Official recognition – Confirm that the agent is listed on our approved agents list and holds a current agreement with the University
• British Council certification – Check whether the agent is British Council certified by searching the British Council Agent and Counsellor Database. This certification demonstrates adherence to professional standards
• Clear information – A reputable agent will provide transparent details about programmes, fees, entry requirements, and their own services
• No pressure tactics – Be cautious of agents who pressure you into quick decisions or guarantee admission - professional agents guide and advise rather than push you into choices
• Honest advice – Your agent should recommend programmes that align with your qualifications and aspirations, rather than solely pursuing enrolment targets
• Professional conduct – Look for agents who respond promptly, answer enquiries thoroughly, and maintain clear communication throughout the process
• Transparent fees – Agents should be transparent about any charges for their services (please note that we pay agents commission, so many do not charge students directly)
• Written agreements – Ensure you receive clear documentation outlining the services to be provided and any associated costs
• Ethical standards – Be wary of any agent who suggests falsifying application materials or misrepresenting your circumstances

If you have concerns about an agent's conduct or the advice provided, please contact our team directly. We are here to assist you.

Information for Current Agents

The University of Wolverhampton has a strategic approach when appointing education as we have an established list of education agents in key markets. However, in line with our internationalisation strategy we may look to compliment and strengthen our current portfolio to of education agents. 

If you wish to become an education agent and represent the University of Wolverhampton, please complete the expression of interest form and this will be reviewed by the account manager and senior members of the Global Opportunities Office. 

Agent Quality Framework

It is of paramount importance to us that all international students have the best student experience when they embark on their journey to study at the University of Wolverhampton. As a university we are committed to the UK Agent Quality Framework; as a member of British Universities International Liaisons Association (BUILA) we worked collaboratively with the British council, UKCISA, BUILA, UUKi and other key stakeholders to feed into the framework. We are also one of the inaugural signatories of the Agent Quality Framework, as we truly believe it enhances the overall student experience. 

At the University of Wolverhampton, we require all our agents to uphold the highest standards by adhering and implementing the agent quality framework within the organisation, and this goes beyond counsellors being certified on the British Council-certified agent database. We expect the following from our education agents: 

• Most of their counselling staff have successfully completed the British Council UK Agent and Counsellor training
• To promote the student guide to choosing an education agent on their website
• Those who are aggregators and or have a B2B model should ensure that their
  network of partners also adheres to the above  
• To be open, honest and transparent with students
• Must be professional, providing correct and timely information and advice to both the student and their family 

As a university we are committed to empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making. We will promote ethical agent practices, professionalism, and remain open and transparent with our partners and prospective students.  

There are 9 parts to the AQF: 

1. A student and parent guide to choosing an education agent- a guide supporting students and their parents on what they should look for when selecting an agent, including links to the national code of ethical practice for education agents. A PDF/print version of this guide is available at the bottom of this page.
   
   
2. National code of ethical practice for education agents- a code of practice setting out the standards and best practice that education agents and agent aggregators, brokers and marketplaces (digital agent networks) representing UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors must adhere to.
   
   
3. Good practice guide for providers using education agents- a guide to education agent management best practice for UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors. The information in the guide allows providers new and established to international recruitment to use it as a step-by-step guide, minimising their risk and embedding resource-efficient processes.
   
   
4. Good practice guide for UK education agents partnering for quality- a guide enabling all agents and representatives partnering with UK providers on the register of licensed student sponsors to deliver high quality applicant experiences.
   
   
5. Agent Quality Framework pledge- a pledge enabling UK education providers on the register of licensed student sponsors to demonstrate their commitment to the AQF. 
   
   
6. British Council UK certified counsellor training- training providing agents and counsellors with knowledge and awareness of the UK as a study destination, which certifies them through assessments.
   
   
7. British Council UK agent and counsellor training and engagement hub- the hub includes all the information that agents and counsellors need when serving UK-bound international students.
   
   
8. British Council database of certified counsellors- students and parents can access a public-facing database of certified counsellors who have passed the training.
   
   
9. AQF agency management course- training providing international education agencies who recruit students for UK higher education providers with sufficient knowledge and understanding of the AQF.