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Education agents counsel and provide advice and placement assistance to students who wish to study in Australia. These agents get paid by educational institutions for the services they provide.

If you plan to study in Australia, it must be a life-changing decision. You must also be wondering whether to get assistance from an education agent.

This post will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using an education agent. So stay tuned.

1. What Are The Advantages of Using Education Agents?

More and more students are using the services of an education agent. Nearly half of the international students in Australia use the services of an education agency, and the agents place around three-quarters of students in English schools. 

A reliable education agent will provide valuable support in deciding which course and education institution are the best for students. Here are a few benefits of choosing an education agent:

• Education agents are experts in the education industry. They provide essential information about the institution and the local area to the students who may need to learn more about the place. They have extensive experience in the education industry and understand international students problems. 

• They help to find a course according to a student's interests. An experienced education agent knows what a student wants and assists them in finding an institution that is perfect for them.

• Education agents offer assistance to students at the most affordable rate and for the longest time possible.

• They assist students in converting their offer letter to a CoE (Confirmation of Enrollment) and even help them fill out the application forms. 

• They also offer job and accommodation assistance.

• Most education agencies in Australia use the services of a Registered Migration Agent who helps with student visa processing. 

• Agents know a lot more about inexpensive courses that students may not know. Different institutions and schools around Australia provide low-cost courses at different times of the year. Education agents could provide you with a lot of information on such courses. 

It's important to note that services provided by an agent are free for students as the education provider pays them a commission. The role of an education agent is to make the admission process smooth and straightforward. 

Even if you've already selected the institution, you should still take help from education agents for other requirements that you may have. 

If you need more clarification about the agents, you can do your research on  (Professional International Education Resources).

2. What Are The Disadvantages of Using Education Agents? 

Like every industry, the education sector also consists of good and bad agents. When deciding to study in Australia, beware of the education agents who might try to mislead you. Here are some disadvantages of using an education agent that you must look into:

• They may direct a student into a course of their choice to make a commission. Many institutions pay a higher commission to the education agents, so they are likely to recommend an institution that pays them well. You should watch out for such agents. 

• They may only show you some of the options available. Only a few education agents represent some Australian educational institutions, and they might restrict themselves from offering you the full range of institutions. Getting limited options may direct you towards choosing an institution that does not fulfil your requirements. 

• They may fill out the school application form and file a visa with incorrect information. You should remember that education agents in Australia are not authorised to process a visa application on behalf of a student. Only a Registered Migration Agent can do that. However, education agents can help students understand the process of completing a visa application. Therefore, students must be vigilant if any education agent tries to give misleading information. 

3. Things To Consider Before Choosing an Education Agent

• The Australian Government law states that every educational institution in Australia using the services of an education agent is required to have a contract with them. 

• Educational institutions in Australia usually have many agents appointed in a country. Consult a few of them to compare and choose the best.

• The Australian Government law also states that institutions must display every education agent on their website, especially those representing them in each country.

• Choose an education agent who knows Australian student visas, the education system and life in Australia.

• It's essential to ensure that the agent you choose is an authorised representative of the institution you want to apply. You can check the letter of appointment given to them by the institution. 

• Before signing any document, you should read it thoroughly. If required, take help from a friend to understand what's in the document.

• A genuine education agent will help you with applications and will be completely honest with you about the application process. Always remember education agents cannot guarantee a permanent visa or a work permit for international students in Australia. 

If you are planning to seek advice from an education agent, explore as many options as possible to make an informed decision. A qualified and reliable agent will save you a lot of time and effort and guide you through the visa application process.

Useful Links to Explore:

• English Language Requirements for Australia
• Cultural differences you may experience in Australia
• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
• Types of Education in Australia