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About the Agent Quality Framework
If you’re thinking about studying with Ulster University you may choose to seek support from one of our authorised education agents or counsellors to help with your application.
To make sure you get the best support, the UK education sector has established the Agent Quality Framework (AQF), a set of standards and resources that support agents and counsellors to:
- Have up-to-date knowledge about studying in the UK
- Understand the UK’s visa and immigration system
- Give advice that is in line with your interests and supports your study abroad journey.
This UK education sector-wide initiative aims to improve the experience of international students working with education agents and counsellors to apply to study in the UK, meaning you can feel more confident that the advice you receive is accurate and that your application is being handled correctly.
Committing to the AQF is a UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requirement for all UK education providers who use and work with education recruitment agents and counsellors.
We, Ulster University, are committed to the requirements set out in student sponsor guidance and the four key AQF 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
An education agent is a person or organisation that deals directly with prospective international students on behalf of education providers. They are sometimes referred to as ‘international student recruitment agents’ or ‘international student recruitment representatives’.
Check our official agent list to find approved agents in your country. Only those listed are authorised to represent the University.
Look for agents who have completed a British Council Training Certification
Ask questions: A responsible agent will provide clear answers, not rush you, and ensure you understand your options fully.
Watch out for red flags: If an agent offers to pay on your behalf, guaranteed admission or unrealistic scholarships they may not be trustworthy. Always verify information with us if you’re unsure.
As a signatory to the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF), Ulster University is committed to ensuring that our relationships with recruitment partners (educational advisers, counsellors, and agents), applicants, and the University are fair, transparent, and professional.
We recognise that, on occasion, students, applicants, offer holders, or parents/guardians (“Complainants”) may wish to raise concerns about the recruitment partner who supported them during their application journey. This could include dissatisfaction with the service received or feeling that important information provided was unclear, inadequate, or misleading.
If you have used one of our approved agents and would like to provide feedback or submit a complaint, please provide as much detail as possible using the link to our Complaints Form below. Please ensure to provide:
- A clear description of the problem
- What you would like to happen as a resolution
- Any relevant supporting information, such as copies of correspondence, reference numbers, and the dates/times of any communications
To lodge a complaint, please complete our online form.
How we handle your complaint
- Once we receive your complaint, it will be referred to an appropriate member of staff for investigation.
- We will aim to respond in writing or by telephone within 20 working days of receiving your complaint.
- If a full response cannot be provided within this timeframe, we will let you know, explain the reason for the delay, and give an estimated timescale for the final reply.
Students can read more about working with Educational Agents in the Student Guide to Choosing an Education Agent.
The guide provides you and your family with clear information and guidance on what you should look for when considering using an agent. It includes key questions to ask, signs of quality, and how to avoid poor practices. The guide also links to ‘The national code of ethical practice for UK education agents’ and the British Council’s UK database of certified counsellors.
National code of ethical practice for education agents
The national code of ethical practice for UK education agents lies at the heart of the AQF. It sets out the standards and best practices that agents and counsellors representing UK education providers must follow. Student sponsors are required to manage agents to ensure compliance with the national code as part of their sponsor duties.
Further information about the AQF.
If you have any questions about the AQF and using the services of one our partner agents please contact agents@ulster.ac.uk
In this section
International Agent Information
View contact information for Agents across global regions.
