Local representatives

Agent Quality Framework

As part of our commitment to the Agent Quality Framework actively encourage all Edinburgh Napier University agents to follow the National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education to highlight their commitment to a quality experience for students.

The University works with several agents around the world and the information provided below should help you, as an applicant, understand the role of agents, what to expect if you choose to use an agent when applying and how to let us know if you are not satisfied with the service that has been provided by your agent. 

What is an agent and what do they do?

An international recruitment agent, sometimes referred to as an education adviser or local representative, is an individual or organisation that provides guidance and support to students who are considering studying overseas. While applicants are not required to use an agent to apply to the University, many choose to do so in order to benefit from the additional expertise and assistance they can provide.

Agents work in partnership with universities and typically represent a portfolio of institutions in the United Kingdom as well as in other international destinations. Their role is to advise applicants on study opportunities that align with their academic background, career ambitions and financial circumstances. This may include providing recommendations on suitable universities and courses, assisting with the preparation and submission of applications, and offering advice on visa requirements, travel arrangements and accommodation.

For students who may not have travelled abroad before, agents can be a particularly valuable source of information and reassurance. To ensure applicants receive accurate and relevant advice, Edinburgh Napier University provide training to all of its contracted agents, enabling them to offer guidance that is specific to studying at Napier.

Deciding to study in the UK is a significant step, and some students find that working with an education agent offers clarity and confidence throughout the process. Whether or not to use an agent remains a personal choice, but for those who do, the support offered can extend from the earliest stages of researching study options through to enrolment and beyond.

How to choose an agent

If you are considering using an education agent, we recommend reading the student and parent guide to choosing an education agent, — an important part of the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF).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. 

What to expect from your agent

An agent should:

• Act impartially and avoid favouring any particular institution.
• Listen to what you want from your study experience and recommend universities and courses that match your goals and circumstances.
• Always act with honesty, integrity and professionalism.
• Keep communication open and transparent at every stage.
• Only act on your behalf with your permission.
• Never encourage you to provide false information or do anything that could compromise your application or visa.
• Be well informed about courses, tuition fees, scholarships and the wider study experience, or know how to find this information when needed.
• Support you through the application process by advising on documents and submissions, while ensuring you remain responsible for your application and communications.
• Access and manage your application details only with your consent and liaise with the University on your behalf when appropriate.
• Should your agent not meet these expectations, please contact the University using our agent complaints procedure.

Feedback about your agent 

If you would like to share any feedback or submit a complaint about your agent, please email agents@napier.ac.uk. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible with a response.