About agents

If you're an international student looking to study with us, an education agent can support you through the application process. This page explains what agents do, how they can help you and what you should expect when you are working with an agent.

What is an agent?

An education agent is an individual or organisation that provides information and support to prospective students on behalf of one or more universities. They may also be known as recruitment agents, or consultants.

Agents can offer guidance to you throughout the university application journey, including course selection, submitting your application, visa preparation and finding accommodation.

The University of Liverpool works with a network of approved agents and we pay commission to agents for students who successfully enrol with us. This commercial relationship is carefully managed by the University to ensure agents we work with meet high standards of service, professionalism and integrity.

Agents are there to support you and inform you. However all decisions about where and what to study remain entirely yours. 

How can an agent support you?

If you’re interested in using an agent  to apply to the University, an agent can:

• Provide impartial information to help you decide whether studying in the UK and in Liverpool is right for you 

• Advise on available courses and entry requirements 

• Offer guidance on whether your qualifications and experience meet our entry criteria (final decisions are made by the University’s Admission Team) 

• Support you throughout the application process, including preparing and submitting documents. However, you must retain control of your application account 

• Liaise with the University on your behalf, where you have authorised the agent to act as your representative 

• Provide guidance on the visa application process and required documentation 

• Offer pre-departure advice, including travel and arrival planning 

Transparency and costs

Some agents may charge fees for their services, while others are solely paid through commission from the University. You should always: 

• Ask your agent to clearly explain any fees before you agree to use their services 

• Ensure you understand what services are included 

• Keep copies of all documents and communications 

Agent responsibilities 

Agents supporting applications to the University are expected to meet the standards set out by the UK Agent Quality Framework. When working with an agent, you can expect them to: 

• Act honestly, ethically, and in your best interests at all times 

• Provide clear, accurate and up-to-date information about courses, requirements and processes 

• Being transparent about their relationship with the University, including commission arrangements 

• Support you through the application process 

• Respect your right to make your own decisions 

• Communicate clearly and professionally  

• Handle your personal information responsibly 

Agents must not: 

• Provide false, misleading, or incomplete information 

• Make offers of admission or guarantee outcomes 

• Enter into contracts on behalf of the University 

• Apply pressure on you to accept an offer or choose a particular course or institution 

• Make decisions on your behalf without your agreement 

Your responsibilities

 When working with an agent, you should: 

• Provide accurate and truthful information in your application 

• Review and approve all documents before submission 

• Retain control of your application account and login details 

• Make your own informed decisions about your studies 

Next steps

If you decide to work with an agent to apply to the University, choose one from the University’s list of approved representatives in your country of residence. If you are already in the UK, you can access a dedicated list for your location. 

Before proceeding: 

• Check that your chosen agent is officially approved 

• Confirm any fees in writing 

• Ensure you understand the services they will provide 

For further guidance on choosing and working with an agent refer to the UK’s Agent Quality Framework.