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Representatives in your country

We work with selected agent representatives who offer support to prospective students. 

If you wish to receive extra support when applying to study in the UK, you can choose to be counselled by an agent. The University of York is partnered with education agents who are carefully selected and regularly trained by the University.

Agent Quality Framework

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.
AQF logo. The logo reads: UK Agent Quality Framework

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.

The University of York is 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.

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.

Visit the AQF website for more information.

Choosing an agent 

If you would like to receive support from an agent representative, we recommend that you to read this guide from the British Council: 

You can find details of the agents we work with in your country by visiting our country pages. 

Agent feedback

It is important to us that you are satisfied with the service that you receive from an agent. You can provide feedback to us by completing the agent feedback form. All responses are anonymous. If you have any questions, please contact international@york.ac.uk.