BUILA and UUKi announce the launch of the Agent Quality Framework pledge

The Agent Quality Framework Pledge is a digital marker displaying an institution’s commitment to the checks and balances contained in the Agent Quality Framework. This marker provides clarity to both prospective students and agents on the expectations and responsibilities of agents operating on behalf of that institution. 

Why are institutions pledging to support the Agent Quality Framework?

The AQF recognises the critical role that agents and counsellors play in attracting and supporting international students wishing to study in the UK, providing a set of free tools to equip education providers, agents, and students with the knowledge and best practice to maintain quality partnerships across the international student recruitment journey.  

In support of the Agent Quality Framework, HEIs across the UK are invited to sign the UK Agent Quality Framework Pledge, to demonstrate support for the framework and a commitment to quality assurance in agent management practices within their institutions.   

The pledge shows an institution's commitment to the principles of the Agent Quality Framework, as well as a plan for setting them into practice with a set of basic quality measures. These principles include: 

• 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

Alongside providing clarity and security for both international students and agents, the Pledge provides a demonstrable commitment from the UK HE sector towards sustainable internationalisation practices. It also responds to concerns from government around “unscrupulous education agents” by providing a proactive, sector-led approach to agent quality management. 

It is vital that the UK remains an attractive destination for international students, and that we take steps to ensure that prospective students have a good applicant experience. The Agent Quality Framework pledge will help to ensure they feel welcomed, supported and secure throughout their journey to study in the UK. For more information on the hugely positive contributions of international students, see our relaunched #WeAreInternational campaign here.

Universities interested in finding out more about the AQF and viewing the toolkit can do so here. A copy of the pledge document can be found on Dropbox and sent via email to [email protected]