Prime Highlights
- ICEF has launched the Appointed Agent Locator, a platform that helps students easily find authorised education agents through institution websites.
- The tool supports greater transparency, improves student access to trusted recruitment advice, and helps institutions meet evolving compliance requirements.
Key Facts
- ICEF connects education providers, student recruitment agencies, and service providers across the global international education sector.
- The Appointed Agent Locator allows students to search approved agents by country, city, or agency name while enabling institutions to manage and monitor agent information more effectively.
Background
ICEF has introduced the Appointed Agent Locator, a new tool that helps students find approved education agents through institution websites. The tool is designed to improve transparency, support students in finding trusted advisors, and strengthen institutional oversight of agent partnerships.
The platform allows prospective students to search for authorised education agents by country, city, or agency name directly through an institution’s website. It replaces traditional methods such as lengthy PDF directories and complex webpages, making agent information easier to access and navigate.
ICEF said the initiative addresses the growing need for institutions to demonstrate effective management of education agents while improving the student experience. The platform also enables institutions to capture student enquiries and maintain control over which agencies are displayed.
The launch comes as regulators in major study destinations are increasing expectations around agent transparency. In the UK, updated student sponsor guidance requires institutions to provide greater visibility of agent involvement in student recruitment and maintain evidence of agent oversight. Similar requirements already exist in Australia under the Education Services for Overseas Students framework and the National Code.
ICEF Chief Executive Officer Markus Badde said institutions must move beyond simply publishing agent information and focus on making it relevant, accessible, and useful for students. He noted that students need clear information tailored to their location to make informed decisions about their study plans.
The Appointed Agent Locator uses ICEF Due Diligence data and highlights recognised industry credentials held by agencies and counsellors. ICEF clarified that the tool does not replace institutional responsibility for appointing, monitoring, or reviewing agents, but supports institutions in strengthening transparency and compliance as international student recruitment continues to evolve.
