Study agencies in Australia: How to know if they are real and reliable?

Choosing an educational agency is one of the most difficult decisions to make throughout the process of traveling to Australia. Who will you trust to guide you on this journey?

It is crucial that the agency you choose is legitimate and committed to your interests. For this reason, there are certain aspects to consider before signing a contract and starting a process with any company. In an educational market filled with options, the possibility of encountering unreliable agencies also increases.

In this article, we will provide tips to verify the authenticity of educational agencies, as well as advice and tools to make an informed decision that guarantees you a valuable and safe educational experience.

Lets dive in!

Before we start

It is important to mention that an educational agency not only offers courses but also acts as an intermediary between you and the educational institution where you will study.

Additionally, they handle submitting documents on your behalf to the relevant institutions, which will allow you to secure a spot at the school and then apply for a student visa.

Trying to manage the application process on your own can be challenging, and you may not have all the necessary experience to do it correctly. It is better to hire someone who has the required experience and knows how to deal with certain situations.

Tip 1: Check if the agency has a physical location

One of the most effective ways to ensure the legitimacy of an educational agency is to confirm its physical presence. A real agency will have an office or locations that clients can visit, either in Colombia or in Australia.

If the agency has offices in Bogotá or Medellín, you should visit them in person. Research the address on their website and decide if you want to schedule an appointment or perhaps drop by unexpectedly.

Before your visit, prepare a list of questions and inquire about their services, success rates with other clients, and any agreements they have with educational institutions in Australia.

Observe the atmosphere of the office and assess if it looks professional, well-maintained, how many employees are present, and if they dedicate enough time to address your concerns.

Most agencies I encountered had offices in both Colombia and Australia; however, there will be some that only have a presence in Australia, and that’s okay—just make sure they are legitimate by following the other tips we provide below.

Tip 2: Previous experiences from a trusted source

Try to contact friends, family, former colleagues, or acquaintances who are in Australia and ask them which agency they used. Find out about their personal experiences with that company, as this will give you a clearer idea of what to expect.

For example, ask about the services the agency provided or if they felt supported throughout the process.

Additionally, ask specific questions such as the name of the agent who guided their process, the application fee, how long it took, and if the agency followed up with them once they were in Australia.

This will help you evaluate the agency more critically and determine if it aligns with your needs and expectations.

Tip 3: Verify the agency’s reputation

There are several ways to check an agency’s reputation. The first is to research when it was founded and how long it has been operating. A well-established agency with a long history of clients tends to inspire more trust than a completely new one.

Second, verify if the agency is accredited by the relevant educational authorities in Australia. Accreditation or certification can be an indicator of credibility and quality, generating more trust.

Finally, check comments or testimonials from other users on the agency’s official website as well as on external platforms like Google.

Tip 4: Verify affiliations or links

Check the type of schools the agency has agreements with. Then, take the time to research each one individually and ensure you review aspects such as their ranking within the educational system, whether they are high-quality institutions, and if the courses they offer align with your goals.

If you want an English course, look into the types of courses available, such as general English, Academic English, or IELTS preparation. If you're looking for a vocational course, research the content of each course and whether it contributes to your current career.

The agency will offer you the institutions with which it has agreements and give you a range of options. It is your responsibility to choose the one that provides the most value for the money you will pay.

Tip 5: Communication with the agency

Clarity and transparency of information are very important. Check if the agency provides information comprehensively, gives you a clear description of the programs, including requirements and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.

A good agency should provide you with a breakdown of prices, including the cost of tuition, visa application, medical exams, the monthly or weekly cost of the institution where you will study, insurance costs, and an estimate of how much money you need for living expenses in Australia.

Ensure that the prices they give you are consistent throughout the process.

They will give you a quote based on the current exchange rate, and as you know, the dollar fluctuates constantly; however, the quote should not vary dramatically. Normally, they will inform you how long that quote is valid for.

Finally, check what communication channels are available (phone, email, WhatsApp, social media) and if the representatives are ready to assist you. Assess how long it takes for them to respond; a reputable agency will take your inquiries seriously and respond within 24-48 hours.

Tip 6: Be aware of warning signs

Here, it’s very important to trust your instincts. Examine if the agents look professional in the way they speak, express themselves, and how much experience they have in the field. Check if they speak English or if they have lived in Australia and ask your relevant questions.

If you see that something is not right or seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to dig deeper or even better, look for other options—there are plenty of agencies to choose from. For example, if a company starts pressuring you to sign a contract, make payments, or make decisions quickly, it’s better to take a step back, because this is not a good sign.

Be aware if they only paint a rosy picture, saying that going to study in Australia is a perfect process and that you will find a job as soon as you step off the plane or that you will find accommodation immediately when, in reality, these two aspects take time and effort. Pay attention to whether they ever mention the reality of migrating to Australia, such as the adaptation process, the perseverance, and discipline you must have to achieve things in Australia.

Also, be alert if they only mention certain courses that, according to them, will lead to you being able to stay in Australia. If your intention is to become a permanent resident of Australia, it’s better to speak with a migration agent in that case.

Tip 7: Learn how the process works

Research how the process works for applying to an institution and obtaining a visa to study in Australia. The main reason is that if you know how the process works, you will know if an agent is guiding you correctly.

Ensure that the agency involves you throughout the process and guides you on topics such as constructing the letter of intent, which is a document you need to write to the government explaining why you want to study English in Australia, how that will contribute to your professional career, and what reasons you have for returning to Colombia. In short, focus on how the agency is building your profile for the respective applications.

Tip 8: Support in Australia

Ask about the type of support the agency provides to students once they are in Australia. Some agencies offer a companion/chaperone service in Australia. This person would be responsible for guiding you on the main things to do during your first week, such as opening a bank account, buying a SIM card, applying for a Tax File Number, and perhaps showing you around the city.

Note! This doesn’t mean that if the agency doesn’t offer this service, it’s bad; it’s a plus, and all of these things I just mentioned can also be done by yourself. However, I have seen cases where there are agencies that promise support, and once the student arrives in Australia, the agency disappears.

To conclude

I am confident that you will find an effective agency (if you carefully apply these tips) that will support you throughout the process and successfully help you secure your place at the institution you desire, obtain your student visa, and get health insurance to start your journey in Australia!

Remember that agencies operate based on experience, which should help to ease the burden of the application process and should not give you headaches.