Australian education providers are prohibited from paying commissions to education agents for recruiting students who are already studying in Australia. This ban means an agent cannot receive payment from your new provider when you transfer institutions after arriving onshore.
What the ban covers
The restriction applies specifically to students who have already commenced study in Australia and decide to change their education provider. Under the ESOS framework, providers must not pay agent commissions for these onshore transfers. The rule targets the financial incentive that could lead agents to encourage unnecessary moves.
What this means for you
If you are considering transferring to another provider while in Australia, you can still move if you need to. However, you should be wary of any agent offering to arrange the transfer on your behalf, because that agent cannot be paid by the new provider for the switch. Your current education provider is the appropriate first point of contact for help with transfer processes.
Agents and providers are also barred from offering gifts, shopping vouchers, gift cards, cash, or other rewards to persuade you to enrol or to transfer away from your current provider after arrival. Neither agents nor providers can guarantee permanent residency or any other migration outcome as part of an education offer.
Visa advice must come from authorised professionals
Under Australian migration law, only a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner can give you visa advice. An education agent who is not also a registered migration agent must not provide immigration assistance. You can verify a migration agent’s registration on the Register of Migration Agents.
How to protect yourself
- Use only reputable, verified agents listed on your provider’s published agent list or on the Qualified Education Agent Counsellors List (QEAC).
- Avoid agents who guarantee visa outcomes, course passes, or permanent residency.
- Compare service fees and get a written contract that specifies fees, included services, and the refund policy.
- Ask which providers the agent represents and how they will keep you informed throughout any application or transfer process.
- Do your own research on courses and providers so you are aware of all options that might suit you better.
Sources - How to choose the right education agent for you - Ban on payment of agent commissions for onshore transfers - Register of Migration Agents - Qualified Education Agent Counsellors List (QEAC)