Find the right education agent for you
An education agency can help you learn about your options and give advice to help you choose where to study.
What do most education agents do?
An education agent can help you achieve your international education goals, offering a range of services. Explore the services typically offered below:
Academic guidance – based on your goals and achievements and present a variety of study options and pathways including different education providers, courses and qualifications.
Study destination advice – assist you in deciding if New Zealand is the right fit for you
Application assistance – to institution(s) of your choice and visa applications (make sure that you and your education agent use the appropriate information sheet(external link that opens in a new tab)) and provide the right documents and evidence to support your student visa application.
Additional services – translations, advice on accommodation options and submitting an application, pre-departure orientation before your arrive in New Zealand, booking air tickets
In many cases, they will continue to assist you even when you are already in New Zealand.
Note: This is especially true for younger students attending school in New Zealand. Schools must communicate regularly with the parents of international students regarding their student's well-being and progress, and education agents are usually the channel for this, providing translation to parents where needed.
How to identify the right education agent for you
There are several ways to find an education agency.
New Zealand universities
If you are looking to attend a New Zealand university then they often have relationships with agents. You can go to the agent page on their website to see who they work with. You can find links to their agent pages below.
Auckland University of Technology(external link that opens in a new tab) The University of Auckland(external link that opens in a new tab) University of Canterbury(external link that opens in a new tab) Lincoln University(external link that opens in a new tab) Massey University(external link that opens in a new tab) University of Otago(external link that opens in a new tab) Victoria University of Wellington(external link that opens in a new tab) The University of Waikato(external link that opens in a new tab)
Applied & vocational education
Get in touch with the New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology(external link that opens in a new tab) and ask for their recommendations.
Private training establishments (PTEs)
Get in touch with a PTE education provider to ask for their recommendations.
English language schools (ELS)
Get in touch with an ELS education provider to ask for their recommendations.
Schools – primary, intermediate & secondary
The school you are interested in will be able to refer you to agents they work with. You can seek recommendations from friends and family or if you are looking for a New Zealand-based agent, you can contact the Schools International Education Business Association (SIEBA) agent service(external link that opens in a new tab).
Word of mouth
You may be able to get recommendations from students and families who have used an education agent and hear about their experience. You will also find education agencies through internet searches and through social media, but you are encouraged to do further research.
Education agent expertise
Make sure your prospective education agent has a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of studying and living in New Zealand and can offer you sound advice about the things below.
Education agents should have a comprehensive understanding of the New Zealand education system, spanning from primary through to tertiary education. Some education agents specialise in the schools sector only and are not authorised education agents for the tertiary sector. They should be able to advise you on the:
New Zealand school system
- Types of school
- NZ national curriculum (NCEA)(external link that opens in a new tab), how NCEA works, NCEA endorsement, high school equivalency, Grade Point Average (GPA) request and conversion
- Other curriculums – International Baccalaureate(external link that opens in a new tab), Cambridge curriculum(external link that opens in a new tab)
- Learning areas, subject choice, and study pathways
- School terms and enrolment process
- English language requirements, assessment, and support
- Upon completion of study, ordering New Zealand Record of Achievement (NZRoA), Overseas Results Notice (ORN) and other important documents.
New Zealand tertiary sector
- Knowledge of NZ universities
- Knowledge of Institutes of Technology and Polytechnics
- Knowledge of Private Training Establishments (PTE)
- Knowledge of English Language course options and providers
- Study programme offerings, subject choices, and study pathways.
- Admission timelines and requirements
- English language requirements, assessment, and support
- Advice on what to do if students don’t meet admission requirements (e.g. IELTS English-language proficiency test(external link that opens in a new tab) or foundation studies)
- Find out how long the education agent has been in operation.
- Look for an agent with memberships to professional associations or relevant credentials.
- Feedback and testimonials are very helpful.
- Ask to speak to previous clients of the agency.
- Getting good references will help you make an informed decision.
The Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 makes sure that tertiary and international learners enrolled with New Zealand education providers are safe and supported. Under the Code, education providers are required to carry out and record reference checks on potential education agents to ensure that they have not been involved in any false or unlawful conduct.
Education providers must also have a written contract with their education agents. You should ask your prospective agent about the education providers they work with and if they have a written contract with your preferred provider.
Find out more the NZQA Code of Practice(external link that opens in a new tab) and what it means for education agents.
Check out these top tips for when you are using an education agent(external link that opens in a new tab).
An agent should be able to help you understand the student visa application process and prepare the right documentation(external link that opens in a new tab). Any agent assisting you with the application needs to declare themselves in the application.
Providing immigration advice is a licensed, recognised profession. Anyone providing advice about general New Zealand immigration matters must be licensed, unless exempt.
Education agents are exempt from being licensed immigration advisers if they are outside New Zealand and they advise on student visas only. If your education agent is in New Zealand or they advise on New Zealand work, visitor, residence visas or any other immigration matters, they must be a licensed immigration advisor. Learn more about who can give advice(external link that opens in a new tab).
You may also refer to Immigration New Zealand’s education agent performance data (external link that opens in a new tab)for selected countries
A high-quality education agent will have a strong knowledge of what it is like to live in New Zealand. They will discuss your needs and preferences to find the living options that suit you. Your agent will be able to guide you about types of accommodation, suitable accommodation arrangements and costs of living in New Zealand.
New Zealand culture: Your chosen agent should be able to guide you on what it is like to live in New Zealand and help you to understand the country’s culture and traditions, languages and customs, lifestyle, and religious and political freedom.
For more information about what it is like to live in New Zealand and about New Zealand culture you can check out NauMai NZ(external link that opens in a new tab).
Your agent should make it clear what you will need to pay for. Ensure you understand:
- Payment for services
– Fees, visa, extra support and counselling
- Tuition fees, conditions of enrolment and refund policies
- Deposits
- and living costs, including accommodation
Education agents should be able to provide you a clear understanding of timeframes for applications, enrolment, visa processing.
Pre-departure orientation: Your education agent will also be able to help you prepare to arrive in New Zealand, share what happens after you arrive in the country, tell you about student welfare and safety, and the support networks available to you.
Checklist to find the right education agent for you
To help you find the right education agent for you we have created a checklist you can use. It lists things your education agent should be able to demonstrate to assist you properly with your application to study with New Zealand. Click here(external link that opens in a new tab) to download the checklist.
Suggested questions to ask your agent
If you ask the right questions it can help you make an informed decision and ensure that you make the best choice when deciding to study in New Zealand. We have pulled together some questions and considerations for you to use as a guide. Click here(external link that opens in a new tab) to access the sheet.
Still have questions?
You don’t need to use an education agent or consultant but there’s a lot to consider and an agent can help you decide on what is the right choice for you.
If you’re not sure what course you should enrol in, or if you need advice about which subject you should study to reach your career goals, an education agent can provide a range of options for you to consider.
When you are ready to apply for your student visa through Immigration New Zealand, your education agent or adviser can help you to understand the process and prepare the right documentation.
They can also submit the application on your behalf. Anyone assisting you with the immigration process needs to declare themselves in the application. Make sure that you and your agent are following the advice in the student visa checklists.(external link that opens in a new tab)
How soon are you planning to begin your studies?
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