Education agents

Education consultants or agencies help international students prepare to study in Canada and find placements.

What education agents do

Education agents give advice and support to international students and families. You can find them in Canada and in your home country. They help place international students in schools. They cannot provide advice on Canada’s immigration process (it’s illegal). The Government of Canada does not qualify, accredit, guarantee or endorse education agents. 

What you should know

Education agents may also be called an agency, student advisor, education consultant, counsellor or representative. Before you hire an education agent, be sure to:

• research their background, experience and expertise
• check their references (speak to people who have used their services)
• contact your chosen school to see if the agent is authorized

Beware of education agent fraud

Some international students have become victims of education agent fraud. Unfortunately, some agents offer false promises. This might include guaranteed entry into Canada or a scholarship in exchange for money and personal information.

Here are tips for dealing with education agents safely:

• Never send them money to access or complete your application
• Don’t send documents, personal information or payments through social media
• Don’t let someone pressure you to act right away

If someone tries to tell you they will get you a high-paying job, faster application processing or guaranteed entry into Canada, be careful. These are warning signs of fraud.

Learn more

• Permits and visas
• How to recognize fraud
• Top reasons to study in Canada
• Understand the Canadian education system