The UK government should recognise education agents in the country’s international education strategy, representatives from the sector told an all-party parliamentary group this week.

The British Council has launched a free agent and counsellor training and engagement hub, to help global education advisers better understand the UK as an international study destination.

Getting paid by big companies on time can be one of the most difficult operational challenges for SMEs and the international student recruitment sector is no different. Nick Cuthbert digs into the frustrations agents face with delayed payments from institutions.

Visa processing data from Enroly indicates that the current rate of visas issued is not keeping pace with recent increases in CAS issuance, during the peak period for applications.

The power of education is a “force to help us solve global challenges”, the UK’s international education champion told BUILA Conference delegates at the ICC Wales.

Rising inflation, concerns about China security and the Ukraine crisis will all have “long-term impacts” on international education, stakeholders at BUILA’s conference said.

A framework planned since 2021 and agent-facing investment from the British Council could be a “game changer” for the UK’s agency workings, according to panellists at Flywire and WPM’s inaugural joint conference.

UK employers need to better understand the graduate visa route as a valid right to work in the country, stakeholders have urged.