If you’re using an education agent or consultant to help you apply to Dorset College, here’s what you should expect — and what we do to make sure you’re protected.
An education agent (sometimes called a consultant or counsellor) is a professional who helps you find the right course, guides you through the application process, and supports you with visas, accommodation and pre-departure planning.
The London Statement is an international code of ethics agreed by the UK, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. It sets out seven principles that agents must follow. Dorset College builds every one of these principles into our agent agreements.
Each principle below comes from the London Statement. We’ve explained what it means in practice and what you have a right to expect.
Your agent must act honestly and in your best interests at all times. They must avoid conflicts of interest, keep your personal information confidential, and never assist with fraudulent visa applications or enrolment.
Your right: You can ask your agent to explain any fees they charge you and any commission they receive from Dorset College. This should be fully transparent.
Your agent must give you current, truthful information that fits your personal situation — including your English level, your budget and your study goals. They must use only officially approved Dorset College materials and never misrepresent what we offer.
Your right: You should receive clear details about your programme (CEFR level, weekly hours, fees, accommodation options) before you enrol. If anything is unclear, ask — and compare it with our website.
Any arrangement between you and your agent should be set out in a clear written agreement. This includes what services the agent will provide, all fees and payment schedules, and the refund and transfer policies that apply.
Your right: Never pay money without a written agreement. You should have a signed document that explains exactly what you will receive and what it will cost.
If you are under 18, your agent must ensure that a parent, guardian or legal representative is present during meetings and agrees to any commitments before money changes hands. Extra care and diligence is required in all dealings involving minors.
Your right: If you are under 18, no agreement should be signed and no payment should be made without a parent or guardian’s informed consent.
You have the right to know about your agent’s qualifications, accreditations, training and professional memberships. This helps you compare agents and choose the one that is right for you.
Your right: Ask your agent what training they have completed with Dorset College. All our agents complete a training programme before they can represent us.
Your agent should participate in ongoing training, stay up to date with changes in Irish immigration rules and education requirements, and behave professionally in all interactions with you.
Your right: You should never feel pressured, rushed or confused. A professional agent will give you time to make your decision and answer all your questions.
Agents should work collaboratively with Dorset College and other providers to share best practice and continuously raise the standard of recruitment for international students.
Your right: If your experience with an agent does not match what is described on this page, please tell us. Your feedback helps us improve standards for all students.
We don’t just ask agents to follow these principles — we actively check, train and monitor every partner we work with.
Every agent is screened, reference-checked and interviewed before being approved to represent Dorset College. We verify their track record, integrity and compliance history.
Agents must complete our training programme before promoting Dorset College. We run regular refresher sessions so agents are always up to date with our programmes, policies and Irish requirements.
The principles of the London Statement are written directly into every agent agreement. Contracts include a termination clause for any agent found to act unethically.
We review agent performance through student feedback surveys, annual evaluations and mystery applicant checks. Agents who fall short face a formal corrective process — or termination.
If anything your agent has told you doesn’t match what you see on our website, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly, we want to hear from you. You can contact us directly — you don’t have to go through your agent.
