Each year, about 400,000 international students are granted study visas to the UK, many with the help of education agents paid by universities. In 2023, UK universities spent £500m on these agents, but there is little oversight of their practices. Some agents prioritise high-commission institutions over students' best interests, leaving many families in debt.
Sam, a 24-year-old from Odisha, India, sought a master's degree in the UK for better career prospects. After filling out forms on study abroad websites, he was contacted by agents offering free services, as universities pay them commissions. One agent from Edvoy advised him that his bachelor's degree from a small-town university had limited value, prompting Sam to proceed with realistic expectations.
Priya Kapoor, a former 'statement of purpose editor' at a large education consultancy in India, described the system as a 'factory production line' where students are the product. She noted that agents' advice often depends on which institutions pay the highest commission. Many students take out huge loans, secured against family assets, assuming they will find well-paid jobs after graduation—an assumption rarely challenged by agents.
Kapoor wrote up to 20 applications daily, prioritising Russell Group universities. She observed that agents avoid discussing sponsorship or visa realities, treating each application as a target. 'Agents do anything to avoid further questions,' she said. The lack of transparency and oversight leaves many foreign students vulnerable to exploitation and financial hardship.
