The Code of Practice states that an education provider using a recruitment agent assumes responsibility for the actions of that agent. 

It is important that all agents have their services agreed to in an agreement or contract with the education provider. 

It is the responsibility of the education provider to advise the agents of their obligations under the Code.  Part 3 (Contracted Agents) of the Code states the following:

•    Signatories must advise recruitment agents that recruitment agents must comply with the Code

•    Signatories must direct recruitment agents to a copy of the Code, in the agent's first language where available

•    Signatories must advise recruitment agents that their agreement may be terminated for breach of the Code by the agent.  This must be stated in any written agreement between a signatory and an agent

•    Signatories acknowledge that the ethical performance of recruitment agents is of paramount importance

•    If a signatory becomes aware that a recruitment agent is:

            (a) Engaging in any false, misleading, or deceptive conduct; and/or

            (b) Contravening any of the signatory's obligations under the Code; the signatory shall immediately advise the agent in writing that they must cease that activity

•    If the agent fails to cease the activity, the signatory must immediately:

            (a) Withdraw their accreditation of that agent;

            (b) Terminate their agreement with that agent; and

            (c) Stop accepting students through that agent.

If a student has concerns about how they have been treated by either their education provider or the provider’s agent, that cannot be resolved internally, they are able to approach the International Education Appeal Authority.