If you’re an international student in Melbourne, you may have come across both education agents and migration agents. They can sometimes have similar jobs, but are different types of services.
The best professional for you depends on your Australian experience. When making a choice of study, an education agent may be a good place to start. If you need visa advice or migration advice, you might require a registered migration agent.
Familiarizing yourself with the difference can help you receive the proper advice from the start.
What Does an Education Consultant in Melbourne Do?
An education agent or Qualified Education Counsellor (QEAC) is a professional who assists international students in exploring their study options in Australia. This may cover information on courses, education providers, entry requirements and the application process.
Study Melbourne states that education agents can assist students to learn about the courses available, to fill in enrolment forms and accept study offers.
An education agent may help you with:
- Choosing a suitable course
- Comparing education providers
- Understanding entry requirements
- Finding courses that match your academic background
- Understanding tuition fees and available scholarships
- Preparing and submitting an enrolment application
- Accepting your offer and completing enrolment requirements
- Understanding your study options in Melbourne
For instance, if you’ve finished a diploma abroad and are thinking about taking further education in Melbourne, your Melbourne education consultant will be able to discuss to you courses and institutions that may be suitable to your academic background, budget and career goals.
What Does a Migration Agent in Melbourne Do?
A registered migration agent will offer immigration advice and assistance on Australian visas and migration issues.
The Department of Home Affairs states that people seeking independent migration advice can use a registered migration agent or an Australian legal practitioner.
A registered migration agent may assist with matters such as:
- Skilled migration
- Employer-sponsored visas
- Partner and family visas
- Student visa matters
- Graduate visa pathways
- Permanent residency
- Visa applications
- Supporting documentation
- Complex migration matters
Migration agents may also assist in the preparation of the application(s) and supporting documents and liaise with relevant government departments on your behalf.
A registered migration agent in Melbourne might be the right professional to speak to if your question is related to visa eligibility, migration pathways or your personal immigration situation.
Education Agent vs Migration Agent: What’s the Difference?
The easiest way to differentiate between the two is to think of what you want to do next.
| If you need help with… | You may need… |
| Choosing a course | Education Agent |
| Comparing colleges | Education Agent |
| Selecting an education provider | Education Agent |
| Understanding entry requirements | Education Agent |
| Applying for admission | Education Agent |
| Understanding visa options | Registered Migration Agent |
| Skilled migration | Registered Migration Agent |
| Partner visa | Registered Migration Agent |
| Employer-sponsored visa | Registered Migration Agent |
| Permanent residency planning | Registered Migration Agent |
There can be situations where you need both types of support.
In the case of an international student, they might need an education consultant to select another course, as well as advice from a migration consultant on the implications for their visa.
Which One Should You Speak to First?
When selecting a course or college…
An education consultant in Melbourne may be the right place to start. They can assist you in reviewing courses and education providers according to your educational history, budget and career goals.
If you’re concerned about your visa
If you are primarily concerned with your current or future visa, it would be advisable to consult a registered migration agent in Melbourne. They are able to evaluate your situation and tell you what migration choices may apply to you.
If you’re planning your study and future in Australia
Talking to both may be helpful. You may have to consider a number of different factors when you make your education choice and when you migrate, so it is important you receive the right advice for both.
For instance, you may want to study a course for the career opportunities offered by it and also consider your future plans in Australia. These are independent decisions and therefore it is essential not to take it for granted that securing a particular course or qualification will have a direct impact on visa or PR eligibility.
Can an Education Agent Give Migration Advice?
This is an important distinction. An education agent can provide information and assistance relating to education and enrolment. But, an education agent who is not also a registered migration agent cannot provide paid immigration assistance.
When asking about your visa eligibility, migration pathway or any particular visa situation, ensure that the person giving you migration advice is suitably qualified to do so.
Do You Need an Agent at All?
Not necessarily.
Students who want to study overseas may apply directly to education providers and a number of providers have information about their authorised education agents.
But, if you are comparing multiple courses or providers, are not sure which one is right for you or desire help with the application process, professional assistance may be helpful.
Likewise, there are no requirements for you to get a migration agent for each visa application. If your situation is complicated or you aren’t sure of what you need to do, though, it may be helpful to get expert guidance to understand the migration process.
What Should You Look for When Choosing an Education Agent in Melbourne?
When choosing an education consultant in Melbourne, look for a Qualified Education Counsellor (QEAC) with relevant experience, knowledge of Australian education providers, positive client feedback, transparent information and personalised guidance.
1. Relevant Australian Education Experience
Look for an agent who is familiar with the education system in Australia and has up-to-date knowledge of courses and providers.
2. Course and Provider Options
Inquire if they can assist you in evaluating a number of viable choices, instead of just one course.
3. Transparent Information
Ensure that you are aware of the tuition fees, requirements for your college or university application, any fees being levied by the agent and the processes for refunds.
4. Student Reviews
Search for authentic reviews and feedback from former pupils. Study Australia also advises looking at Student Reviews as part of their selection process for an education agent.
5. No Unrealistic Promises
Beware of anyone who offers you the guarantee of a visa, PR or future outcome. Study Australia particularly advises that students do not rely on assurances like this.
What Should You Look for in a Migration Agent?
When choosing a migration agent in Melbourne, consider a MARA-registered migration agent with relevant experience, knowledge of Australian visa requirements and a strong understanding of cases similar to yours.
You should also consider:
- Relevant experience with your visa type
- Clear explanation of your options
- Transparent professional fees
- Written agreements and documentation
- Communication and availability
- Experience handling cases similar to yours
Further reforms in Australia have also increased training for registered migration agents to include annual training on ethical standards and refresher training on registered agent professional obligations.
What If You Need Both Education and Migration Support?
This is where it may be convenient to have both services available.
Consider a student in Melbourne who:
- Has completed their current course.
- Wants to study another qualification.
- Is comparing different colleges.
- Wants to understand how their study plans fit with their broader career and migration goals.
They might require advice on choosing the course and visa to register for the course. Having these conversations together can help you make more informed decisions while keeping the responsibilities of education and migration professionals clear.
Education and Migration Support in Melbourne
While selecting a course is an important choice for an international student, it is equally important to know what is in the future.
Asia Pacific Group (APG) offers education consulting and migration services in Melbourne, enabling students to receive education information and a registered migration service from a single organisation.
APG can help students make decisions regarding their course and institution choices, as well as their admissions and education pathways, and migration agents can advise students on migration related matters.
Not Sure Which Professional You Need?
If you are not certain whether you should contact an education consultant, a migration agent or both, begin by letting them know what you are now doing, and what you want to do in the future.
Please seek a consultation with APG in Melbourne to discuss your study and migration options and what type of professional support would be appropriate to your circumstances.
