Roles & responsibilities

Our accredited agents

Our approved agents work very closely with the University of Edinburgh and exist to support applicants on behalf of the University.

Agents listed by country 

Protecting your privacy

The Data Protection Act

The University of Edinburgh is required by law to comply with The Data Protection Act 1998 which outlines that the University of Edinburgh must not disclose data to other parties without the consent of the individual whom it is about. The University must therefore protect the information you disclose as part of your application for study and is unable to discuss any aspect of your application with a third party unless you have given permission for us to do so.

When an applicant indicates that they wish to enlist the services of one of the University of Edinburgh’s appointed agents, they are invited to indicate whether they wish to authorise the University to share their applicant data with the agent whom they have identified. This option to authorise is presented via University of Edinburgh Data Protection Form or by the action of accepting the Data Protection Statement which is built into the University of Edinburgh online application system.

By agreeing to either the Data Protection Form or Statement, the applicant effectively gives permission for the University of Edinburgh to share any personal data which is submitted as part of the application with an elected third party-namely their chosen agent. Please note that the applicant also agrees to the elected agent acting on behalf of the applicant throughout the entire application process.

What your agent should do for you

Students who elect to use the services of a recognised representative of the University and sign/accept a data protection statement to this effect should expect that:

• Agents will counsel and support students throughout the application process, assisting in the preparation/submission of documents and information for this purpose. It is the applicant who must remain ultimately responsible for their account and the management of communications.
• Agents will have full access to student data contained within the application form and may manage a student application by discussing all aspects of the application with the University of Edinburgh.
• Agents should be honest and accurate in communicating information about the University to the Student and vice versa. At no time should agents disseminate false or misleading information to the Student or to the University.
• Agents will conduct themselves with fairness and integrity at all times.
• It remains the responsibility of the student to ensure that they regularly monitor activity in their EUCLID account. Students should ensure information communicated to the University on their behalf is both genuine and accurate.

Issues or problems with agents

If you are concerned that during the application process your elected agent is not meeting the expectations outlined above and wish to:

Request a change of agent

If you would like to request a change to the agent currently representing you, please check the list of our contracted partners and connect with the new agent to discuss your requirements and wish to use their services.

University of Edinburgh Agents

If you decide to use the services of a new agent, please complete the following form to notify the University of the requested change.

Agent Transfer Form 

Log a complaint about your agent

You can anonymously submit a complaint about your agent to the University if you believe they have not met the expectations listed above.

We expect our agents to comply with the National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents and if they are not supporting you within the framework of the code, please share your experience so that we can investigate.

National Code of Ethical Practice for Education Agents

If you would like to complain or appeal against an admissions decision, please do not use the process below, but instead refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants.

Unsuccessful Applicants

Please contact us by email for our complaints form. Please note that the personal details you provide in this form (name, UUN) will not be shared with the agent.

[email protected]

What happens after you log the complaint:

1. The complaint is received by the International and Postgraduate Recruitment Team and referred to the relevant International Recruitment Manager for review.
2. The International Recruitment Manager will assess the complaint and may contact the student and recruitment partner, educational advisor or agent for further information. Following this, the International Recruitment Manager will determine whether to uphold or dismiss the complaint.
3. We aim to resolve all complaints within 15 working days of receipt. If, at this point, the case is unresolved, we will inform the student of the progress of their case.
4. If the complaint is upheld, then the International Recruitment Manager will agree a suitable outcome with the Head of International and Postgraduate Recruitment and issue this to the recruitment partner, educational advisor or agent.
5. The International Recruitment Manager will notify both the student and the recruitment partner, educational advisor or agent of the outcome and any proposed action. 

How much does it cost to use an agent?

In most cases, you shouldn’t have to pay for an agent’s services. Agents usually receive payment from universities for assisting students. However, some agents might charge for certain services. If a fee is being requested, there should be clear and detailed information about the cost and what it includes.