Australia Bans Commissions for Onshore Student Transfers
The change is enshrined in the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students Amendment (Education Agent Commissions) Instrument 2026, which formally outlaws commission payments linked to mid-course transfers between providers.
The government has signalled that this measure is part of a broader integrity agenda aimed at:
- Reducing "poaching" of students
- Curbing agent-driven course switching
- Strengthening oversight of recruitment practices
When Commissions May Still Be Paid
- When a student progresses to another course with the same provider listed on their original Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE)
- When a student moves to a different provider after completing their principal course of study
Industry reactions have been mixed. Some providers argue that the reform lacks flexibility and fails to account for legitimate cases such as school closures, course discontinuations, or situations where students genuinely need to change institutions.
Others, including representative bodies in key sending markets such as India, have welcomed the ban as a necessary step toward cleaner recruitment practices and stronger consumer protection for students.
UK: International Student Numbers Fall Again in 2024/25
While Australia tightens recruitment rules, the UK is grappling with declining international enrolments.
The downturn was driven largely by:
First-Year Students Particularly Affected
Where Students Are Coming From
Major Source Markets
Regional Impact
What This Means for the Sector
These developments point to a shifting landscape:
Tightening the role of agents and discouraging mid-course transfers as part of broader compliance and oversight reforms.
Policy changes, cost pressures, and visa restrictions continue to impact enrolments - even as recent visa data suggests a possible short-term recovery in 2025/26.
Looking Ahead: UK Demand Could Be Further Affected By
- Reduction in the Graduate Route from two years to 18 months (from 2027)
- Planned introduction of an International Student Levy from 2028/29
The Broader Pattern
Major study destinations are recalibrating their international education models, balancing economic benefits with regulatory control, student protection, and political pressures.