Launch of the new Agent Quality Framework (AQF) website
BUILA, together with partners from the AQF Steering Group, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Agent Quality Framework (AQF) website.
The website, jointly owned by the AQF Steering Group, provides an overview of the framework, its key principles and a suite of guidance resources for sponsors working with international student recruitment agents. It serves as a central hub of information for sponsors, agents and counsellors, helping them to understand their responsibilities and align their practice with sector and Home Office expectations.
From 7 April 2026, as part of their sponsor duties, Student and Child Student sponsors using international student recruitment agents must retain evidence demonstrating how they manage agents in line with the AQF and the national code of ethical practice for UK education agents.
Sponsors using international student recruitment agents must also be able to demonstrate commitment to the key principles of the AQF:
- empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making
- ensuring good agent governance and professionalism
- promoting ethical agent practices, professional knowledge and competency
- increasing transparency and accountability
BUILA encourages members to use the resources and guidance hosted on the site to support effective, transparent and ethical international student recruitment.
