Education Agents – Information, Obligations & 2026 Compliance Update
UTA Institute of Technology (UTAIT)
UTA Institute of Technology (UTAIT) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 41121) and CRICOS provider (CRICOS Code: 04064G) delivering nationally recognised training to both domestic and international students.
UTAIT works collaboratively with education agents in Australia and overseas and is committed to ensuring all agent relationships operate in full compliance with Australian legislation, including the Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000 (ESOS Act) and the National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018.
2026 Regulatory Update – Education Agent Commission Restrictions
UTAIT advises all education agents that, following the National Code amendment released on 20 January 2026, new restrictions apply to the payment of education agent commissions.
From this date:
UTAIT must NOT pay commission to an education agent for recruiting an overseas student who is already studying with another registered provider, including students transferring onshore, unless permitted under specific legal exceptions.
Limited Circumstances Where Commission May Be Paid
Commission may only be considered where:
- The student became an accepted student of UTA Institute of Technology on or before 31 March 2026;
- The student is recruited into a course covered under an existing CoE or packaged course arrangement linked to their student visa;
- The student enrols after completing their principal course of study with another provider; or
- Any other circumstance explicitly permitted under Australian law.
UTAIT Commission Policy – General Position
UTAIT will generally only consider commission payments for:
- ✔ New offshore student recruitment
- ✔ Students enrolled under approved packaged course arrangements
- ✔ Students who have completed their principal course and are progressing to a new eligible course
- ✔ Other legally permitted recruitment scenarios
UTAIT will NOT pay commission for:
- Students already studying with another provider and transferring onshore solely for recruitment purposes, unless a legal exception applies
Education Agent Obligations (Compliance Requirements)
As a CRICOS provider, UTA Institute of Technology must comply with Standard 4 – Education Agents under the National Code.
UTAIT ensures that all education agents:
- Act ethically, honestly, and in the best interests of students
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date knowledge of Australian education and visa requirements
- Comply with the Australian International Education and Training Agent Code of Ethics
- Avoid misleading or deceptive recruitment practices
UTAIT Responsibilities as a Registered Provider
UTAIT is required to:
- Maintain a formal written agreement with each education agent
- Record and maintain agent details in PRISMS (Provider Registration and International Student Management System)
- Monitor agent performance and conduct regularly
- Take immediate corrective action or terminate agreements where non-compliance occurs
- Refuse to engage with agents involved in unethical or non-compliant practices
- Maintain and publish a current list of authorised education agents
- Retain records of agents involved in each student enrolment
Why Partner with UTA Institute of Technology
We value strong, transparent, and compliant partnerships with education agents.
Benefits of working with UTAIT:
- Diverse range of automotive and emerging technology courses
- Specialisation in Electric Vehicles (EV), Hybrid, LPG, CNG, and Air Conditioning
- Recognised RTO and CRICOS provider
- Strong industry engagement and practical training focus
- Clear and compliant commission structure aligned with legislation
Becoming an Education Agent
UTAIT welcomes applications from education agents who are committed to maintaining high ethical and professional standards.
Application Process
- Submit the Education Agent Application Form
- Application review and compliance assessment
- Formalisation of the Education Agent Agreement
- Onboarding and ongoing support
Important Compliance Notice
All education agents must strictly comply with:
- The Education Services for Overseas Students Act 2000
- The National Code of Practice for Providers of Education and Training to Overseas Students 2018
- The 2026 amendments (effective 20 January 2026) relating to recruitment and commission payments
Failure to comply may result in:
- Immediate termination of the agreement
- Removal from UTAIT’s authorised agent list
- Reporting obligations under Australian regulatory frameworks
Further Information
For more details, please refer to:
- Standard 4: Education Agents (National Code)
- Standard 8: Overseas Student Visa Requirements
- Strengthening Australia’s Protections for International Students
To read more, please refer to the following links:
