The UK, with its centuries-old education system, is home to numerous world-class universities known for equipping students with the skills sought by employers. Each year, more than 500,000 international students choose the UK for higher education. No country has more Transnational Education (TNE) programs in Viet Nam than the UK. It is also the fourth most popular destination for English-speaking students from Viet Nam.
On this day, more than 100 education agents, counsellors, and UK institution representatives gathered for the Agent Annual Meeting in Viet Nam. This flagship event, part of the British Council's ongoing strategy to collaborate with education agents, is designed to support their professional development. The event provided updates on the UK education landscape and visa policies, ensuring agents are well-equipped to guide students towards successful study abroad experiences.
This year’s theme, Study UK: Orientation for Study and Career Paths, focused on the following key areas:
- UK education market
- Updates on UK visa policies
- Best practices in study abroad counselling, with contributions from UK alumni, UCAS representatives, and UK university officials.
As part of its strategy to promote UK education, the British Council aims to assist international students in selecting suitable academic programmes and institutions, ensuring they have a rewarding experience while studying in the UK. Since 2022, the British Council has shifted its approach to (1) enhancing the capacity of study abroad consultancy firms and (2) fostering a connected ecosystem of stakeholders in the admissions field. This strategy helps education consultants better serve students and their families.
A key element of this strategy was the 2022 launch of a free training and engagement hub for agents and counsellors (Agent hub). The hub offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to help advisers gain deeper insights into the UK education system and its appeal as an international study destination. The Agent Hub is part of the seven-component Agent Quality Framework (AQF) which is a standout feature of the British Council’s initiative. The AQF is the first of its kind globally, providing education agents with structured guidance to enhance their services and support students in making informed choices about studying in the UK.
‘In May 2024 the UK’s government mandated the Agent Quality Framework to help prospective international students make informed choices and increase transparency and accountability within the international student mobility industry. As a result, we are delighted that more than 130 education advisers in Viet Nam are now proud owners of the “I am a UK certified counsellor” badge, which demonstrates their professional knowledge and awareness of the UK as a study destination,’ said Jacqui Jenkins, Global Programme Lead International Student Mobility and also the winner of the Charlene Allan Inspirational Leadership award at the Pioneer Awards.
Mr. Ngo Quang Hung, Director of HNG Company, highlighted the value of the hub, a key component of the UK Study Abroad Consulting Quality Framework: ‘Agent Hub is an excellent platform that provides a comprehensive overview of UK education. It is especially beneficial for those new to UK consultancy or transitioning from other markets. The platform offers systematic, essential information about UK education, helping business owners save time training new staff. Additionally, it equips study abroad consultants with valuable soft skills and clarifies the criteria needed when working with students and school representatives.'