Our Commitment to the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF)
UniHawk is committed to upholding the standards of the UK Agent Quality Framework (AQF) and the National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents. As an education consultancy supporting international students on their journey to study in the UK, we recognise the responsibility we hold — to our students, to our university partners, and to the integrity of the UK's student visa system.
What is the AQF?
The Agent Quality Framework is an education sector-wide initiative that sets the standards by which UK education providers manage their recruitment agents, and supports agents and counsellors in maintaining accurate, up-to-date knowledge of the UK as a study destination.
It was developed following comprehensive research with international students, education providers, and recruitment agents, in collaboration with esteemed sector bodies including the British Council, Universities UK International (UUKi), the British Universities' International Liaison Association (BUILA), UKCISA, and Independent Higher Education (IHE).
The 4 Key Principles
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1Empowering student choice and enabling informed decision making.
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2Ensuring good agent governance and professionalism.
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3Promoting ethical agent practices, professional knowledge and competency.
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4Increasing transparency and accountability across the sector.
How UniHawk Aligns with the AQF
The National Code of Ethical Practice sits at the heart of the AQF and is organised around five standards. Here is how we uphold each standard in our day-to-day operations.
Organisational behaviour
We act professionally, honestly and responsibly in all our dealings. We comply with the laws and regulations of every market in which we operate, avoid or declare any conflicts of interest, and maintain appropriate confidentiality and transparency — including clearly disclosing our partnerships and any use of sub-agents or managed agents. We are transparent about which institutions we formally represent under contract and which we do not, and we provide a professional, safe environment for both our staff and the students we counsel.
Ethical business practice
We promote ourselves and our university partners fairly and honestly, without misleading claims or unfavourable comparisons. All our staff understand the National Code and our associated business practices. We are transparent with students about which of our services are covered under provider commission arrangements and which involve fees paid by the student. We maintain signed agreements with our student clients, provide clear avenues for complaints and dispute resolution, and operate systems to identify and prevent the submission of fraudulent or misleading documents to UK institutions and visa authorities.
Objective advice & guidance
We introduce students to a range of suitable education providers matched to their individual profile. We never claim a government endorsement or a contractual relationship with a university where none exists, and we never misuse institutional or national brand logos. Where we charge fees directly to students, these are transparent and supported by a documented refund policy.
Student-centred practice
We provide realistic, tailored advice based on each student's academic background, English language ability, and financial circumstances. We support every student's journey without prejudice or discrimination on any grounds. We advise students of genuine and non-genuine providers, help them understand their rights and responsibilities in the UK — including visa conditions and part-time work rules — and safeguard their personal information in line with UK data protection legislation. We take particular care with the pastoral wellbeing of students under the age of 18.
Organisational competence
We maintain our team's knowledge of the UK and of our partner institutions. Our counselling staff working with UK-bound students complete the British Council's UK Agent and Counsellor Training and hold the associated certification and digital badge. We keep records of staff training and engage in regular training with our UK provider partners.
Our Certified Counsellors
Our counsellors advising on UK study are trained and certified through the British Council's UK Agent and Counsellor Training programme, demonstrating verified knowledge of the UK as a study destination and of the UK visa and immigration system.
Certified counsellors on our team can be found on the British Council's public database of UK knowledge trained agents and counsellors.
Want to know more?
Students and parents can learn more about choosing an education agent, and read the full National Code of Ethical Practice for UK Education Agents, at the official AQF website.
Visit the AQF Website