Be University Wise guides › International students › Scams and agents
Scams and education agents
Most people who help students apply to UK universities are honest, but scams do happen. A few simple checks protect you and your money.
Checked against official sources on 24 September 2026.
This is general information, not immigration advice. For your own situation, speak to your university's international student adviser, UKCISA, or a regulated immigration adviser. Rules change, so always check GOV.UK before you apply.
Warning signs
- Someone offers to sell you a CAS, an offer letter or a "guaranteed" visa. Only universities can issue a CAS, and nobody can guarantee a visa.
- You are asked to pay tuition fees into a personal bank account, or to an agent instead of the university.
- You are offered a job with visa sponsorship in exchange for a fee.
- You are pressed to decide or pay immediately.
- A "university" is not on the official register.
Checks to make
- Check the university is on the Home Office register of licensed student sponsors.
- Pay fees directly to the university, using the details on its official website.
- Apply for your visa only on GOV.UK. The fee is £558 and the health surcharge is £776 a year: be wary of anyone charging more "for the visa".
- Keep copies of everything you sign and pay.
Using an education agent
Many universities work with agents, who are usually paid by the university. Ask which universities an agent works with and whether they charge you anything. The British Council trains agents and counsellors in UK education, and publishes a database of those who have completed its training.
If something goes wrong
Contact the university's international office straight away, and report the fraud to the police.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Register of licensed student sponsors
- British Council: education agents and counsellors
- British Council: database of UK-trained counsellors
Quick answers
Can anyone sell me a CAS?
No. Only a licensed student sponsor, usually your university, can issue a CAS. Anyone selling one is running a scam.
How do I check a UK university is genuine?
Check it is on the Home Office register of licensed student sponsors on GOV.UK, and pay fees only to the university directly.