Many students only think about refunds after something has gone wrong — a visa refusal, a service that was never delivered, or an agent who stopped answering calls. The time to protect yourself is *before* you pay. Here is what to know about refund rights and service agreements in 2026.
Get everything in a written service agreement
Your single best protection is a clear, signed service agreement before any money changes hands. A good agreement should spell out:
- Exactly which services are included (counselling, applications, document review, visa lodgement) and which are not
- The full fee and payment schedule — how much, when, and for what
- The refund policy — what is refundable, under what conditions, and how much
- What happens on a visa refusal — whether fees are partly refunded or services re-attempted
- Timelines and how you will be kept updated
If a consultancy refuses to put these in writing, treat that as a serious warning sign and walk away.
Understand what is — and is not — usually refundable
Refund practices vary widely and are not standardised across the industry. As a general pattern:
- University and government fees (tuition deposits, visa fees, SEVIS/IHS) are paid to third parties and are governed by *their* refund rules, not the consultancy's.
- The consultancy's own service fee is where a refund policy matters most — clarify in writing whether it is refundable if you withdraw, if a visa is refused, or if they fail to deliver.
- Commission-based agents may charge you little or nothing directly (the university pays them), which changes the refund picture — ask how they are paid.
Watch for upfront-fee red flags
Be cautious of any consultancy demanding large upfront "processing" fees before you have a confirmed university offer. Reputable agencies typically charge a modest counselling fee or bill after you receive and accept an offer. Read our scam warning signs guide.
If a consultancy takes your money and fails to deliver
- Gather your evidence — the signed agreement, receipts, messages, and a timeline of what was and was not done.
- Put your complaint in writing to the consultancy, referencing the agreement, and set a reasonable deadline.
- Escalate to the relevant body. For *immigration advice*, complain to the regulator (OMARA in Australia, the CICC in Canada, the IAA in the UK, the Immigration Advisers Authority in New Zealand). For *education agents*, escalate to any accreditation body they belong to and to local consumer-protection authorities.
- Warn other students by leaving an honest, factual review on ConsultancyCheck — it both helps others and creates a public record.
Read the experiences in what to do when a consultancy takes your money and disappears and visa rejection after paying a consultancy.
Can you switch consultancies?
Often, yes — but check your agreement for exclusivity and cancellation terms first. See can you change your education consultant?.
Related guides
Read how to choose an education consultancy, understand typical education consultant fees by country, and compare consultancies with verified reviews before you commit on ConsultancyCheck.
*This guide is general information, not legal advice. Refund rights depend on your contract and local consumer law — seek qualified advice for your specific situation.*
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund from an education consultancy if my visa is refused?
It depends entirely on your signed service agreement. University and government fees follow their own refund rules, while the consultancy's own service fee is refundable only if your agreement says so — which is why you should confirm the refusal and refund policy in writing before paying.
What should a consultancy service agreement include?
The exact services included and excluded, the full fee and payment schedule, the refund policy, what happens on a visa refusal, and expected timelines. If a consultancy will not put these in writing, walk away.
What can I do if a consultancy took my money and disappeared?
Gather your agreement, receipts, and messages; complain in writing; escalate to the relevant regulator (for immigration advice) or accreditation body and consumer-protection authority (for education agents); and leave an honest review to warn other students.
Should I pay a large fee before getting a university offer?
Generally no. Reputable consultancies charge a modest counselling fee or bill after you accept an offer. Large upfront processing fees before any offer is secured are a common red flag.
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