How It Works
The SRAAA Standards for Student Recruitment Advisors and Agents comprise five core standard areas, each with detailed criteria to ensure transparency, ethical conduct, and operational excellence. These standards were developed by the SRAAA Standards and Ethics Committee, drawing from international best practice frameworks, national education guidelines, and industry consultations.
The standards are subject to periodic review to remain relevant, practical, and reflective of changes in visa regulations, institutional practices, and student protection laws.
To be eligible for certification, an agency must:
Once eligibility is confirmed:
STANDARD 1: ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS
- Mission and Purpose
- The agency must clearly define its mission, demonstrating a commitment to ethical recruitment and student welfare.
- Governance and Ownership
- Transparent ownership and a clear management structure are required, with defined roles and responsibilities.
- Effective Management
- Agencies must show evidence of qualified staff, operational efficiency, and performance monitoring mechanisms.
- Scope of Operation
- The agency should define its service reach and maintain a professional office setup in Nigeria.
- Financial Integrity
- Financial records must be accurate, traceable, and compliant with relevant Nigerian tax and regulatory laws.
STANDARD 2: INTEGRITY OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
- Knowledge of Global Education Systems
- Agents must demonstrate accurate understanding of destination countries’ education and visa systems (e.g. UK, Canada, US, etc.).
- Advertising and Marketing
- All promotional materials must be truthful, not misleading, and align with partner institution branding.
- Respect for Intellectual Property
- Agencies must not misuse institutional logos, admission letters, or proprietary training content.
- Accountability
- Recruitment activities must be documented and subject to audit by SRAAA or regulatory bodies.
- Conflicts of Interest
- Agents must avoid situations where private interest conflicts with the student’s best interest.
- Transparency and Integrity of Services
- Fees, terms, and refund policies must be disclosed to clients in writing.
- Appropriateness and Accuracy of Services
- Agencies should only recommend institutions or countries that align with the student’s goals and eligibility.
STANDARD 3: STUDENT & FAMILY ENGAGEMENT (Pre- and Post-Enrollment)
- Pre-Enrollment
- Students and guardians must receive detailed information on institutions, fees, visa process, and living arrangements.
- Post-Enrollment
- Agents are encouraged to provide follow-up support, including arrival orientation, accommodation advice, and student welfare links.
STANDARD 4: INSTITUTIONAL ENGAGEMENT (Pre- & Post-Recruitment)
- Pre-Recruitment
- Agencies must ensure formal agreements exist before recruiting for any institution.
- Post-Recruitment
- Communication must continue after student placement, including feedback reporting and support for visa integrity.
STANDARD 5: COMPLAINTS PROCESS
The agency must maintain an internal, documented complaints process allowing students, institutions, and partners to raise concerns. Complaints must be resolved within a stated timeframe, and outcomes should guide service improvement.
Definition of Terms
- Agency: The business entity seeking certification by SRAAA.
- Agent: Any staff or representative working under the agency, involved in student recruitment or advisory.
- Certification Commission: The independent body within SRAAA that reviews and grants certification.
- Compliance Reviewer: A trained professional authorised to inspect, assess, and report on agency operations.
get answers to some FAQs
You can reach SRAAA through email, phone, or social media links provided in the Contact section.
Institutions and organizations interested in partnerships can contact SRAAA via the “Contact Us” section.
As a charity organisation, SRAAA publishes financial reports to show how funds are used, available in the “Accounts Section”.
The “Education Abroad” section provides details about students’ rights, how to access jobs and accommodation, prepare for interviews, and adapt to international cultures.
You can use the Membership Verification Tool to check certified members on the website.
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