In international education, strong school-agent partnerships begin with transparent, well-structured agreements. These documents establish mutual expectations and protect both parties’ interests. In this week’s How to Tuesday, we focus on how to build clear and effective agreements between schools and agencies. 

Define roles and expectations

Firstly, explicitly outline what each party brings to the table. Schools should specify available marketing materials and support, while agents should detail their recruitment strategies and market knowledge. This clarity prevents misunderstandings about responsibilities later down the line.

Establish core deliverables

Make sure to include specific, measurable deliverables such as student recruitment targets, application processing timelines, and response time expectations. These concrete metrics provide benchmarks for success.

Create transparent commission structures

Financial transparency also helps build trust. Detail commission percentages, payment schedules, conditions for payment (enrolment vs. completion), and any performance-based incentives. Both parties should have absolute clarity on financial arrangements.

Set geographical boundaries

Prevent disputes by defining specific countries or regions covered by the agreement, whether exclusivity applies, and procedures for expanding into new territories.

Include communication protocols

It’s also useful to establish designated points of contact, regular meeting schedules, and preferred communication channels. Clear communication expectations save time and prevent frustration.

Add review and renewal clauses

Partnerships evolve over time, so include scheduled review periods, performance evaluation criteria, and renewal terms in your agreement. Regular reviews will help ensure the agreement remains relevant.

Protect confidential information

Last but not least, remember to outline how student data will be handled, compliance with privacy regulations, and what constitutes confidential information.

Taking the time to develop a comprehensive partnership agreement might require some initial effort, but it’s an investment that will pay off in smoother operations and stronger relationships. Need help developing effective partnerships in international education? Get in touch with Schools & Agents today to learn how we can support your institution’s growth in the international education space.

Written by Stephanie Clark