New international code of ethics to ensure best interests of students

A new international code of ethics to ensure that education agents act in best interests of students, declare conflict of interest and be open about all fees and commissions, has been unveiled recently in London. The new code has been agreed upon by Australia, the UK, Ireland and New Zealand with education officials from these countries issuing a joint statement of principles for ethical international student recruitment, following talks in London in March hosted by the British Council. The countries first met for talks in 2010, when Australia proposed developing a joint international code of ethics.

While the policy statement lays down that agents should work in the best interest of clients and should give correct information to students, it has to now be adopted in countries such as India and China, which are the biggest source countries for international students. For more information visit The Economic Times.