➊ It is ideal for someone who is looking to start a business with low start up costs. All you need are basic communication tools that you probably already have, such as a computer, internet connection, telephone, and a physical space. You could even begin from a home office if it is appropriate. ➋ It usually does not cost money to sign up with academic institutions. Having a few professional references is often enough. ➌ You do not need a large marketing budget. You can run social media campaigns if you have funds, or use traditional methods such as distributing leaflets in appropriate places or visiting tuition centres and negotiating a business model with tutors who conduct upper secondary or higher education classes. ➍ You can start within a short period of time. Many non university level institutions often offer agent commissions even if you do not currently represent them, and in some cases you can submit the first student application together with your agent application. ➎ Once you recruit your first student, you will usually have enough capital to invest in more effective recruitment campaigns.

Typical commission ranges in Australia • Universities: 10% – 15% of first year tuition fees • Private Colleges / Higher Education Providers: 12% – 20% (Usually pay through out the entire length of the program) • Vocational Colleges (VET sector): 15% – 25% (Usually pay through out the entire length of the program) Example If a student pays AUD 25,000 for the first year of tuition: • 10% commission = AUD 2,500 • 15% commission = AUD 3,750 • 20% commission = AUD 5,000 In many cases, agents also receive additional bonuses for recruiting larger numbers of students each year.

For many students around the world, studying abroad represents more than just earning a degree. It often opens the door to new knowledge, international exposure, and career opportunities that may not exist in their home country. Over time, several countries have established themselves as the most popular destinations for higher education because of their strong universities, research culture, and global recognition. The United States has long remained the most recognized destination for international students. Universities such as Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology attract students from every part of the world. The country is known for innovation, research funding, and the wide variety of programs available across its universities. The United Kingdom also holds a long standing reputation for academic excellence. Institutions such as University of Oxford and University of Cambridge have produced many global leaders and scholars. Many students are drawn to the UK because degrees are often shorter and universities carry strong international prestige. Australia has become one of the most attractive destinations for international students in recent years. Universities like University of Melbourne and University of Sydney offer high quality education along with opportunities for students to gain work experience while studying. Canada has steadily gained popularity because of its welcoming immigration policies and strong universities such as University of Toronto and University of British Columbia. Many students see Canada not only as a place to study but also as a country where they can build a long term career. Germany has attracted large numbers of students due to its affordable education system. Public institutions like Technical University of Munich and Heidelberg University offer high quality education with little or no tuition fees at many programs. France continues to attract students interested in culture, arts, and international business through universities such as Sorbonne University.

My name is Chamalka Alwis Samarasinghe, an Australian with Sri Lankan roots, and I am the founder of Eduzone Consultants in Sri Lanka, which has been operating for the past 16 years. Throughout my adult life, I have been involved in student recruitment across several international education destinations. My journey began in Malaysia, where I recruited a few students to study there during a short stay in 2006. Later, in 2008, I promoted higher education opportunities in the Czech Republic at a time when students could first learn the Czech language and then pursue university studies in the same language free of charge. After processing a number of students, the Czech Embassy in New Delhi, India, which handled visas for Sri Lankan students, introduced strict regulations for language course visas. As a result, we moved our focus to higher education opportunities in Sweden and Finland. At that time, the number of students going to countries such as Sweden and Finland was fewer than 20 per year from the entire country. Today, these destinations have become mainstream options for Sri Lankan students. This community is created with the intention of connecting professionals in the industry, encouraging discussions on growth, innovation, and further development, while also providing useful information for newcomers to the industry.