When an agent charges for an additional service, treat that payment as the agent's service charge; a charge made by a university or course belongs in the university or course fee category. The practical test is the charging party and the purpose of the payment. The cited student guide says agents may charge for some additional services and should be clear at the start of the process about whether they will charge, what the fees are for, and when they are expected.
How to check the breakdown
Ask for a list of all potential fees, what each one is for, and when it is expected. Ask the agent to identify its own service charges separately from any university or course fees. For each item, record:
| Check | Question to answer |
|---|---|
| Charging party | Is the charge made by the agent, a university, or a course? |
| Purpose | Is it for an additional service supplied by the agent, or for the university or course? |
| Timing | When is this particular fee expected? |
If a document presents a combined amount, request an itemised breakdown before assigning it to a budget. The label “fee” alone does not show whether the payment is for the agent's service or for the university or course.
What still needs to be confirmed
The cited guidance establishes what to ask for, but it does not establish a standard agent amount, refund policy, contract term, or university or course fee schedule. Confirm the exact amount, purpose, and expected timing of any agent charge directly with the agent, and confirm any university or course fee separately with the relevant university or course.
If the agent mentions a refund, cancellation, or written agreement, ask for the exact terms. Do not infer an amount, refund right, or contract obligation from the general statement that agents may charge for additional services.
Until those details are confirmed, keep the agent service charge and any university or course fee as separate budget items.