Updated 6 November 2026 Β· By the Study Destination team
Yes. Study Destination is a free education agency with offices in Australia (Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane): Australian schools and universities pay us, not the student. We help you choose a course, enrol and prepare your student visa at no cost, whether you're overseas or already in Australia. You only pay the course, visa and health insurance (OSHC), at the same price as applying directly.
Free consultation: we reply within 24 business hours β
Tell us your plans and an advisor will contact you in English, Spanish or French.
"Free" can sound too good to be true, especially when your visa and your savings are at stake. This guide explains how free education agencies work in Australia, who pays them, what's included, how they compare with doing it yourself, and how to check that an agency is trustworthy.
Are there free agencies to study in Australia?
Yes. Many Australian education agencies are free for students because schools and universities pay them a commission when a student enrols. Study Destination is one of them: our advice, enrolment and student visa support cost you nothing.
Education agents are part of the official system. Under the ESOS framework and the National Code, CRICOS-registered schools must have a written agreement with every agent who recruits students for them, and they are responsible for monitoring those agents.
How can it be free? Who pays the agency
The school pays the agency a commission after you enrol, from its own marketing budget. Your course costs the same as if you applied directly: schools publish one price for everyone, with or without an agent.
A transparent agency will explain this model openly and tell you upfront if any situation is not covered. If an agency can't explain how it earns money, be cautious.
What's included and what isn't
The agency's help is free, but moving to Australia still has costs. Here's the difference:
| Free with Study Destination | You pay (not to the agency) |
|---|---|
| Advice to choose your course, school and city | Course tuition (same price as applying directly) |
| Enrolment, offer letter and CoE | Student visa fee (Home Affairs: AUD $2,050β$2,500 from 1 July 2026) |
| Preparing and reviewing your visa application and Genuine Student answers | OSHC health insurance |
| Arranging your OSHC | Health check and biometrics, if requested |
| Support when you arrive: TFN, CV, events, accommodation tips | Flights, accommodation and living costs |
| Renewals or course changes while you're in Australia | Official translations, if needed |
Want the full list of documents and costs? Read our Australia student visa requirements guide.
Agency or do it yourself?
You can apply on your own. For most students, a free agency saves time and reduces the risk of mistakes, at the same cost.
| Β | With a free agency | On your own |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Same course price, no agency fee | Same course price |
| Choosing a school | Several options compared for you, with pros and cons | You research and compare schools yourself |
| Time | The agency handles applications, CoE and OSHC | You manage every step and every email |
| Risk of mistakes | Documents and Genuine Student answers reviewed before you lodge | No second check before you pay a non-refundable visa fee |
| Rule changes | The agency follows changes like the October 2026 student visa rules | You need to keep up with Home Affairs updates |
| After you arrive | Help with your next course, renewals and settling in | You start again on your own |
When you also need a registered migration agent
Education agents help with courses, enrolment and student visa applications. They can't give formal migration advice. A registered migration agent is the right person if you've had a visa refusal or cancellation, have a complex immigration history, want to plan for permanent residency, or need a review of a refused visa at the Administrative Review Tribunal. A good education agency will refer you to one.
How to choose a trustworthy agency: 7 questions
Ask these questions before you sign anything. A trustworthy agency will answer all of them clearly.
- Is your service free, and is there any case where I'd pay? You should know upfront, with no hidden costs.
- Are your counsellors QEAC certified? You can check names on the official QEAC list.
- Are you on my school's list of agents? Schools must have a written agreement with their agents and often list them on their website.
- Will I sign a written agreement and pay the school directly? Tuition should go to the school, never to a personal account.
- How many schools do you work with, and why are you recommending this one? You should see several options.
- Who gives visa advice? For complex cases, the agency should work with a registered migration agent.
- What support do I get after I arrive, and in which languages?
Red flags
- They guarantee your visa. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides.
- They push one school or a "deal that ends today".
- They're vague about money or ask you to pay into a personal account.
- They offer to handle your permanent residency without a registered migration agent.
The Australian Government's Study Australia website has an official guide on how to choose the right education agent. For more detail, read our guide on how to choose an Australian education agent in 2026.
Study Destination at a glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Australian education agency (not migration agents) |
| Cost for students | AUD $0: schools pay us |
| Since | 2016 |
| Offices | Melbourne: Level 1, 29 Sutherland Street, Melbourne VIC 3000 Sydney: Office 515, Level 5, The Brewery, Central Park Ave, Chippendale NSW Brisbane: 117 Quay Street, Brisbane City QLD 4000 |
| Languages | English, Spanish, French |
| Partner institutions | 200+ schools, colleges and universities |
| Students helped | 1,000+ |
| Google reviews | 4.9/5 from 737+ reviews |
| Accreditation | ICEF Agency Status #3834 Β· QEAC-certified counsellors |
| Destinations | Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Canada, Ireland, Dubai |
Antoine G. Β· France π«π· Β· βββββ
"I had an outstanding experience from start to finish, all the way through to receiving my visa. The service was excellent, and I was supported throughout the entire process."
Aldana S. Β· Argentina π¦π· Β· βββββ
"Carla, Delfi and Melisa provided me with peace of mind, support and tremendous dedication from the beginning. They helped me achieve something that is very important and special to me." (translated from Spanish)
Ivette T. Β· Peru π΅πͺ Β· βββββ
"Melisa did impeccable work preparing and submitting my visa application. Thanks to their support, dedication and professionalism, I got my visa without complications." (translated from Spanish)
See all our Google reviews β
How it works with us
We talk about your goals, budget, English level and timeline, and check which options are realistic for you, including whether you can apply from inside or outside Australia.
We present several options and compare prices, locations and outcomes. You make the final decision.
We send your application, you accept the offer and pay the school directly, and we arrange your OSHC.
We give you a personalised document checklist, review your financial evidence and Genuine Student answers, and lodge your application with you.
We follow your application until the decision and keep supporting you once you're in Australia.
More detail on our service: free help with your Australian student visa. Already studying here? Check what you can and can't do on a Student visa 500.
FAQ
Is Study Destination really free?
Yes. Australian schools and universities pay us a commission when you enrol, so our advice, enrolment and student visa support cost you nothing. You only pay your course, visa fee and OSHC.
Do I pay more for my course through an agency?
No. Schools charge the same tuition whether you apply directly or through an agent. The commission comes from the school, not from your fees.
Can I choose any school?
We work with 200+ schools, colleges and universities across Australia and show you several options that fit your goals and budget. You always make the final decision.
Can you help if I'm already in Australia on a Working Holiday visa?
Yes. Since 2 October 2026, Working Holiday holders need to apply for a Student visa from outside Australia. We help you choose your course and plan the timing of your application and your trip.
Does a free agency guarantee my visa?
No. No agency can guarantee a visa: only the Department of Home Affairs decides. A good agency helps you lodge a complete, well-prepared application.
Education agent vs migration agent: what's the difference?
An education agent helps with courses, enrolment and student visa applications, usually for free. A registered migration agent gives formal migration advice, for example for refusals, complex visa histories or permanent residency. Study Destination is an education agency and refers complex cases to registered migration agents.
How do I check an agency is trustworthy?
Ask if its counsellors are QEAC certified and check the official QEAC list, ask which schools it works with, make sure you pay tuition directly to the school, and read real reviews. Be careful with any agency that guarantees visas.
Which countries do you help students from?
Students from all over the world, especially Latin America (Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and more) and Europe (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain and more), as well as students already in Australia. We advise in English, Spanish and French.
Free consultation
We reply within 24 business hours. Here's what happens next:
- You fill in the form with your plans.
- An advisor who speaks your language contacts you.
- We talk about your options, with no cost and no commitment.
