Online agent placing overseas students in Australia
Help overseas families find a school place and host family in Australia, and guide them through the process online.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Online
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
You advise families overseas on Australian schools and exchange options, handle applications and arrange a host family or homestay through local partners. Most of the work is done online, with video calls and messaging across time zones.
Your first three steps
- Choose one or two source countries and learn how families there usually find overseas schooling
- Build relationships with a handful of Australian schools and homestay providers who accept agent referrals
- Set up a simple website, enquiry process and fee agreement, then speak with local education advisers or community groups overseas
Who pays
Overseas students and their families paying for guidance and placement. Some schools also pay commission for enrolments.
How it makes money
A service or placement fee from each family, and sometimes commission from partner schools or homestay providers.
Skills that help
- Clear written and spoken communication
- Knowledge of the Australian school system
- Organising applications and deadlines
- Building trust with families abroad, ideally with a second language
Watch out for
- Rules for education agents and student visas, check the current requirements with the Department of Home Affairs and your partner schools
- Check what schools require before they accept referrals from an agent
- Never promise visa or enrolment outcomes, and be clear about your fees and refund terms
- Check how consumer law applies to your fees and agreements with overseas customers
- Public liability and professional indemnity insurance, and secure handling of students' personal data
- Exchange rates, time zones and slow payments from overseas
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: online agent placing overseas students in Australia
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start as an online student placement agent?
Startup costs are typically around $3,000 to $12,000, depending on your website, insurance, software and marketing to families overseas. These are estimates, so get quotes for the tools and cover you plan to use.
How much can an online student placement agent earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,000, depending on how many families you help and whether schools pay commission. Plan for at least about 15 hours a week, including time zone differences.
What rules apply to education agents placing overseas students?
Check current education agent and student visa requirements with the Department of Home Affairs and your partner schools, and what schools require before accepting referrals. Also check consumer law for your fees, insurance, and how you secure students' personal data.
Other ways to run this business
Similar teaching and tutoring ideas
Community toy library in a local hall
Run weekly lending sessions from a hired hall where local families borrow toys and games for a yearly fee.
- A$3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Mobile first aid trainer for workplaces
Teach CPR and first aid courses at workplaces and community venues, working with a registered training organisation.
- A$3k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Hands-on trade skills workshops
Teach weekend and evening short courses in carpentry, tiling or basic plumbing to hobbyists and DIYers.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Apprentice training delivery partner
Deliver hands-on apprentice training for an established registered training organisation, without running your own RTO.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Montessori-style family day care at home
Care for a few young children in your own home using Montessori methods, as an educator with an approved family day care service.
- A$3k-15k
- Full-time
- From home
School holiday day camp
Run multi-day holiday camps for local kids in a hired hall or oval, with games, crafts and outdoor fun.
- A$2k-8k
- Part-time
- Own premises