1. Policy Statement
Global Path’s reputation and the success of our students depend on the quality and integrity of our institutional partnerships. This policy governs how we establish, manage, and review relationships with universities, colleges, scholarship boards, and other educational providers worldwide. We are committed to partnering only with accredited, reputable institutions that offer genuine academic value and a supportive environment for international students.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all formal and informal relationships with post-secondary educational institutions and official scholarship-granting bodies abroad that Global Path engages with for student referrals, collaborations, or information sharing.
3. Guiding Principles for Partnerships
All partnerships must align with our core values and be established on the basis of:
- Student Interest First: Partnerships must primarily benefit the academic and career progression of our students.
- Quality & Accreditation: We partner only with institutions that hold valid accreditation from recognized national or regional bodies in their host country.
- Transparency & Ethics: Relationships must be transparent, ethical, and free from conflicts of interest.
- Mutual Respect: Partnerships are based on professional respect and a shared commitment to ethical recruitment practices.
4. Partner Vetting & Due Diligence Process
Before entering any formal agreement or actively promoting an institution, Global Path will conduct thorough due diligence:
- Accreditation Verification: Confirm accreditation status through official government or council websites (e.g., HEA in the UK, CHEA in the USA, TEQSA in Australia).
- Quality Indicators: Review institutional rankings, student satisfaction surveys (e.g., NSS, ISB), facilities, and support services for international students.
- Financial Stability & Reputation: Research the institution’s standing and avoid partnerships with entities subject to serious legal or ethical controversies.
- On-Ground Verification: Where possible, partnerships will be bolstered by direct visits from Global Path representatives or trusted peer references from other reputable agents.
5. Formalizing Partnerships
- Preferred Status: Formal agreements, such as Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or Representation Agreements, are preferred. These documents clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and ethical standards expected of both parties.
- Key Agreement Clauses: All agreements must include clauses pertaining to:
- Accurate marketing of programs and fees.
- Timely processing of applications and communication.
- Protection of student data and privacy.
- Adherence to ethical commission structures (if applicable) and a clear agreement that such structures never influence the advice given to students.
- Documentation: A central register of all active partnership agreements will be maintained and reviewed annually.
6. Ethical Collaboration & Student Referrals
- Unbiased Advice: Student referrals to partner institutions must be based solely on the institution’s suitability for the student’s profile and goals, not on any preferential commission or incentive. This is a cornerstone of our Code of Conduct (Policy 6).
- Transparency with Students: Students will be informed if Global Path has a formal partnership with an institution to which they are applying.
- Prohibition of “Pay-to-Play”: Global Path will not accept payment from an institution in exchange for guaranteeing a minimum number of student submissions or admissions.
7. Monitoring & Review of Partnerships
- Performance Review: Partnerships will be reviewed annually based on key metrics:
- Application processing times and communication responsiveness.
- Offer rates and student satisfaction with the institution.
- Post-arrival support and feedback from enrolled students.
- Compliance Checks: Regular checks will ensure partner institutions continue to meet accreditation standards and uphold their commitments.
- Termination of Partnerships: Global Path will not hesitate to terminate partnerships with institutions that:
- Lose accreditation.
- Engage in unethical practices.
- Consistently provide poor service or support to our referred students.
- Attempt to induce unethical behavior from our staff.
8. Information Management
- All promotional materials received from partners (brochures, fee sheets) must be verified for accuracy before being shared with students.
- Staff must be trained on the specific strengths and entry requirements of partner institutions to provide accurate counselling.
9. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually to adapt to changes in international education regulation and Global Path’s strategic direction.
