What is the CCEA?

The Canada Course for Education Agents was produced by the Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in cooperation with the Canadian Consortium for International Education (CCIE) and ICEF. It is specifically for education agents counselling foreign students who wish to study in Canada at any level (from elementary to post-graduate) and in any programme.

The course is available online and is delivered free of charge. Agents taking this self-paced course can study can study one section at a time and progress through the course as it suits them. Once they feel confident with the course material, they can take the Canada Course examination that is available online through the Canada Course website, at all ICEF events, and at related international education events when advertised. If agents complete the examination successfully, they will be identified by ICEF as a Canada Course Graduate on the ICEF website.

Why should agents take the Canada Course?

Canada is growing in its attractiveness as a study destination and therefore is a natural area of focus for many agents. Part of the reason Canada is so popular is because of its commitment to standards within its education sector and its rigorous oversight of the stakeholders within it. Agents who wish to be successful in working with both Canadian education institutions and international students will benefit from the depth of knowledge and resources, and the commitment to excellence provided by this course. Completing the Canada Course is an important component of agents being viewed positively by Canadian institutions and international students.

What recognition do agents receive upon passing the Canada Course examination?

Educational agencies with staff who have passed the Canada Course examination will have their names listed on the ICEF Canada Course Graduates (CCGs) list. This does not mean they have authorisation, endorsement, or accreditation by the Canadian Government, but it does mean that students and institutions the world over will see which agents have made the commitment to taking the Canada Course and acquired the knowledge and guidelines it delivers.

Which organisations has Global Affairs Canada (GAC) cooperated with in delivering the Canada Course?

ICEF connects educators, student recruitment agents, work and travel professionals, and relevant industry service providers to key markets and networks worldwide, supporting the growth and development of international education and global student mobility. Through ICEF’s various services, education institutions and agents achieve results and efficiencies in growing international student enrolments. ICEF also offers the IATC, the overall training course for international education agents.

The Canadian Consortium for International Education (CCIE) includes the five leading national associations involved in international education. As sector representatives for universities, colleges, K-12, and language education, the CCIE is committed to supporting a strategic, coordinated approach to the international marketing efforts of Canadian institutions and key stakeholders.

CCIE includes:

• Languages Canada
• Canadian Association of Public Schools International (CAPS-I)
• Canadian Bureau for International Education (CBIE)
• Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC)
• Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC)