A good referral is an adult who genuinely wants to study, can attend classes about two days a week and do independent study on top, understands that student finance is a loan decided by Student Finance England, and has agreed to be contacted. If you can’t say yes to all four, wait before you pass on their details.
What makes someone a good referral?
It comes down to whether the person is ready to study, not whether they could be persuaded. A student recruitment consultant introduces people who want to study to proper admissions support, and that introduction only helps if the person is willing, able and informed.
The basics are simple. The person should be 18 or over, living in the UK and likely to be able to get Student Finance England funding, which depends on things like residency status and previous study. You don’t need to check the detail yourself, because the admissions team does that on the first call. The questions below are about everything else: motivation, time and consent.
Our article on what a student referral consultant is describes the role as a whole. This one is about the moment before you pass on a name.
Do they actually want to study, and why now?
Start with their reason, in their own words. Someone who says they want to change career, or that a promotion at work needs a qualification, has a reason that belongs to them. Someone who says they might do it because you suggested it, or because a relative thinks they should, has a much weaker one.
A useful question is: “What would you want a degree to change for you?” If the answer is specific, such as a type of job or a role at work, the conversation is going somewhere. If they shrug, give them time and leave the door open.
Can they attend two days a week and keep up with independent study?
A degree is a real commitment. Classes are usually about two days a week, students are expected to attend, and there is reading, assignments and assessments outside class. Universities monitor attendance, so someone who can’t keep to that pattern will struggle.
Ask practical questions. Which two days could they attend, given their job or childcare? When would they study on the other days? Would their employer or family support it? You are not interviewing them, because the university does that, but a short conversation about the timetable quickly shows whether the idea fits their life. Our guide to studying while working is a useful link to share.
Do they understand that student finance is a loan?
Tuition Fee Loans and Maintenance Loans are loans. They are repaid through the tax system once income passes a threshold. Eligibility depends on residency, previous study and other rules, and any Maintenance Loan depends partly on household income. Student Finance England makes every funding decision, so nobody can promise a person funding or a particular amount.
If the person asks about money, point them to our Student Finance guide and our article on student finance without A-Levels, and leave the detail to the admissions team. Never suggest that a degree is a way to get money.
Have they agreed to be contacted?
Ask before you pass on a name or number, and tell them who will be in touch and why. A message such as “Is it okay if someone from Omega Partners calls you about the course we talked about?” is enough. If they say no, or don’t reply, don’t pass on their details. Our guide to getting consent before you refer someone covers this in more detail.
When should you not refer someone?
Sometimes the right answer is to wait, or to say nothing more. Don’t refer someone who is mainly interested in the Maintenance Loan rather than the course, someone who is being pushed into it by family, or someone who tells you they can’t commit to attending.
Consultants must never offer money, gifts or any other incentive to a student to apply or enrol, and must never refer someone who doesn’t genuinely intend to study and attend. A place that falls apart in the first term helps nobody, and consultants are only paid when a genuine student enrols and stays on their course.
What is left to Omega Partners and the university?
You are not the admissions adviser. Omega Partners helps adults apply to university and to Student Finance England, at no cost to the student, and its admissions team handles course choice, documents and the finance application. The university makes every admissions decision, and Student Finance England makes every funding decision.
So you don’t need to judge whether someone has the right qualifications. Many courses start with a foundation year, designed for adults without A-Levels. Your job is to make sure the introduction is wanted and sensible.
A short checklist to run through
- Do they want to study, and have they told you why in their own words?
- Can they attend about two days a week and make time for independent study?
- Do they know that student finance is a loan and that Student Finance England decides eligibility?
- Have they clearly agreed to be contacted by Omega Partners?
- Are they free to say no, without pressure from you or from family?
If the answer to any of these is “no” or “not yet”, wait.
Frequently asked questions
What if the person changes their mind after I pass on their details?
That is their right, and it is far better than starting a course they don’t want. Let the admissions team know if you can, and don’t try to talk them back round.
Do I need to know the course details?
No. The admissions team explains courses, intakes and the application. It helps to know the basics, such as classes on about two days a week and three intakes a year (autumn, new year and Easter), but “I don’t know, they’ll explain” is a fine answer.
Should I tell the person that I’m paid for referrals?
Yes, and early. Being open about it lets them make up their own mind and keeps the conversation honest.
Is there a cost to becoming a consultant?
No. There is no fee to join and nothing to buy. Payment isn’t guaranteed and only follows a genuine enrolment. The vacancy page sets out the rates and terms.
