Scammed and Stranded: The GrowPro Collapse That Left International Students in Chaos!

International Students in Crisis: GrowPro Agency Collapse Leaves Study Plans in Ruins

The abrupt collapse of GrowPro Experience, a Spain-based international education agency, has left hundreds of students stranded, their study plans derailed, and their finances in disarray. The fallout has been particularly devastating for students from Latin America and Europe who entrusted their educational aspirations and savings to the agency, only to find themselves abandoned in a foreign country.

Students Facing Financial Ruin

For Marisela Rivera, a 33-year-old student from Mexico, the situation is dire. Her student visa is set to expire in just two weeks, yet she discovered that GrowPro had failed to process her tuition fees, visa extension, and insurance payments.

"When I found out, it was like everything was crumbling," Ms. Rivera shared.

Despite making full payments to GrowPro, her school confirmed that they had never received the funds. Even more concerning, the agency continued collecting payments from students right up until it entered insolvency proceedings. Ms. Rivera was asked to pay an additional $2,400 just a day before GrowPro formally announced its collapse in Spain.

Years of Hard-Earned Savings Vanish

Edison Orellana, an Ecuadorian civil engineering graduate, had saved for three years to fund his studies in Australia, contributing over $11,600 to GrowPro. He now faces financial devastation as his school has confirmed that none of his payments were received.

Like many other students, Mr. Orellana received a vague email from GrowPro on February 21, which mentioned “difficult circumstances” due to immigration policy changes in Australia and Canada. However, the company had already filed for voluntary administration in Spain six weeks earlier, on January 30, without informing its clients.

"I never thought such a big company like GrowPro could go bankrupt, and even worse, that they never told us the truth," he said.

Legal Options for Affected Students

Fito Pando Molina, a lawyer from Harris Gomez Group, explained that under Spanish law, GrowPro was required to notify students immediately upon filing for insolvency. Instead, they continued soliciting payments despite being financially insolvent.

Students now have a limited window to file claims against GrowPro, and legal experts are urging them to act swiftly in an attempt to recover lost funds.

GrowPro Australia: A Business in Disarray

GrowPro Experience Pty Ltd, the Australian arm of the company, has also entered administration. Despite listing five offices across the country, none of these locations have been verified. Paul Mansour, the company’s sole Australian-based director, admitted that he had no knowledge of the company’s financial status, office locations, or the amount of money left in its accounts. He claimed his role was primarily that of a "tax agent" rather than an active director.

On March 1, Australian insolvency firm Taylor Insolvency was appointed to manage the company’s administration. However, students remain in the dark about whether they will see any refunds.

CEO Antonio Llobet’s Response and Industry Impact

GrowPro’s CEO and founder, Antonio Llobet (also known as Goiko Llobet), has attributed the company’s downfall to regulatory changes in Australia’s student visa policies. The Australian government has implemented stricter risk ratings for education providers, increased English language requirements, raised financial proof thresholds, and doubled the student visa application fee to $1,600.

Llobet insisted that GrowPro adhered to all legal protocols and audits but did not provide transparency regarding the number of affected students or the total financial loss.

Wider Impact on the International Education Sector

The collapse of GrowPro is the latest in a string of disruptions in Australia’s international education sector. In January 2025, International House Sydney Training Services Pty Ltd, a major English-language provider, shut down abruptly, leaving 3,800 students stranded.

The financial strain is evident, with industry giant IDP Education reporting an 18% revenue drop and a 43% decline in net profit for the six months leading up to December 31, 2024.

Limited Government Assistance for Affected Students

Unlike students affected by the closure of registered education providers, those who paid GrowPro do not qualify for Australia’s Tuition Protection Service (TPS). A spokesperson from the Department of Education advised affected students to contact GrowPro’s administrator, but many have struggled to get clear answers.

Phil Honeywood, Chief Executive of the International Education Association of Australia (IEAA), warned that recent visa policy changes and the collapse of education agencies like GrowPro have damaged the sector’s reputation.

“There’s no doubt these changes have impacted Australia’s standing as a top study destination. The increase in the non-refundable student visa fee to $1,600—the highest in the world—has only added to these concerns,” Honeywood stated.

He acknowledged that shifts in government policy often create uncertainty in the industry, describing it as a “rollercoaster ride” that historically stabilizes over time.

Regarding GrowPro’s sudden collapse, Honeywood confirmed that the IEAA had only recently become aware of the situation and had yet to determine the exact number of affected students.

What’s Next for International Students?

Despite losing over $4,000, Marisela Rivera remains determined to stay in Australia. She is using her remaining savings to reapply for her visa and hopes her school will offer a payment plan to allow her to continue her studies.

"Last week, I was ready to go back home," she said. "But this week, I thought, you still have plans in Australia—so let’s fight."

For Edison Orellana, the situation remains bleak. Without government intervention or a resolution from GrowPro’s administrators, his dream of studying in Australia hangs by a thread.

Final Thoughts: Can Trust Be Restored?

The GrowPro scandal has shaken confidence in international education agencies, raising serious concerns about oversight and accountability. With Australia’s tightening student visa policies, more turbulence in the sector seems likely.

For the affected students, the coming weeks will determine whether they can recover from this crisis or if their aspirations will remain shattered by GrowPro’s collapse.