Our summer series 2023 edition continues! Today, let’s dive deeper into the topic of enrolment and how improving this process can drastically enhance the student experience. To learn more about all critical aspects of student experience, download our guide.

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The enrolment process is the first step in a student's successful academic journey. A seamless and efficient enrolment process, not only makes students’ lives easier, but also enhances their overall experience. Let’s discuss some ways in which you can improve the enrolment process to positively impact the student experience.

How are you providing information and guidance?

Simplifying the enrolment process begins with providing students with easy access to comprehensive information and guidance. Clear and transparent guidelines regarding admission requirements, application procedures and deadlines enable students to make informed decisions and prepare their applications effectively. Consider enhancing the student experience by offering access to: 

• User-friendly websites
• Online portals
• Dedicated helplines to quickly address students’ queries 
• Mobile campus solutions to gather all the information and services students need in their academic life

Are your application procedures efficient?

We all know how complex the application process can be for students - choosing where you want to go, what you want to study, writing a personal statement and all before actually making your application. It’s not any easier for your staff either! Streamlining application procedures should reduce administrative burdens and ensure a smooth enrolment process, but how can you do that? 

Look to adopt online application systems that allow students to submit their applications electronically. This eliminates the need for physical paperwork, reduces processing time, and provides applicants with real-time updates on their application status. Implementing centralised application platforms will simplify the process and make it more convenient for students. This is why 87% of European universities have introduced online application systems, according to a survey conducted by the European University Association¹. 

Do you offer clear communication channels?

How many students get in contact because they don’t understand admission requirements or what the application process is? Effective communication channels play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and relatively stress-free enrolment experience. To enhance your communication strategy: 

• Provide timely and personalised updates to applicants regarding their application status, admission decisions, and next steps
• Establish clear communication channels, such as email, SMS, push notifications, and dedicated online platforms. That way, you ensure that students receive vital information promptly and reduce anxiety and uncertainty during the enrolment process
• Offer dedicated support services, such as admissions advisors or enrolment counsellors who can assist students in navigating processes

How are you handling RPL’s? 

Simplifying the RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) and facilitating transfers between institutions can significantly enhance the student experience. The European Commission's Study on Credit Mobility within Erasmus+ actually highlights the importance of transparent credit recognition and transfer policies for fostering student mobility².

If you implement transparent credit transfer policies, your students will be able to transfer previously earned credits seamlessly and continue their education without unnecessary repetition. It promotes flexibility and mobility within the higher education system, accommodating students' changing needs and aspirations.

If you implement transparent credit transfer policies, your students will be able to transfer previously earned credits seamlessly and continue their education without unnecessary repetition. It promotes flexibility and mobility within the higher education system, accommodating students' changing needs and aspirations.

Do you offer Financial Aid and Scholarships?

Improving the accessibility and efficiency of financial aid and scholarships can have a great impact on students’ well-being and mental health. To streamline your application processes for scholarships and financial assistance programs: 

• Implement clear guidelines 
• Communicate in good time about eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and disbursement procedures

Simplifying these processes reduces the financial burden on students and enables them to focus on their studies, promoting inclusivity and equal opportunities for all.

How else can you support your new students?

For more tips on how to support new students when they enrol check out this other blog article How Can Institutions Better Support Prospective and 1st Year Students?

Tune in next week for the next episode of our summer series! Spoiler alert: we’ll talk about academia 🎓

In the meantime…

Want to get ahead and know more about how to deliver the best student experience possible? Download our guide Addressing the Six Critical Aspects of the Student Experience.

¹ EUA Annual Report 2019

² Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Handbook 2020