Will Partnering With Student Recruitment Groups Increase University Enrollments?

KUALA LUMPUR, 16.6.2021 – Student recruitment groups may contribute to the increasing enrollments of university students despite the pandemic. 

Covid-19 has greatly affected university student enrollments.

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A study by the Institute of International Education, United States (US) revealed that the enrollment of international students plummeted by 43% in 2020. Although one in five students moved to online courses, about 40,000 of international students chose to postpone their plans. 

With the uncertainty of the pandemic affecting the number of enrollments, higher education institutions are making their move to boost the number of students by seeking out student recruitment agencies. 

A student recruitment agency aids educational institutions in managing the student admission process. Their roles vary depending on the agreement between the agency and university. The general services offered are; student consultation and counselling, application screening, managing their admission and Visa application process, helping them choose accommodation, and providing support throughout their studies. 

According to an analysis about enrollment trends across higher education institutions in the US, partnerships with student recruitment groups could potentially increase the enrollments of international students. 

Additionally, it is speculated that universities that collaborate with student recruitment groups are 1.73 times more likely to secure more international students.  

As digital technology dominates communication and interaction among students, universities, and student recruitment agencies, the agencies are evolving their recruitment methods by utilizing digital marketing. 

The precise targeting of digital marketing helps student recruitment agencies pinpoint prospective international students. The usage of social media, email marketing, websites, landing pages, and Google Ads is a promising method to enhance enrollment numbers by reaching a global audience.  

Director of Academic Program Marketing at The New School, Laura Montgomery, says, “This is where the digital channel provides tailored content opportunities, which helps in connecting with students and enabling their choice by providing the right content at various stages of the process.” 

“Specifically, digital marketing allows us to target our campaigns by country to improve international diversity and provide contextual information,” she added. 

With more student recruitment agencies stepping up to assist higher education institutions around the world, there are hopes for student enrollment to increase even in a pandemic.