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Local Marketing Muscle

Marketing guides for schools and universities

Universities

International student recruitment: the basics

Students crossing a bridge on a university campus in Amsterdam

International students usually compare universities across several countries before they apply. Universities that make that comparison easy tend to get more serious applications.

How students research

Most students start with a country, then a city, then a shortlist of universities. They compare course content, entry requirements, total cost, visa rules and life after graduation. Comparison sites are part of that process, and an online comparison tool will show your university next to its rivals on cost and entry requirements.

Content that helps

  • Clear entry requirements by country of qualification.
  • English language requirements, with the tests accepted.
  • The full cost: tuition, living costs and visa or health charges.
  • What graduates of the course go on to do.
  • How to apply and the deadlines.

Country pages

Students often look at the country first. Make sure your university's details in country listings, for example on Universities DB pages for the United Kingdom or Germany, are accurate.

Speak to parents too

In many countries, parents help choose the university and pay for it. A page written for parents, covering safety, accommodation and costs, is often worth the effort.

After the offer

Many students hold several offers. Regular, useful contact between offer and arrival, such as guides to accommodation and visas, helps convert offers into enrolments.