11 Valuable Strategies for Recruiting International Students
As a higher education institution, attracting talented students from around the globe is vital to fostering a diverse and enriching academic community. A diverse student population creates opportunities for staff and students to build strong international connections. These networks can lead to collaborative research, exchange programs, and partnerships with foreign institutions, benefiting the college and its students.
From leveraging the power of social media to university partnerships, we will discuss actionable steps you can take to increase your global reach and appeal to students from various cultural backgrounds. So, let's dive into these 11 valuable strategies and discover how you can make your institution stand out to prospective international students!
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Why You Should Recruit International Students
International student recruitment benefits higher education institutions by creating a diverse and vibrant learning environment. Welcoming students from different cultural backgrounds enrich the academic experience for everyone on campus, creating an atmosphere of mutual understanding, global perspectives, and creative problem-solving.
Not only that but according to CTV News, more international students are considering Canada a top education destination, with current international students contributing roughly $22 billion to the Canadian economy in 2018. By prioritizing the recruitment of international students, your college or university not only benefits from the cultural and intellectual exchange but also helps to stimulate economic growth and job creation within the local community.
Furthermore, a solid international presence can open doors to additional funding opportunities, such as grants for international research projects or exchange programs. By actively recruiting internationally, higher education institutions can strengthen their global standing and foster an academic community that thrives on diversity and innovation.
The Top Strategies for Recruiting Prospective International Students
There is a range of proven techniques that can help you effectively connect with prospective international students and encourage them to choose your institution for their higher education journey. Let's take a closer look at each of these strategies!
Strategy 1: Develop an international recruitment plan
Take the time to identify what you aim to achieve, such as increasing diversity, enhancing academic quality, or boosting enrollment numbers. Doing so will establish and maintain a solid foundation for your strategic efforts.
Next, determine a budget that reflects your institution's commitment to international recruitment. This budget should account for marketing expenses, travel and living expenses for attending education fairs, and resources needed to create targeted materials for international students. Be sure to allocate funds for scholarship programs and financial aid, as these can be attractive to international candidates.
Lastly, identifying target markets and countries is another essential component of your plan. Analyze the countries with strong potential for student recruitment, considering factors such as cultural fit, language compatibility, and historical ties between your college and those regions. This targeted approach will allow you to effectively tailor your marketing and outreach efforts.
Strategy 2: Attend recruitment fairs
Attending recruitment fairs in your target countries should be a top priority as you work on your international recruitment strategy. These events provide a valuable opportunity to engage with students, showcase your institution, and answer questions about admissions and programs.
Here are some examples of international student recruitment fairs you could attend:
EduCanada Fairs
Organized by the Canadian government, EduCanada Fairs are held in different countries and regions, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. These fairs promote Canadian institutions and programs to prospective international students.
Study and Go Abroad
This prominent international education event connects students with universities, colleges, and other educational institutions worldwide. It allows attendees to explore study abroad options, gather information on various educational pathways, and learn about scholarships and travel opportunities.
QS World Grad School Tour
This global series of recruitment fairs is aimed at postgraduate students. QS World Grad School Tour events are held in multiple cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and other regions.
When engaging with potential students, take the time to listen to their individual needs and aspirations. Personalize your approach by tailoring your responses and advice to each student's interests and goals. By building rapport and showing genuine interest, you'll make a lasting impression and increase the likelihood of students considering your institution.
Lastly, follow up with the individuals you meet at these fairs. Send personalized emails or make phone calls to remind students about your college and the opportunities it offers. By maintaining communication with prospective students and providing ongoing support, you can nurture their interest and guide them through the application process, increasing your chances of successful recruitment.
Strategy 3: Use social media
A well-crafted social media strategy is crucial to achieving your higher education lead-generation goals and increasing brand awareness among international students. Create content on platforms that align with your target audience’s preferences and reach, such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn.
Develop a range of engaging content that resonates with prospective international students. Consider the following content creation ideas:
Student Stories: Feature current international students sharing their experiences, academic achievements, and campus life highlights. Let their stories serve as testimonials for your institution's quality of education and student experience.
Program Spotlights: Showcase specific programs like "International Business" through videos, images, and infographics. Highlight these programs' unique features, faculty expertise, and alum success stories.
Campus Tours: Conduct virtual tours of your facilities, student accommodations, and state-of-the-art laboratories. Provide an immersive experience that allows potential students to envision themselves as part of the campus community.
Events and Webinars: Promote virtual information sessions, webinars, and live Q&A sessions where prospective students can interact with professors and staff. These events allow you to address their queries, showcase your institution's expertise, and build a personal connection.
Stay up-to-date on popular trends on social media, incorporate relevant hashtags into your posts, and participate in conversations to increase your visibility and connect with potential students. By implementing a social media strategy, you can establish a strong online presence, build a community of engaged followers, and attract a diverse pool of international students who connect with your curriculum and culture.
Strategy 4: Develop partnerships with recruitment agencies
Developing partnerships with recruitment agencies can significantly benefit your higher education institution's hiring processes and expand your access to a diverse talent pool. Collaborating with recruitment agencies allows you to leverage their expertise in sourcing, screening, and connecting with qualified candidates. This partnership can help alleviate the recruitment burden, saving your institution valuable time and resources.
Here are some agents you could collaborate with:
Studyportals
An online platform that provides comprehensive information and resources for students seeking study abroad opportunities. It offers a wide range of educational programs and institutions worldwide, allowing students to explore various options and compare them based on their preferences.
Only Student Recruitment
An education marketing agency and global student recruitment consultancy assisting higher education institutions in recruiting students in more than 80 countries worldwide. They offer various services, such as public relations, content marketing, and event management.
Keystone Education Group
An education consulting firm assisting students with their study abroad plans. They provide guidance and support throughout the application process, including test preparation, essay editing, and visa assistance.
When selecting an agent to partner with, it's crucial to conduct due diligence and consider factors such as reputation, track record, geographic reach, and alignment with your institution's values and goals. Building relationships with reliable and reputable agents will contribute to successful international student recruitment efforts.
Strategy 5: Offer scholarships
Offering scholarships is a highly effective strategy to recruit international students. These financial incentives attract talented students from your target countries, making your institution more appealing and accessible.
Start by designing scholarship programs catering to various academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and talents, ensuring you appeal to a diverse pool of students. It's also essential to consider the financial needs of your target audience when determining the size and scope of your scholarships.
For example, you can offer a merit-based or faculty-specific scholarship like the University of Waterloo. The university provides twenty entrance scholarships valued at $10,000 each.
Finally, promote your scholarships on social media platforms and through your network of education agents, ensuring potential students and their families know the available funding options. By offering scholarships and effectively communicating their availability, you can attract top talent worldwide, enriching your institution's academic community and global reputation.
Strategy 6: Develop specialized programs
A key strategy for international student recruitment is to develop specialized educational pathways catering to their unique needs and interests. Offering tailored academic tracks and support systems demonstrates your institution's commitment to international student success and creates an environment where they can thrive. Here are two programs you can implement:
English Language Programs: Help non-native speakers improve their language skills and ease their transition into the academic environment. Include intensive English courses, conversation clubs, or tutoring services, which aid students academically and foster a sense of community and belonging.
Cultural Immersion Programs: Expose international students to local customs, traditions, and experiences. These can involve organizing cultural events, workshops, or excursions, which provide students with opportunities to learn about their new surroundings and connect with their peers.
Finally, establish internship opportunities with local companies that cater to international students. These partnerships will help them gain valuable work experience in their chosen field and develop professional networks, increasing their chances of securing employment after graduation.
Strategy 7: Leverage alum networks
Utilizing your alum network is a powerful strategy for recruiting international students. Your alums can act as brand ambassadors, promoting your college to prospective students in their home countries and sharing their positive experiences. This personal connection adds credibility to your institution and encourages potential students to consider you their top choice.
Contact international alums to leverage your alum network effectively and share your recruitment goals with them. Provide brochures, presentations, videos, or branded merchandise showcasing your institution's identity and achievements. Express your appreciation for their willingness to help and provide the necessary resources to support their efforts
Showcase the success stories of your international alums on your website and social media platforms. Success stories demonstrate the value of your curriculum in international markets and create a sense of community and pride among your alums, motivating them to participate in recruitment efforts actively.
For example, the York University School of Continuing Studies features an international student's video testimonial about her background and the campus's cultural diversity on their YouTube channel.
Strategy 8: Enhance your website
An essential element in international student recruitment is having a user-friendly and informative website that caters to their needs. Your institution's website serves as the first point of contact for many potential students, so it is crucial to make a positive impression and provide them with the information they seek. Here are some tips to improve your website:
Ensure Your Website Is Mobile-Friendly: Many international students use their smartphones for browsing and research. Have a design that adapts to different screen sizes, loads quickly, and has easily accessible menus.
Prioritize User-Friendly Navigation: Organize your content logically and intuitively. Create clear and concise menus, use headings and subheadings to break up the text, and include a search function to help users quickly find the information they want.
Finally, provide detailed information about your institution's admissions process, educational pathways, and student life. Include application requirements, deadlines, program overviews, teacher profiles, and facilities. Also, highlight the support services available to international students, such as language programs, cultural orientation, and academic assistance.
Strategy 9: Create virtual tours
In today's digital age, creating virtual tours is an effective way to attract international students who may not have the opportunity to visit your college in person prior to applying. These virtual experiences provide a glimpse into student life and help students envision themselves studying at your institution.
To create an engaging virtual tour, showcase your campus facilities, such as lecture halls, libraries, sports centers, and residence halls. Make sure to highlight the unique aspects of your institution that set it apart from other schools.
In addition to showcasing the physical environment, incorporate elements that reflect student life, such as interviews with current international students, footage of clubs and organizations, and highlights of campus events. Potential students will get a feel for your institution's social aspects, fostering a sense of belonging.
You can create a virtual tour with virtual reality software such as YouVisit or make a video to showcase your institution like Cambridge University does in their "Welcome to Cambridge!" video on their YouTube channel.
Strategy 10: Offer pre-departure support
Providing comprehensive pre-departure support is an essential strategy for recruiting international students, as it demonstrates your institution's commitment to their well-being and success.
By easing their transition to a new country and academic environment, you can make your institution more appealing and help students feel confident in their decision to study at your school. Here are some things you can consider:
Offer Visa Guidance: Help students navigate the often complex application process. Include detailed information on your website, host webinars, or offer one-on-one consultations with knowledgeable staff members. Ensure your support covers all aspects of the visa process, such as required documents, application timelines, and potential challenges.
Arrange Airport Pick-Up Services: This helps to alleviate the stress of arriving in a new country and demonstrates that your college cares about students' well-being. Coordinate volunteers or staff to welcome new students at the airport and assist them with transportation to their accommodation.
Organize Orientation Sessions: These sessions can cover academic expectations, cultural adjustment, and available support services. Encourage international students to attend and actively participate, fostering a sense of community and connection from the outset.
Going the extra mile can create a welcoming and inclusive environment that will make international students feel confident and excited about their decision to study abroad with your institution.
Strategy 11: Collaborate with other institutions
Collaborating with other institutions in your area is a valuable strategy for international student recruitment. By pooling resources and expertise, you can create joint marketing initiatives or programs that attract a larger audience and showcase the collective strengths of your region.
Start by identifying institutions in your area with similar goals and values. Reach out to them and propose collaborative marketing efforts, such as co-hosting education fairs, using student ambassadors, organizing regional information sessions, or jointly producing promotional materials.
Finally, consider developing joint educational pathways with schools that cater to international students. Include cross-institutional study opportunities, cultural events, or shared support services. These collaborative efforts can showcase your region's educational opportunities to global markets and help potential students see the value of studying in your area.
Final Thoughts on International Student Recruitment
Recruiting international students is essential to enhancing your institution's academic community and global reputation. By implementing these 11 valuable strategies, you can create a more targeted and practical approach to attracting talented students worldwide.
That said, ensure you continuously evaluate your international student recruitment efforts, adapting and refining your approach as needed. Doing so will allow your institution to become more attractive to a diverse pool of students, further improving your recruitment efforts.
Finally, like international students, adults are a growing demographic in higher education. Check out our blog post on nine proven strategies to attract adult students to learn more.
Book a Free Consultation
Implementing new marketing strategies requires a lot of planning and execution. If you need help, we offer customized, full-service higher education marketing services that will fill your pipeline with quality prospects and applications. You can schedule a free consultation with one of our experts to learn more about our services and how they can help your school grow!
Who We Are
Noetic Marketer is a higher education digital marketing agency that supports universities and colleges in many aspects. At the heart of Noetic Marketer are a team of strategists, designers, and analytic minds focused on achieving your school's enrollment and student and alums engagement goals.
Over the past few years, our team has created and implemented complete digital marketing solutions for higher education institutions across North America.
Our services include digital strategy consultations, search engine optimization, pay-per-click advertising, social media advertising, content marketing, website design, email marketing, CRM implementation, and conversion rate optimization.
About the Author
Krystal Wiltshire first entered the digital marketing world when she interned at a small agency in Montreal, Quebec, where she discovered her knack for blog writing.
Since then, she has continuously improved her skills, working closely with small business owners and marketing teams in larger-scale businesses.
As a Digital Marketing Coordinator at Noetic Marketer, Krystal strives to create content that positions our clients’ brands or companies in a positive light and uplifts them to become industry leaders.
When she’s not working, Krystal loves to break into spontaneous dance sessions, look up new cooking recipes, and watch her favourite crime shows on Netflix.
