Job Description Rewrite: International Admissions Officer

What the Job Is

St. Mary’s University, Twickenham-renowned for its top-tier teaching quality and exceptional student experience-is seeking an International Admissions Officer to join the International Engagement, Student Recruitment, and Admissions team. This role is vital to the university’s mission of providing a fair, inclusive, and efficient admissions process for students from around the globe.

The International Admissions Officer will be responsible for evaluating both UK and international qualifications, coordinating the admissions process, and ensuring applications are processed in a timely and effective manner. This includes maintaining close attention to detail, collaborating with colleagues to uphold fairness and equality, and staying informed of sector-wide developments in higher education.

This position offers an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about international education, who thrives in a student-focused, values-driven environment. St. Mary’s University is inspired by its Catholic mission and values such as inclusiveness, respect, generosity, and excellence, and seeks a like-minded individual to join the team.

Advice for Applicants: How to Apply from an International Education Perspective

1. Understand the University’s Values and Mission

– St. Mary’s University embraces a community spirit, placing students at the center of its operations. Dive into the university’s ethos, mission, and Catholic values, as this will help tailor your application to highlight your alignment with their principles. Emphasize experiences where you’ve worked in inclusive, student-centered environments or contributed to widening participation in education.

2. Highlight Your Knowledge of International Admissions

– Showcase your understanding of UK and international education systems, qualifications, and their equivalencies. Mention any hands-on experience with international degree mapping or using tools like ECCTIS (if applicable). If you’ve worked on international student recruitment, or with student visa processes (e.g., issuing CAS), ensure this is detailed on your CV and in your cover letter.

3. Demonstrate Key Skills

– This role requires strong organizational, IT, and communication skills. Provide examples where you’ve successfully managed high volumes of applications, worked with advanced data management tools (like SITS or Excel), and drafted formal communication (e.g., offer letters). If you’ve interacted with prospective or current international students, discuss how you’ve provided excellent customer service in culturally sensitive ways.

4. Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)

– St. Mary’s takes pride in its EDI initiatives. Use your application to highlight how you’ve contributed to creating inclusive practices in previous roles within education or admissions. Reflect on ways you’ve ensured equity in processes and outcomes for applicants from diverse backgrounds.

5. Tailor Your Application for a Global Perspective

– When applying for a position within international admissions, it’s crucial to speak about your interest in and understanding of global education trends. Discuss any experience you have in collaborating with international partners, handling overseas student queries, or participating in cross-cultural events or projects.

6. Check Eligibility to Work in the UK

– Note that candidates must demonstrate their right to work in the UK under the Immigration, Asylum, and Nationality Act 2006. If applicable, include your visa status in your application or indicate your eligibility clearly.

7. Proofread and Tailor Your Application

– Given the role emphasizes attention to detail, make sure your application (CV and cover letter) is error-free. Tailor your responses to the job description, explicitly addressing both the essential and desirable criteria.

Key Details to Include in Your Application

• Experience in Higher Education Admissions: Highlight specific responsibilities, systems used (e.g., SITS), and any experience working with international qualifications.
• IT Proficiency: Show proficiency with tools like Excel (advanced functions), word processing, and email systems by referencing specific projects or achievements.
• Team Collaboration & Initiative: Provide examples where you’ve worked both independently and within a team to solve problems, particularly in high-pressure environments.
• Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Mention any initiatives or roles where you contributed to equitable opportunities in education.
• Customer Service Excellence: Describe experiences where you’ve assisted students or stakeholders, especially in multicultural contexts.

Closing Details

• Application Deadline: Submit your application by 31st July 2025 at 23:00.
• Interview Date: To be confirmed.
• Salary: Starting at £34,132 per annum.
• Location: London, with opportunities to work in one of the UK’s most inclusive and student-centered universities.

Whether you’re an experienced admissions officer or transitioning to higher education with relevant skills, this role offers the chance to develop your career while making a tangible impact on the lives of international students.

Helpful Resources for Applicants

• For more information on St. Mary’s EDI initiatives, visit: St. Mary’s EDI Initiatives.
• Consider using tools such as ECCTIS to familiarize yourself with international qualification equivalencies if this will strengthen your application.
• Review the university’s Access Guide to understand their inclusivity framework: AccessAble Guide.