Senior Student Counsellor

Job Description: UK University Admission CounsellorDepartment

Student Recruitment & Admissions

Reports To

Admissions Manager

Location

Office-Based

Employment Type

Full-Time

Position Summary

The UK University Admission Counsellor is responsible for providing professional guidance and end-to-end admission support to prospective international students wishing to study in the United Kingdom. The role involves student counselling, course and university selection, application processing, documentation, visa guidance, scholarship advice, and relationship management while ensuring compliance with university and UK immigration requirements.

The successful candidate will possess excellent communication skills, strong knowledge of UK higher education, and a proven ability to convert enquiries into successful student enrolments while maintaining the highest standards of customer service and compliance.

Key ResponsibilitiesStudent Counselling

• Provide professional counselling to prospective students regarding UK higher education opportunities.
• Conduct detailed needs assessments based on students' academic background, career aspirations, financial capability, and English language proficiency.
• Recommend suitable universities, courses, and study pathways.
• Advise students on Foundation, International Year One, Undergraduate, Top-up, Pre-Masters, Master's, MBA, MRes, DBA and PhD programmes.
• Deliver high-quality counselling both face-to-face and through online platforms.

Student Recruitment

• Convert enquiries into qualified applications.
• Achieve individual monthly, quarterly and annual recruitment targets.
• Manage the complete student recruitment lifecycle.
• Build long-term relationships with prospective students and parents.
• Conduct regular follow-up through telephone, WhatsApp, email, SMS and CRM systems.
• Generate referrals from existing students.

University Admissions

• Process applications accurately through university portals and internal CRM systems.
• Verify academic qualifications and supporting documents.
• Ensure applications meet university entry requirements.
• Monitor application progress until final decision.
• Liaise with university admissions teams for application updates.
• Handle offer letters, CAS documentation and enrolment requirements.

Documentation & Compliance

• Review academic transcripts, certificates and English language results.
• Verify passports and identity documents.
• Ensure all documentation is genuine and complete.
• Maintain compliance with UKVI regulations and university policies.
• Escalate any suspected fraudulent documentation immediately.
• Maintain complete audit records within the CRM.

Visa Guidance

• Explain the UK Student Visa application process.
• Guide students on financial documentation requirements.
• Assist students in preparing visa application documentation.
• Provide pre-departure briefings.
• Support students until visa decision and enrolment.

Customer Service

• Deliver outstanding student experience throughout the admission journey.
• Respond to enquiries promptly.
• Maintain regular communication with applicants.
• Resolve student concerns professionally.
• Ensure high levels of student satisfaction.

CRM & Administration

• Maintain accurate student records.
• Update CRM after every interaction.
• Record counselling notes and follow-up actions.
• Generate reports on enquiries, applications, offers, CAS and enrolments.
• Maintain confidentiality of student information.

Sales & Business Development

• Participate in education fairs, webinars, school visits and recruitment events.
• Support digital marketing campaigns by following up generated leads.
• Work closely with marketing teams to improve lead conversion.
• Build relationships with schools, colleges and referral partners.
• Promote scholarships and promotional campaigns.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with Compliance, Admissions, Marketing, Visa and Operations teams.
• Share best practices across the organisation.
• Support colleagues during peak recruitment periods.
• Participate in staff training and professional development.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

The UK University Admission Counsellor will typically be measured against:

• Monthly enquiry target
• Student counselling sessions completed
• Application submissions
• Offer letter conversions
• CAS conversion rate
• Deposit conversion rate
• Visa success rate
• Enrolment conversion rate
• Revenue generated
• Student satisfaction
• CRM compliance
• Response time to enquiries
• Documentation accuracy
• Quality assurance compliance

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from a recognised university.
• A Master's degree is desirable.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in international student recruitment or UK university admissions.
• Experience with UK universities is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of UKVI regulations and student visa processes.
• Experience using CRM systems.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Technical Skills

• CRM systems (HubSpot, Salesforce, Zoho or equivalent)
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Google Workspace
• University application portals
• CAS processing systems
• Document verification
• WhatsApp Business
• Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet
• Email management systems

Personal Competencies

• Excellent communication and counselling skills
• Customer-focused mindset
• Strong sales and negotiation abilities
• Problem-solving capability
• Attention to detail
• High ethical standards
• Organised and able to prioritise workload
• Ability to work under pressure
• Target-driven attitude
• Positive and professional approach
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with UK universities or education consultancies.
• Knowledge of scholarship opportunities and UK higher education funding.
• Experience in multicultural environments.
• Understanding of international education markets.
• Experience handling large student recruitment volumes.

Career Progression

A successful UK University Admission Counsellor may progress to:

• Senior Admission Counsellor
• Team Leader – Admissions
• Admissions Manager
• Country Admissions Manager
• Regional Recruitment Manager
• Head of Admissions
• Country Manager
• Director of Student Recruitment

Working Environment

The role requires working in a fast-paced, target-driven international education environment with regular interaction with students, parents, universities, embassy representatives and internal stakeholders. During peak admission periods, flexibility in working hours may be required to support application deadlines and student recruitment objectives.