Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept for international admissions—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how institutions attract, assess, and engage prospective students. While concerns about job disruption persist, there’s growing excitement around AI’s potential to streamline operations, unlock new insights, and elevate human roles in higher education.
From small wins to full-scale innovation, AI can help admissions teams shift from reactive to strategic. Here are four key ways institutions are already using AI to transform their admissions processes.
Ethical and Safe use of AI is important
Using AI in a professional education setting comes with greater responsibilities than casual experimentation at home. To help staff navigate this space, Charles Sturt University has developed a public framework called S.E.C.U.R.E., designed to support ethical and informed decision-making around the use of generative AI. It’s a valuable reference point for institutions and individuals looking to establish safe and responsible practices.
The general rule? If your AI use avoids confidential, sensitive or protected data, and doesn’t raise security or ethical red flags, it’s likely safe to trial. That said, always consult your institution’s policies—and loop in your IT or legal teams when in doubt.
1. Start Small: Use Free Tools for Big Impact
For teams new to AI or working with limited resources, free platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini or Microsoft Copilot can provide fast, cost-effective results. Think of them as digital co-pilots—ideal for quick wins:
- Refresh applicant emails: Use AI to simplify language, improve tone, and tailor messages to non-native English speakers. Make calls to action clearer and more compelling.
- Create better FAQs: Turn complex admissions policies into student-friendly summaries or multilingual FAQs.
- Improve efficiency: Save time and reduce email fatigue by enhancing communication templates across your admissions toolkit.
2. Invest in Smart Admissions Tech
Ready to go beyond experimentation? AI-powered platforms are already delivering real-world efficiencies in university admissions:
- Automate incomplete applications: Use AI to scan, validate, and flag missing information—automatically generating follow-ups.
- Boost fraud detection: Spot irregularities like mismatched documents, altered images, or suspicious formatting.
- Speed up decisions: INTO University Partnerships reported that its AI admissions tool processed 30% of applications in under an hour—with some offers issued in minutes.
- Run credibility checks: AI-powered interviews can assess English proficiency, verify identity, and flag deepfake risks—all before a human steps in.
Just remember: all automated decisions should be reviewed for fairness, especially when student futures are at stake.
3. Unlock Strategic Insights with Internal Tools
For institutions with established data systems like CRM platforms and BI tools (e.g. Power BI or Tableau), AI can supercharge data intelligence:
- Improve forecasting: Combine admissions and CRM data to predict enrolments and identify trends.
- Evaluate agent and school performance: Pinpoint which agents or source countries yield higher conversion rates.
- Link admissions to student success: Explore how entry pathways or English scores relate to GPA, retention, or at-risk profiles.
But AI models are only as good as the data they’re trained on. Historical bias can easily creep into predictions, so all insights should be reviewed critically, and with diverse perspectives.
4. Go Big: Build a Custom AI Experience
For ambitious institutions with the right resourcing, custom-built AI solutions can set a new standard for student engagement.
One example: ApplyBoard’s AI assistant “Abbie” offers tailored support for course selection and application processes. Similar tools could be adapted to support visa advice, document submission, or even housing and arrival guidance—making life easier for both students and admissions staff.
These solutions don’t just streamline workflows—they also give applicants a more personalised, frictionless experience from enquiry to enrolment.
AI Is a Tool, Not a Replacement
While AI offers immense promise, it must be used responsibly. Admissions decisions impact real lives, and technology should never fully replace human judgement. Institutions need clear ethical guidelines, robust oversight, and a commitment to transparency and fairness.
For teams wondering where to start or how they measure up, tools like the new Admissions Navigator—developed by Edified, Flywire and Tribal—can help assess current capabilities and identify opportunities for future growth.
Whether you’re just beginning or ready to build bespoke AI solutions, one thing is clear: the future of international admissions is smart, strategic, and student-centred.
Elissa Newall is a Senior Partner at Edified – consultants dedicated exclusively to the business of education. Elissa can be contacted via email.
