Admissions & Compliance Officer

AD Education UK is a growing network of leading creative education institutes in the UK. The group’s institutions are united around strong values and sharing a vision for creativity and innovation within creative media education. With over 40 years of pioneering and sector-leading experience, our graduates can be found throughout the music, film, games and wider creative media sectors, winning prestigious awards and employed within the highest echelons of their respective creative fields.

The Role

As Admissions & Compliance Officer, you will be a key figure in ensuring our admissions process runs smoothly while maintaining strict compliance with internal and external regulations – particularly around UK student visas. You will advise students and staff on visa requirements, process applications (domestic and international), and keep accurate records to ensure AD Education UK remains fully compliant. This dual-focus position requires someone experienced in higher education admissions and knowledgeable about UKVI regulations. If you’re passionate about delivering a positive student experience and meticulous about regulatory compliance, this role is for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Admissions
• Process and assess direct applications (including UCAS, deferrals, and internal referrals).
• Identify applications that require academic interviews or needs assessments; coordinate with relevant internal stakeholders.
• Verify qualifications, check documentation for authenticity, and manage the application database.
• Maintain polite and customer-focused communication with prospective students (and parents where relevant).
• Make conditional and unconditional offers to applicants who meet standard criteria; liaise with faculty for non-standard admissions.
• Ensure accurate and thorough updating of applicant data, including UCAS and internal Student Management Systems.
• Produce regular recruitment figures and admissions reports; assist with open days and recruitment events.
• Visa Compliance
• Serve as the SAE specialist in UK visa matters, providing advice to staff and students on all visa-controlled categories (Student Route, Graduate Route, etc.).
• Act as a Level 1 User on the Sponsor Management System (SMS) for sponsored students.
• Coordinate all UKVI checks, ensuring compliance with sponsorship duties and requirements (e.g., licence renewal, CAS issuance, attendance monitoring).
• Keep track of changes in immigration law and update SAE policies accordingly.
• Maintain accurate records of visa documentation, including passports, BRPs, and expiring visas; ensure timely SMS reporting.
• Provide training to relevant staff on sponsor responsibilities and compliance procedures.

Key Performance Indicators

• Compliance & Sponsorship: Maintain full compliance with UKVI regulations and retain Home Office sponsorship status.
• Efficient Admissions: Prompt, courteous, and accurate processing of student applications within agreed timescales.
• Data Integrity: Maintain up-to-date and precise electronic records for all applicants and registrations.
• Reporting: Provide regular, clear, and timely reports on admissions and compliance figures.
• Collaboration: Develop productive relationships with internal teams and external partners (e.g., UCAS, SLC, QAA).

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience working in Higher Education admissions, including knowledge of UCAS and student finance processes.
• Demonstrable understanding of Home Office sponsorship duties and visa compliance requirements.
• Familiarity with international student admissions and UKVI requirements.
• Proficiency in MS Office and experience using databases or Student Management Systems.
• Must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Desirable Criteria

• Educated to degree level (or holds an equivalent vocational qualification).
• Experience delivering guidance or presentations to groups.
• A background or strong interest in creative media industries.

Person Specification

• A strong team player who motivates and supports colleagues while achieving individual targets.
• Customer-service mindset: approachable, empathetic, and solutions-focused.
• Well-organised, adaptable, and resilient under pressure, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• Demonstrates integrity and professionalism at all times.
• Approachable and collaborative, maintaining a positive, can-do attitude.
• Committed to continuous improvement, both personally and within the admissions & compliance function.

Why Join SAE?

• Be part of a global institution dedicated to creative industries and cutting-edge education.
• Collaborate in a dynamic, international environment supporting diverse learners.
• Take ownership of critical compliance tasks, shaping the future of the institution’s growth and reputation.
• Enjoy opportunities for professional development in both admissions and regulatory compliance.

We encourage you to apply early as the role may be removed if we receive sufficient applications. Due to the volume of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted.

How to Apply

Submit your CV and a brief cover letter detailing your relevant experience in higher education admissions and visa compliance. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submissions are encouraged. The deadline for applications is 19th June 2026.

Note: ADE UK is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will be required to obtain a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.