At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to attract top students from East Asia to UCL.
- Company: Join UCL, a globally renowned university in the heart of London.
- Benefits: Be part of an inclusive culture with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on UCL's global student community and shape future leaders.
- Qualifications: Proven success in student recruitment, especially in the East Asian market.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About us
Welcome to UCL, London’s Global University. We’re consistently ranked among the world’s top ten universities, renowned for our pioneering research, diverse community, and commitment to making a difference. With over 50,000 students and 17,000 staff from more than 150 countries, UCL is a vibrant, forward-thinking institution at the heart of one of the world’s greatest cities. We’re proud of our inclusive culture, our focus on innovation, and our dedication to supporting every member of our community to thrive.
About the role
As Head of Student Recruitment (East Asia), you’ll be at the heart of a dynamic, ambitious team, shaping how UCL attracts the brightest minds from a portfolio of markets including East Asia. You’ll lead two Liaison and Recruitment Managers, supporting them and their teams to deliver results. Your role is all about leadership and collaboration. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Admissions, Global Engagement, Alumni Relations, the Office of the President and Provost, and more, to implement innovative approaches to recruitment from your teams’ markets. You’ll oversee the development and implementation of country plans, analysing market trends, and finding new ways to deepen UCL’s engagement with students, schools, and partners. You’ll be the go-to expert for colleagues throughout the institution, providing market knowledge and insight and advising on how to attract students. You’ll represent UCL at high-profile events, both in the UK and overseas, and play a key part in planning international trips and initiatives. This is a role for someone who thrives on collaboration, innovation, and making a real impact. You’ll be part of a supportive management team, contributing to the wider leadership of the Student Recruitment and Admissions division. And you’ll have the chance to shape the future of UCL’s global student community.
About you
You’re passionate about international education and have a track record of success in student recruitment and marketing, ideally within a large, complex university. You know the East Asian market inside out—especially China—and you’re ready to use your expertise to help UCL stand out. You’re a strategic thinker, comfortable navigating the complexities of international student recruitment, and able to develop and deliver recruitment plans that get results. You’re resourceful, innovative, and always looking for ways to improve. People management is your strength. You know how to motivate teams, set ambitious targets, and create a culture of excellence. You’re a confident communicator, able to present ideas clearly and build strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders. You’re diplomatic, influential, and skilled at bringing people together to achieve shared goals. You’re committed to UCL’s values—diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. You work proactively across teams and functions, providing strategic direction and resources to help others succeed. Experience in budget management, working with overseas partners, and student recruitment agents is a plus. Mandarin language skills would be an advantage.
Interviews will be held in person on the week commencing 19 January 2026. This role meets the requirements for a Skilled Worker certificate of sponsorship or Global Talent visa under UK Visas and Immigration legislation. UCL welcomes applications from international applicants who require a visa.
Head of Student Recruitment (East Asia) in London employer: UCL
UCL is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As part of a globally renowned institution located in the heart of London, employees benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and the chance to make a significant impact on international education. With a commitment to diversity and continuous improvement, UCL supports its staff in thriving within a dynamic environment, making it an ideal place for those passionate about shaping the future of global student recruitment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Student Recruitment (East Asia) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at UCL through LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral, which can really boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching UCL’s recent initiatives in student recruitment, especially in East Asia. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in international education and how it aligns with UCL’s values. We want to see your passion and strategic thinking shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Student Recruitment (East Asia) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for international education shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with UCL's values and mission, so don’t hold back!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in student recruitment and marketing, especially in the East Asian market. We love seeing how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the one for the job. Be sure to include specific examples of your leadership and collaboration skills, as well as your innovative approaches to recruitment.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community at UCL.
How to prepare for a job interview at UCL
✨Know Your Market
Make sure you’re well-versed in the East Asian education landscape, especially in China. Research current trends, challenges, and opportunities in student recruitment for this region. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you’re genuinely passionate about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you motivated your team to achieve ambitious targets or implemented innovative strategies. Highlighting your people management skills will demonstrate that you can thrive in a collaborative environment.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your ideas and experiences clearly. Since this role involves presenting at high-profile events and collaborating with various stakeholders, being able to communicate effectively is crucial. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to refine your delivery.
✨Align with UCL’s Values
Familiarise yourself with UCL’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you’ve promoted these principles in your previous roles. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the job, but also for the university culture.
