Transforming Admissions: How the Saïd Foundation Digitised Applications and Boosted Enrolment by 62%

Applying to university can—and should—be an exciting journey, not a stressful one. Yet many educational institutions continue to rely on outdated, manual processes, creating a frustrating experience for both applicants and admissions teams.

This was the exact challenge faced by the Saïd Foundation. Through partnering with Full Fabric, they revolutionised their admissions experience, moving from manual paperwork to a fully digital solution. Here’s how this transformation not only simplified processes but significantly increased their applicant numbers and engagement.

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The Challenge: Manual Admissions Holding Back Potential

Previously, the Saïd Foundation's scholarship application process was entirely manual and paper-based. Candidates were required to download, print, complete forms by hand, gather numerous supporting documents—including essays, transcripts, and reference letters—and physically submit them through local representatives.

This outdated approach posed significant problems:

• The process was time-consuming, arduous, and prone to errors.
• Compiling and organising application packets required extensive manual labour, delaying review and decision-making processes.
• It hindered the Foundation’s ability to attract and enrol the highest quality candidates efficiently.

Recognising the importance of a seamless admissions experience in a digital-first world—where applicants expect fast responses, convenience, and simplicity—the Saïd Foundation sought a transformative digital solution.

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The Solution: Full Fabric’s Digital Admissions Platform

After exploring various solutions, the Saïd Foundation selected Full Fabric’s all-in-one admissions and CRM software, Origin. This digital solution enabled the Foundation to streamline the entire admissions process through a modern, engaging, and fully customised online admissions portal.

Key features of the Origin admissions software included:

• Online Multi-Step Applications: Candidates could effortlessly complete their applications, upload supporting documents, request references directly, integrate their profiles with social media, and securely pay application fees online.
• Automated Data Processing: Application data was automatically captured, ensuring accuracy, reducing manual tasks, and enabling the Foundation to focus on evaluating candidate quality rather than managing paperwork.
• Collaborative Review Workflows: Admissions officers and committee members could review applications simultaneously, fill out evaluations online, provide comments, and rank candidates through an intuitive, centralised dashboard.

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The Results: Improved Experience, Efficiency, and Enrolment

The digital transformation delivered immediate and tangible outcomes for the Saïd Foundation:

• 62% Increase in Applications: With a user-friendly and engaging application process, the Foundation attracted significantly more high-quality candidates in the very first intake after digitisation.
• 20% Reduction in Processing Time: The transition to digital processing meant the admissions team spent less time organising and filing paperwork and more time making informed decisions.
• Paperless, Streamlined Workflow: Going fully digital eliminated cumbersome paperwork and allowed parallel review of applications, speeding up the overall decision-making process.

Perhaps most importantly, digitising their admissions process had a profound positive impact on applicant experience and the Foundation’s brand image. Clean, personalised forms improved engagement, strengthening the institution’s identity and making the application journey far more appealing to potential scholars.

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Why Digitising Admissions Matters for All Institutions

The Saïd Foundation’s experience reflects a broader shift in higher education admissions, where innovation and student expectations increasingly drive institutions toward digital solutions. Video essays, webcam interviews, and interactive online presentations are becoming the norm, not the exception.

Institutions slow to adapt risk falling behind in attracting the best candidates. Conversely, those who embrace digital solutions, as the Saïd Foundation has done, position themselves to attract talent, improve internal efficiency, and provide an exceptional applicant experience.

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About the Saïd Foundation

Established in 1982 by Wafic and Rosemary Saïd in memory of their son, the Saïd Foundation is a UK-registered charity dedicated to improving educational opportunities and care for young people from the Middle East and the UK. Their work spans multiple humanitarian initiatives, including:

• Postgraduate scholarships for Master's and PhD students at UK universities.
• Humanitarian relief programmes supporting Syrian refugees.
• Child development programmes.

The Foundation’s scholarships specifically target students and young professionals recognised for their leadership potential, enabling them to overcome disadvantages and contribute meaningfully to their home countries.