As a university IT leader, you’ve got the skills, the knowledge, and a great team. So, when the question of building versus buying a system to manage CAS issuance and international student onboarding comes up, it’s understandable that you’d consider an in-house solution.
After all, universities are used to doing things their own way. Custom-built systems can seem like the best way to meet your institution’s unique needs. But software development, especially for a critical system like this, is rarely as straightforward as it first appears.
Why universities consider building (and why it’s challenging)
The appeal of an in-house system is clear: complete control, tailored functionality, and integration into existing processes. However, the reality is that projects like this often take far longer than expected, require constant maintenance, and stretch internal resources thin.
There’s also a big difference between owning the design of a system and being responsible for keeping it secure, compliant, and up to date. A project that starts with a clear vision can quickly become a long-term commitment requiring ongoing investment in time, expertise, and budget.
Time to market: the hidden cost of building in-house
Developing a robust CAS issuance and student onboarding system is a major undertaking. Even with a strong team, it can take years to build and refine. During this time, staff still struggle with manual admin, students experience delays, and compliance risks remain.
Meanwhile, Enroly is already supporting around 50% of UK universities. Our platform is designed to be up and running quickly, cutting admin time by 80%, reducing post-deposit attrition by 75%, and ensuring 100% visa compliance from day one. Instead of waiting for a long development cycle, institutions using Enroly can immediately improve processes and free up resources.
Cost: is building really more affordable?
At first glance, building in-house can seem like a cost-effective choice. But beyond initial development, there’s the ongoing expense of maintaining, updating, and securing the system. The UK government frequently updates visa policies, requiring constant system adjustments. Keeping up with these changes can be resource-intensive.
Enroly has already invested several millions and several years into development. For a tiny fraction of that cost, institutions can access a ready-made, scalable, and secure solution without the long-term financial and operational burden of managing it themselves.
Security and compliance: a critical responsibility
Universities handle vast amounts of sensitive student data, making security and compliance top priorities. Custom-built systems require ongoing security audits, penetration testing, and compliance monitoring. Without dedicated resources, institutions risk vulnerabilities and regulatory misalignment.
Enroly is ISO 27001 certified, Cyber Essentials Plus accredited, and undergoes rigorous security testing. Our platform is designed to stay ahead of compliance changes, reducing the burden on university teams and ensuring institutions remain protected.
IT teams have bigger priorities
University IT teams are already managing multiple priorities, from supporting students and staff to maintaining essential infrastructure. Taking on the responsibility of developing and maintaining a bespoke CAS management system adds a significant workload.
Enroly is built to take this challenge off your plate, allowing IT teams to focus on broader institutional goals while ensuring student onboarding runs smoothly. It’s a solution designed for efficiency, scalability, and ease of use.
Final thought: making the right choice
Deciding between building and buying is a significant choice. If your institution is weighing up the options, let’s have a conversation. No hard sell - just an honest discussion about what makes the most sense for your university. And if you do decide to build in-house, we genuinely wish you the best. We know how complex these projects can be, and we’re always here to chat if you need a different perspective down the line.
