In 2002 we launched our first online applications website. The decision to introduce online applications was taken to improve the efficiency of our applications process and to keep applicants well informed about the status of their application. Applicants receive a confirmation email as soon as they submit their application. With postal applications there was always the uncertainty of the post and the the delay in confirmation. Our email confirmation also states when the applicant should next check their email account to see if they have received an offer. In this way the applicant can receive their offer in most places in the world, or arrange for someone else to check for them. The other main advantage of online applications over postal applications is that they have been typed out and are therefore legible, and the online form ensures that all the required information is provided before allows submission. The success of our online system was demonstrated in 2003 when 100% of SOAS applications came through our website.
We also provide an online payment facility as a convenient method of payment for both new and existing customers. Since its introduction in 2002 it has been the preferred method, with over 95% of students in 2003 paying their booking fee online to accept their offer of accommodation. This facility has largely helped to prevent students missing their offer acceptance deadline - as with applications they can accept their offer place online from most parts of the world and receive immediate confirmation of payment. Our online payments are processed by PayPoint, one of the leading secure transaction service providers in the UK.
