OpenApply is a web-based admissions system: you only need an internet connection and a modern browser with JavaScript enabled. It is free for families and provided to schools as an annual subscription. Typical implementation takes 4 to 6 weeks, and you can sign up on the OpenApply website.
For schools considering or starting with OpenApply. Covers what it is, set-up, support, hosting, backups and security.
General
What is OpenApply?
OpenApply simplifies admissions for families and schools. It replaces paper forms and gives you an integrated system for your internal admissions process, from first enquiry to enrolment.
What do I need to use OpenApply?
OpenApply is a web-based application hosted on our servers. You need an internet connection and a modern web browser with JavaScript enabled.
We recommend the latest version of Google Chrome. Current versions of Safari, Microsoft Edge and Firefox also work on Mac and Windows.
How much does OpenApply cost?
OpenApply is free for applicants and families. Schools pay for it as an annual subscription service.
Who is behind OpenApply?
OpenApply is part of Faria Education Group, alongside ManageBac+, Atlas, SchoolsBuddy and other Faria products.
Set-up
What do I need to get set up?
A copy of your existing application forms in Word or PDF format.
After you sign up, we build your application forms within 24 to 48 hours and work with you to configure your school's account so the admissions process reflects your requirements. A typical implementation takes 4 to 6 weeks in total.
How do I sign up for OpenApply?
Sign up directly on the OpenApply website.
Help and training
Where can I get more help?
For support questions, visit the Online Support section. For anything else, contact us via Submit a request.
What kind of support do you offer?
Every school has a FariaSupport plan: Essential, Standard or Premium. For help with OpenApply, use Submit a request on this help centre and our support team replies by email. Training, set-up help and other services are listed in the Faria Service Hub, where school admins can see what their plan includes, compare plans and request a service.
Technical and security
Where is OpenApply hosted?
Faria hosts data securely on servers in several locations, including Canada, China and the EU. Schools in mainland China use a .cn domain and their data is hosted within China. See Faria Security and Compliance for the latest details.
Are my files backed up?
Yes:
Files are backed up in real time on redundant RAID storage locally.
Disk images are backed up daily at the data centre.
Records are encrypted and backed up off-site at a separate facility three times a week.
Can I export my information from OpenApply?
Yes. All information stored in OpenApply is exportable. You can export applicant and family information in PDF and Excel CSV format.
How secure is OpenApply?
OpenApply is covered by Faria's ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified Information Security Management System (BSI certificate IS 664562). All data between your computer and our systems is encrypted end to end with SSL by default. Other uploaded assets and backups are also stored and transmitted using encrypted connections.
Your school's OpenApply site is publicly accessible to prospective families, but each family gets a password-protected account automatically once they submit any information through an application or enquiry form. The Admissions Dashboard for staff is not publicly accessible.
For more information, see OpenApply Security and Compliance.