Student ID Cards: Preparing for Enrolment at UK Colleges and Universities

ID cards play a vital role in educational environments by ensuring that students and staff are easily identifiable, helping to restrict access to authorised individuals only. One of the most useful features of ID card management systems is their versatility and adaptability: our in-house experts know that each education setting has different requirements depending on size and the number of locations. Our experience means we can find the right solution for any requirement within your budget.

The enrolment period at college or university sees a high volume of footfall through their halls and we know that a reliable ID card printer and ID card system can relieve the hassle of one of the busiest times of the year.

As a trusted UK based provider, we offer comprehensive ID card printing services, ID card printers and consumables, tailored specifically for higher education institutions. With access control playing a vital role in campus safety, our student ID cards not only support secure and efficient student enrolment but they also enable controlled access to areas across university and college facilities. From printing high-quality ID cards to supplying all necessary accessories, we provide everything educational institutions need to streamline enrolment and enhance security for students and staff alike.

Are you working in an educational establishment and preparing for the upcoming academic year with student admissions? Check out our recommended products below, perfect for making student enrolment stress-free. Whether you are a university or college needing photo ID for staff and students or working with young people in a smaller school or higher education setting, we have you covered for ID card production and quality ID solutions.

If you need additional support with orders, you can get in touch with our in-house UK-based experts today! We ship across the UK and Northern Ireland with a typical delivery time of 1-2 days. Those outside the UK can also benefit from our solutions, with a similar lead time for fast delivery.

Streamlining Student ID from manual to automated.

A chain of higher education language schools that provided in-person courses that lasted for a range of time. The campuses were located across 26 different countries and therefore had a high output of students. 

Originally, student ID was manually moved between online reports to spreadsheets, which were then sent to each individual campus for printing. This was a time-consuming process that took away from other tasks.

Choosing a student ID card printer

Retransfer printers such as the HDP5000e print onto a film that is then bonded to the card, so they give a clean finish over the slight bumps of a chip card. Direct-to-card printers are faster and cost less to run.

Printer - Magicard 600

In a higher education environment where enrolment demands move fast and data security is non-negotiable, the Magicard 600 delivers exactly what institutions need. It prints high-definition, edge-to-edge cards in seconds, with the capacity to produce up to 190 full-colour or 790 monochrome cards per hour, ideal for busy registration periods.

Built-in digital shredding and watermarking keeps student data protected, while optional smart card encoding enhances access control across campus. With plug-and-play setup, dual-sided printing as standard and rewritable card functionality to reduce waste and cost, it's a future-proof choice. The 3-year warranty, covering printhead replacement and even loan swaps adds a layer of assurance that keeps operations moving without downtime.

Printer - HID FARGO HDP5000 Retransfer

When it comes to enrolment, first impressions count. The HID FARGO HDP5000 ensures every ID card makes a strong one. Using advanced retransfer technology, it delivers vibrant, high-definition prints with edge-to-edge coverage that outshines traditional direct-to-card methods.

Whether you're printing single or double-sided cards, the HDP5000 upgraded engine boosts output to 133 full-colour cards per hour (or 109 dual-sided), making it easier to scale for large intakes. Its enhanced colour profile brings photos and text to life, ideal for institutions that demand clarity and professionalism. Designed for durability and long-term performance, it comes backed by a 4-year manufacturer warranty, giving you peace of mind, even during your busiest enrolment cycles.

Zebra ZC350 (Double-Sided)

For high-volume enrolment where speed matters, the Zebra ZC350 Double-Sided prints up to 225 full-colour cards or 1,000 monochrome cards an hour at 300 dpi, using direct-to-card dye sublimation and thermal transfer. It takes PVC and composite PVC cards up to 760 microns thick.

Magnetic stripe and MIFARE encoding options let you issue access control cards as well as photo ID. USB and Ethernet come as standard, with a 2-year unlimited warranty on the printer and printhead.

Cards for campus access

If student cards also open doors or pay for printing, they need a chip that matches your access control system. MIFARE cards are widely used on campuses. Our guide to 125kHz proximity vs MIFARE vs DESFire explains the options.

Accessories

Complete the card with student lanyards and card holders, so students keep their cards visible and protected.

Higher education enrolment management and ID plastic card printing

With years of experience supporting colleges and universities, we understand the challenges of enrolment. 

We offer ID card printing solutions and access control systems for organisations of all sizes, helping with secure credentials, ensuring a safe environment whilst preventing unauthorised access to confidential areas.

To find out more about how Plastic-ID can help your organisation to introduce a staff or student management system, please contact a member of our expert team!

Frequently asked questions

Which printer is best for student ID cards?
For high volumes the Zebra ZC350. For printing over chip cards a retransfer printer such as the FARGO HDP5000e.

Can student cards open doors and pay for printing?
Yes. Smart cards such as MIFARE can be used for door access, print release and cashless payments, as well as photo ID.