# enroll in

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enroll-in
Updated: 2026-07-26

## Definition

to officially join a school, university, or course. You use this when you sign up for a program of study.

For teachers: to officially register as a member of an institution or a participant in a course. The verb is typically followed by the preposition 'in' in American English, whereas 'on' or 'at' may be preferred in other varieties.

## Examples

- I want to enroll in a photography class.
- Students must enroll in their chosen modules by the end of the first week of the semester.
- Despite the rising tuition costs, a record number of international students chose to enroll in the university's prestigious engineering program this autumn.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He enrolled to the biology course." but "He enrolled in the biology course." — The verb 'enroll' collocates with 'in' or 'on', not 'to'.

## Usage notes

- Takes a direct object representing the institution or course; 'enroll' is the American spelling, while 'enrol' is British.
- Teaching tip: Contrast with 'sign up for' (more informal) and 'register for' (often used for shorter events or specific lists); note the spelling difference between US and UK English.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.