The enrolment method is a course setting that defines how users are added to a course. It's set per course, so each course can have its own enrolment method.
Types of enrolment method
Everyone: the course is automatically available to all learners.
By assignment only: learners must be enrolled onto the course by an administrator or via Smart Enrolments.
The default setting is By assignment only.
How to change the enrolment method
Go to Settings.
In the COURSES section, click Course settings to show the list of courses.
Click the course title you want to update.
In the GENERAL section, find Enrolment method and click the arrow to show the list, then select the preferred enrolment method.
Click Save changes.
To change the enrolment method for several courses at once, see How do I bulk edit course settings?
FAQ
What happens to previously enrolled users when I change the enrolment method to "by assignment only"?
What happens to previously enrolled users when I change the enrolment method to "by assignment only"?
Users who were previously enrolled under the "everyone" method will lose access to the course. However, their progress is retained — the system saves it, so they can resume where they left off if the course is assigned to them later — and any certificates earned before the change remain valid and accessible by admins.
Do users get notified about enrolment method changes?
Do users get notified about enrolment method changes?
Users aren't notified about the change itself. For example, if users lose access to a course because of a change in the enrolment method, no notification is sent. However, if the enrolment method is changed from "by assignment" to "everyone", users are effectively enrolled in the course and will receive a notification about the new course assignment.
Can I exclude certain individuals from a course set to "everyone"?
Can I exclude certain individuals from a course set to "everyone"?
No. The best option is to set the course to "by assignment only" and enrol everyone except those you don't want enrolled. Alternatively, you could use Smart Enrolments.
Can the enrolment process be automated?
Can the enrolment process be automated?
Yes, through Smart Enrolments.
Can I edit the enrolment method for several courses at once (in bulk)?
Can I edit the enrolment method for several courses at once (in bulk)?
Yes. See How do I bulk edit course settings?