How Covid-19 Pandemic Has Affected Foreign Education in 2021

Studying abroad is a dream for many people in the world. Various factors influence people to study abroad like favourite university, unavailability of preferred course in their country, and ratings of the university. But, one more factor was added in 2020 and it was the biggest factor to be ever considered – Covid19. The covid19 pandemic came on top of the factors list which students and parents make while sending their children to study abroad. Rules and regulations changed internationally for travel and campus opening. All this has made a massive impact on students and parents.

After their school life gets over, students are left with two choices—to study in their country or to study abroad. Both the choices include researching universities and colleges best fit according to their interest and passion. But, students were forced to add one more thing to their research list – pandemic effect. In 2020, the world saw a sharp dip in students who wanted to study abroad. As the restrictions were strict, not many people desired to leave the safety of their homes.

But, the 2021 session saw a rise in numbers going up for international students for countries like the UK, Ireland, Canada, and the USA. The numbers of international students applying have grown in 2021 and will go up in 2022 as well. This happened due to decreasing number of covid cases and increased vaccination around the world. People were more aware of the pandemic and rules they have to follow like wearing masks, following social distancing. Even in 2020, despite lockdowns, pandemics, and travel restrictions, more than 90% of students showed interest to pursue their higher education abroad.

Many factors influenced people to choose foreign universities even in the pandemic. One such factor is that Students are attracted by the international health care system, crisis management, smooth-running education system and promising career opportunities for example in 2020 UK announced 2 years of post-study work visa post BREXIT. Such fulfilling promises attract people from across the globe to get not only their dream degree but also post-education professional experience in the same country. Apart from the UK, places like Dubai, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore are becoming hot destinations due to less travel time from India and easy admission requirements.

Countries like the USA, Canada, UK, Ireland, and Germany have softened their visa rules and acquirements to attract students. Such moves by countries are highly welcomed by students and so was done by Indian students as well. Not just this, many countries have eased the process of admission by eliminating entrance exams like SAT, GRE, and GMAT. They are looking for candidates with strong profiles who can impress the selection committee. Selection committees are asked to look for other aspects of applications as an alternative to entrance exams.

Just like the admission process is being easier, the study schedule of students are also made simpler and easy to follow. Many universities have started to follow a hybrid medium of education. In such type, some part of education is done via students’ homes and the rest on campus. This combination of online and offline education is also attracting students to pursue their dream degree in the field of medicine, healthcare, data science, etc. Universities are offering application fee waivers to international students. Students are also offered better scholarships to bring down their financial burden and mental stress.

After a huge dip in international students in 2020 due to the covid19 pandemic, there is going to be a huge surge in 2021. With increasing vaccination, awareness, and improved healthcare around the world, people and countries are opening up for travels and international stays. Almost every country have tweaked their policies concerning international migrants. They have relaxed some rules and added covid19 care rules in places of them to ensure the safety of migrants. Countries are determined not to destroy students’ chances of studying for their dream degree.