What it means to
study abroad now
The world is now during grappling
with the effects of COVID-19. It is safe to say that study abroad plans in 2020
will be affected, however, one cannot predict its impact and there exists an
air of uncertainty.
Current Situation
USA: There are some international
students who are still in the USA, due to the unavailability of flights and
have decided to stay back to complete the rest of the semester online. Like
most countries, the USA is also following the trend of working from home. IT
companies especially, are increasingly seeking work from home interns.
Canada: The IRCC has recently announced
that those students who are planning to study in Canada for the May/June
intake, can begin attending online courses from their home country. Those
students, who have a study permit for the May/June intake but cannot travel due
to the travel restrictions imposed can commence their classes online and complete
50% of their course, without having a negative impact on their visa status.
Even though international students will have to attend online classes, they
will remain eligible for the Canadian Post Graduation Work Permit.
UK: Most international students in the
UK, decided to return to their home countries. Universities were at the
threshold of completing their semester or were on Easter break. A major trend
was either online courses or students returning home. Universities are
currently offering COVID-19 related scholarships, tuition fees, discounts, and
waivers to prospective students.
Ireland: Dates for the
different levels of the admissions process are being revised. Students who have
applied for visas for the April intake have now been deferred to the September
intake. Some universitiesare processing student applications without certain
application documents. The 2-year stay option opportunity that Ireland offers,
continues to remain intact.
Australia: Universitiesin Australia, along with the
government has announced hardships funds for everyone, to mitigate the COVID-19
risk. Universities are offering and encouraging online programs and all forms
of technical aid are provided.Interactive scholarships are also offered. Some
universities have taken the decision to waive off accommodation fees for up to
4-8 weeks. Those students who have received their ECOE after the payment of the
stipulated fees are recommended to wait till the High Commission of Australia
provides an update.
New Zealand: Classes in NewZealand universities were shifted online. Those who are part-time workers in
the health care sector, were permitted to work for more than 20 hours per week.
It is a widespread speculation that this trend will continue even after the
lockdown has ended.Furthermore, even those students who are working in
supermarkets can put in the extra hours, without having a detrimental effect on
their visa status. 23rd April onwards, New Zealand is on alert level
3, which means that 50% of individuals can resume work, provided social
distancing norms are adhered to.
Proficiency
Tests
Entrance exams such as TOEFL, GRE, GMAT are now
conducted online. Duolingo is becoming an increasingly used platform by
universities for English proficiency tests. Apart from this, there are a
significant number of universities in the UK that are conducting these tests by
themselves. Some
universities in Canada are accepting applications without the IELTS scorecard
and final year marksheet. Certain universities in Ireland are accepting IELTS scores of 3 years instead of the usual 2 years. Moreover, TOEFL ibt home
edition tests are also considered. Whether or not these online tests will be
accepted by the immigration authorities is something clarity is sought after.
Students who are looking to study in New Zealand but face the risk of
their IELTS expiring before they make an application for the July intake can
make an application irrespective because such applications will continue to be
considered. However, this does not apply to those students who extend beyond 12
months.
Visa
The I-20 form which was earlier sent to prospective
students looking to study in USA by courier is now sent in an electronic
format and is now referred to as the eI-20. Visa centres in the UK are hoped to
remain open and students can expect their applications to be kept under review.
Those who
will travel by air to study in Canada will have to undergo the necessary
medical testing. Students are also required to self-isolate themselves for a
period of 14 days. However, students who do not have a place to self-isolate
will not be permitted to enter Canada. Those students who hold a student visa
in New Zealand or a Post Study Work visacan extend their visas till the 25th
of September provided that their visas were on the verge of expiring. Students
can make applications for visa to study in Ireland online, these
applications will be valid until the application centres open.
Future Predictions
In most
probability, the scheduled intakes will commence with the online study option
for most courses, even for international students starting from semester one.
Students could consider this as an option. However, we recommend that each
student carefully weigh the options and take decisions after reviewing the
terms and conditions.
Edwise
Overseas Education Consultant
We at Edwise
streamline and personalize the process for each student irrespective of the
destination, institution, course or any level of study. Our team of experienced
professionals will provide you individual attention and exceptional guidance
throughout your process of application. We provide assistance related to course
selections, admission, visa, bank-loan and scholarships. We also host
University delegates for direct student interaction and all these services are
provided free of cost. We have established since 1991 and have been maintaining
strong networks with over 725
universities in 16
countries, hence giving us a unique insight into the finest educational
establishments worldwide
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