Planning to study abroad but had all your plans been destroyed by the pandemic? Well, overseas education is a dream for many, however, the landscape for foreign education has changed by leaps and bounds after the pandemic. After a long break of almost 2 years, there has been a significant increase in the number of applications to foreign universities from Indian students. Most countries and universities even the top-ranked ones have made adjustments to their admission process to make it more attractive and easier.
COVID 19 has affected every industry globally and the education sector is no exception. With international travel being restricted students faced numerous issues while planning to study abroad. Similarly, colleges and universities worldwide were forced to reduce their intake of fresh international students. However, with excessive health protocols, ramped-up vaccination doses, and enthusiastic souls, the global education sector began a rebound.

If you wonder how the pandemic has changed the face of overseas education and how it is resurfacing, here are 5 aspects.

1. Hybrid Education

With the onset of remote and the work-from-home culture, universities worldwide are offering a hybrid form of education. COVID 19 has given birth to technology-based teaching and it is a mix of both online and in-person teaching. Additionally, many education start-ups have tied up with various universities where foreign degree aspirants can complete their basic degree in India and then move abroad for further studies. However, the validity of such degrees is still under question and might serve as an obstacle when the candidate applies for an equivalence certificate.

2. Relaxed Visa Norms

Amidst the pandemic where social distancing is a norm, countries have made numerous adjustments in their visa requirements as well. The United Kingdom for the first time has introduced a post-study work visa where students who have enrolled in 2020 or later can stay in the country to look for jobs for the next 2 years after completing graduation. Similarly, Australia and other countries have started the process of telephonic interviews for selecting candidates. So, the students do not have to visit their required consulates in their respective countries.

3. Standard Tests Have Become Optional

Tests such as SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test), GRE (Graduate Record Examination), GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test), etc., that were mandatory before, are now made optional by several universities like Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Princeton University.
Post-COVID students can now apply directly to most colleges abroad for their degrees. This relaxation, however, comes with its free share of complications and many counselors suggest knowing the criterion of different universities is always better.

4. Improved Student Services

Foreign universities believe that creating a more student-friendly environment enables them to retain students. Offering fee waivers, support mechanisms, and online courses can be a way to improve student services.
While considering the mental health issue the pandemic has caused, universities are trying to address all the student problems with support programs by roping in sectoral guides and experts. Many universities also offer a more flexible study option that is a blend of both online and offline so that students can select as per their exact needs.

5. Virtual Study Tours

Counseling firms and countries engaged in study abroad programs are now organizing global study fests and virtual tours for the students to make the admission procedures easier. The deans of top colleges are also interacting with the students and are offering them the benefits of studying in that particular country.
In contrast, several countries are also removing travel restrictions and counseling firms have lined up to attract as many students as they can. Despite the slump in 2020, the headcounts of international students have recovered and with simplified English proficiency testing requirements, students are keener to apply.
Parting Thoughts

Due to COVID 19 pandemic, there was a temporary halt in the admissions of foreign students. However, now when things are getting back to normal, universities are realizing the importance of foreign students. So don’t miss your chance to make the most out of this time and enroll yourself in your dream university.