COVID-19 Updates to Study Abroad in 2021

March 2021

COVID-19 had rippling effects on a plethora of avenues. The overseas education realm too bore the brunt of the pandemic. However, with the new year now upon us, students look to continue their study abroad endeavours.

If you too are looking to study abroad in 2021, here are the latest updates from the top study abroad destinations.

Canada

Students looking to fly to Canada to attend their classes in person must show a negative COVID-19 test. This rule comes into effect from January 7th.
Before students board their plane, they need to show the airline a negative test which should be taken 72 hours prior to the departure to Canada.
However, to study in Canada apart from the above, the students also need to complete a 14-day quarantine. These will then be reviewed by the government officials.
Moreover, students need to have a valid study permit or a letter of introduction that shows they were approved for a study permit.
They must be attending a designated learning institution (DLI) with a COVID-19 readiness plan approved by their province or territory.

UK

International students in the UK can avail the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine when made available across the country.
The country is expected to be one of the first in the world, to be completely vaccinated by summer 2021.
Universities in UK are normally processing applications for the September 2021 intake.
Students who are presently in the UK are also attending a blended form of learning.
Social gatherings with in-person teaching are limited in the UK.

USA

1st February 2021 onwards, the US Embassy in New Delhi will commence limited visa processing.
International students can apply for the visa in another district provided it has available appointments.
As study in USA consultants, we encourage those students studying online to seek new I-20 for Winter/ Spring 2021 this should be within 120 days of the course commencement date.
International students can also book emergency visa appointments.
Taking the situation into account, universities in USA are also offering course extensions.
Apart from checking with the airline, if you are allowed to fly, students also need to quarantine themselves.
The U.S. Department of State will now decide if a student is eligible to receive an F or M visa.

Australia

Student visa holders in Australia will also be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
From early 2021, the Victorian Government is working closely with the Federal Government and the sector to welcome back international students.
To be eligible for Post Study Work Visas, students looking to study in Australia need to hold a student visa and meeting other conditions.
A zero Visa Application Charge is available to students who held a student visa on or after 1 February 2020 but couldnâ€™t complete their course due to the impacts of COVID-19.

New Zealand

New Zealand borders are open up to 1,000 bachelor's degree-level (or higher) international students to return to complete their study. To be eligible for the same, the student must have or have had held a valid visa to study in 2020 and have studied in New Zealand in 2019 or 2020 towards their current qualification and be returning to complete their study with their current provider.
8 universities in New Zealand and Education New Zealand, have partnered with University Consortium a UK-based qualifications provider. Through this, students from more than 30 countries to begin a New Zealand university qualification without leaving home.

With the future looking bright, commence your study abroad process with India's Leading Overseas Education Consultants, Edwise.

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