Education abroad and Vaccines for arriving international students, in the USA and UK
May 2021
The Covid-19 pandemic continues to pose a threat to the world at large. Since the commencement of this pandemic, travel was banned, owing to which international education abroad has suffered an immense blow. With new variants and waves of infection, the world struggles to find its footing in this fight against Covid-19.
Towards the end of 2020 and start 2021, a new ray of hope has presented itself in the form of Covid-19 vaccines. In India, the vaccine was made available to young people towards the end of April, between the age groups of 18-44.
Given the current scenario, some states in India are vaccinating this young age group, while other states, such as Maharashtra and Karnataka, have run out of vaccines and have halted the vaccination drive, for this particular age group, indefinitely. This is a major concern for students who urgently need to be fully vaccinated before they travel for their education to their universities abroad.
Countries like the UK and USA recently announced that international students would be eligible for vaccinations abroad, to enable them to study on campus for the duration of their courses. This has brought a sense of relief to aspiring students, who may now travel to their study destinations and receive their vaccine doses at university.
Below is the general vaccine information on the UK and US. You will also come across how specific institutions are handling the situation.
Vaccine for International Students to Study in UK:
The UK has sped up its vaccination drive, covering a large chunk of its population within a short period. The UK intends on keeping the ball rolling to bring some sense of normality back into a post-Covid world.
Recently, the UK has announced that international students, travelling for the country, will be given access to vaccines, free of cost, based on availability. With regards to the vaccine for international students UK has the Pfizer or BioNTech vaccines, sources claim. Michelle Donelan, the UK Universities Minister, has confirmed that no charges will be applied to testing or the treatment of COVID-19, for students. She also added that the Government plans to welcome students to their universities in a staggered manner over five weeks. Through this method, students enrolled in practical courses will arrive first at the universities, with the rest of the students travelling afterwards.
Though vaccines are available for students on campus, it's advised that international students travel abroad, only after being fully vaccinated as it is safer. They may also avoid the 10-day mandatory quarantine that is imposed on those travelling from red-listed countries, India is counted among these. The UK has been largely inoculating individuals with the AstraZeneca vaccine but due to the ban on export by India, they are falling short as well. Once they arrive, if not fully vaccinated, students have to register on the NHS application to be notified when a dose becomes available.
Though vaccination for UK student visa is not mandated or compulsory, we strongly advise students to go and get vaccinated.
Vaccine for International Students to Study in USA:
With vaccines being made available to young people across the world, especially in the USA and India, inoculation of these young individuals has sped up, especially for those enrolled to study abroad. A large number of colleges and universities in the USA are releasing a mandate that makes it compulsory for a student to be vaccinated for the Fall 2021 intake, before arriving for on-campus classes.
In the latest news, the State University of New York and the City University of New York, have stated that all students are required to get the Covid-19 vaccine before entering campus. Several universities are said to be following suit and coming up with their mandates. The USA has managed to vaccinate 37% of its population. To keep the momentum going many states are incentivising vaccines to their citizens. Restaurants, bars, politicians and corporations are offering promotions to those who take their vaccine shots. For example, free tickets to million-dollar lotteries, offering free food, alcohol, sporting tickets and more.
Vaccine Update for Students who have secured Admissions to Universities Abroad:
On 28th May, 2021, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister, Aaditya Thackrey, through a tweet, announced that the vaccine for international students, with confirmed admission to universities abroad has been made available. Further highlighting the international student vaccination, he stated that 3 centres across Mumbai, Rajawadi, Cooper and Kasturba Hospitals, will allow walk-ins vaccinations, organized by the BMC, the 31st May, 1st June, 2nd June) at these centres. In Pune, the Pune Municipal Corporation will also be conducting a vaccination drive for students.
The Kerala and Telangana governments have also prioritised the vaccination process for students travelling abroad for higher studies. The Kerala government has also reduced the gap between the 1st and 2nd Dose to four to six weeks, from the initial recommendation of 12-16 weeks. In Bengaluru, the vaccine for international students as well as professionals will be available as a priority post June 1, 2021.
As the vaccination for USA student visa may become mandatory as the Covid 19 situation progresses, students are advised to avail of this facility.
Hence, we at Edwise, encourage every individual who is eligible to take the vaccine to go ahead and get vaccinated as soon as possible. This will help you travel to your dream destination, and study at your dream university without any hassle. Contact Edwise for further information or clarifications about Study in UK, Study in USA, Courses in UK, Courses in USA or education abroad.
