Study Abroad Plans of the Majority of Students Are Unaffected by COVID-19, Revealed in the Recent QS Survey
08th May 2020, New Delhi: As the Coronavirus or also called COVID-19 outbreak spreads worldwide, a recently held survey revealed some amazing facts. The Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a British company specializing in education included more than 2,000 international students in this survey wherein they asked several questions regarding their study abroad plans.
While some countries have banned the entry of international students, almost 60% of students said their plans had been unaffected, while 27%, on the other hand, said that their plans are affected or changed due to the Covid-19. In addition to this, 10% of them said that ‘they now intend to defer their entry to next year’ and 8% said that ‘they now intend to study in a different or coronavirus-free country’. Lastly, only 2% of students clarify that they have no plans left to study abroad and they cited health as one of the main reasons to drop the plan.
In a recent press release, Nunzio Quacquarelli – CEO of QS said that the results come out at such a crucial time when international universities and colleges are already planning for the upcoming intakes. He said, ‘as a responsible partner to the sector, we hope that our research will offer a degree of clarity for institutions and help them understand international students’ latest thinking’.
He further added, ‘the data suggests that although the Coronavirus is creating a great deal of uncertainty, the impact is mostly one of timing. In response, the sector should aim to be flexible on application deadlines and delayed start dates. At QS, we will continue to provide key services and insights as a key partner to the higher education sector, supporting institutions in the most effective way so that international students can receive the practical advice they need from their perspective university’.
Even though the drug has been approved in China, other countries are still looking for a solid cure of this disease. Hence, it will be quite interesting to see how international universities and colleges take this Corona challenge and restore the trust of international students.
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