Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for Indian Students
- Last update: 8th December, 2020.
If you are an international student interested in UK study and need advice and support throughout this unprecedented period, please read below for the latest information. The wellbeing of our staff and students has always been of utmost importance, and never more so than in situations like this.
SI-UK are closely monitoring local conditions and government advice in the UK, as well as across all our global offices. If you need to speak to someone, please reach out to our team and arrange a free online consultation with SI-UK India today.
Study UK and Coronavirus Updates
- International Student Vaccine Priority
International students in the UK will be able to access the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine as it is rolled out across the country, meaning they are likely to receive the vaccine much quicker in the UK than their home country and will be protected when they return home.
- Vaccine Rollout Begins
The UK has become the first country in the world to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and immunisations will begin from December 2020. The UK will be the first country to be fully vaccinated, likely by late spring/early summer, meaning September 2021 entry will be very safe.
- January and September 2021 Entry
The next main student intake is scheduled for September 2021 and UK universities are currently processing applications as normal. You can also apply for March 2021 entry at many UK universities.
- Blended Learning at UK Universities
Teaching has partially moved online for those currently studying at a UK university. Campuses are open, but a form of hybrid learning is currently taking place, with face-to-face tuition and digital lectures and seminars allowing social distancing guidelines to be followed.
New measures implemented by universities include buildings that have clearly marked entry and exit points; sanitiser stations, floor markings and social distancing measures. Please speak to an SI-UK consultant for university specific measures.
- In-person Teaching
A poll conducted by Universities UK has found that the majority of higher education institutes in the UK are providing in-person teaching and face-to-face social opportunities at campuses.
- Online Consultations
If you would like to discuss your current application with one of our consultants, or have any questions about COVID-19 and its implications for UK study we welcome one-to-one Skype/Zoom calls with our team who will be happy to help.
We are fully aware that we will not yet have answers to all of your questions, but do, please let our team know if there are specific concerns or issues you would like more information about.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) FAQ
The below list of questions and answers will be updated when new information is released from the UK government and UK universities.
Students that have been issued a visa and decide not to travel, must inform the institution they are due to attend so their visa status can be updated. Should students wish to defer their studies, they would need to apply for a new visa as their current visa would not cover the full period of study for the next course.
All UK universities are currently making plans that will cover various potential scenarios for the 2021 academic year. Many campuses will be open, but hybrid learning will continue to take place, with face-to-face tuition and digital lectures and seminars allowing social distancing guidelines to be followed.
UK universities and SI-UK are accepting applications as normal in preparation for the January 2021 and September 2021 intake.
There will be no changes to how scholarships are allocated and many UK universities are currently finalising revised scholarship plans for 2021 entry.
