Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for Indian Students
- Last update: 1st August, 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.
UK universities are currently processing international applications as normal and the intended Autumn intake will be running as planned.
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 arrange a free online consultation.
Study UK and Coronavirus Updates
- Autumn 2020 Entry
The next student intake, which is scheduled for September/October 2020, will be going ahead as planned and UK universities are currently processing applications as normal.
- Blended Learning at UK Universities
Teaching at UK universities will be partially moving online from Autumn 2020. Campuses will be open, but hybrid learning will take place, with face-to-face tuition and digital lectures and seminars allowing social distancing guidelines to be followed.
Many universities are also currently considering a number of ways study can remain as normal as possible. This includes:
- Extending the way Pre-Sessional English offer can be accessed
- Exploring blended learning options for any students who is unable to join in September
- January starts in some key subjects
- In-person Teaching
A poll conducted by Universities UK has found that the majority of higher education institutes in the UK plan on providing in-person teaching and face-to-face social opportunities this Autumn.
97% of the universities surveyed said they will provide some in-person teaching to students at the start of term this year, whilst 87% are planning to provide in-person sporting, fitness and wellbeing activities in the autumn.
- Student Visa Extensions
All international students whose visas were due to run out by July 31st have been granted a one month 'grace period' extension by the UK government. This allows students to arrange travel to their home country now travel restrictions have been lifted.
The extension originally applied to any student whose visa expired after January 24th and could not leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation. The extension was extended until July 31st, but has now come to an end.
The one-month extension is due to end on August 31st. After which students will no longer be able to extend their visa automatically on this basis and must either leave the country or apply to regularise their stay in the UK.
- 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 Indian 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.
UK University Covid-19 Updates
Find the latest updates on coronavirus response from UK universities below:
University of Warwick
The University of Warwick is planning for a safe return to campus and start the term from 5th October 2020. For more details on COVID-19 response, Safety measures and accommodation visit https://warwick.ac.uk/
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 2020/21 academic year. It is still too soon for any direct guidance, but as soon as institutions begin to release this information, we will make international students aware of important changes.
The UK government has agreed that teachers can award a grade that represents what UK students were most likely to achieve, and if your government takes a similar approach, many universities will accept that qualification. We advise enquiring with your institution, examination board or government helpline for clarity on their intentions.
UK universities and SI-UK are accepting applications as normal in preparation for the Autumn 2020 intake.
There will be no changes to how scholarships are allocated and many UK universities are currently finalising revised scholarship plans for 2020/21 entry.
For students that were allocated a university managed room, you will be contacted soon. Students that secured their own accommodation privately should contact their accommodation provider directly to seek advice.
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