Studying in the UK and Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Guidance for Indian Students
- Last update: 22nd September, 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.
The autumn intake is currently underway and UK universities are now processing applications for January and September 2021 entry as normal.
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
- January and September 2021 Entry
The next main student intakes are scheduled for January 2021 and September 2021 and UK universities are currently processing applications as normal.
- Autumn 2020 Entry
Autumn 2020 entry is currently underway and universities across the UK are welcoming international students onto their campuses.
- Blended Learning at UK Universities
Teaching has partially moved online for those studying from Autumn 2020 at some institutions, as universities across the UK look for innovative ways to make learning safe, interactive and engaging.
Campuses are open, but a form of hybrid learning will take 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 will be 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.
- Student Visa Extensions
All international students whose visas were due to run out by July 31st were granted a one month 'grace period' extension by the UK government. This allowed 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 one-month extension ended on August 31st. 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 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.
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.
