Education institutions continue to seek international students after a disruptive year
Over a year from the beginning of the pandemic, schools and universities continue to close their doors and take classes online. Global restrictions on travel pose a challenge both to students looking to study abroad, and institutions looking to recruit them.
Recent surveys conducted by Quacquarelli Symonds, publishers of the World University Rankings, show that more than half of students planning to study abroad have had their plans impacted by the pandemic. Some have sought to defer study, change their destination, while many have sought to switch to online modes of study.
Studying during Covid
The rollout of approved vaccines has prompted optimistic projections around a return to more traditional campus life, after a widespread shift to remote instruction throughout 2020. The majority of schools are continuing to adopt a hybrid approach to tuition, with much learning being done remotely with in-person meetings and sessions where it is safe to do so.
Across higher education institutions 47% report that they have conducted teaching mostly online with some face-to-face interaction, while 42% switched to fully online. However, 67% of institutions believe that the introduction of a vaccine will enable them to return to full face-to-face teaching this year, alongside a return to collegial life.
Amongst international students, 69% were happy they began their studies when they did, while 31% wished they had delayed their studies. 58% preferred in-person teaching, while 19% indicated a preference for online learning. Notably, 61% of students favour attending a mix of online and virtual classes, while 39% would prefer in-person only. Much of the technology and innovation adopted by universities to respond to the pandemic will likely maintain a presence on campuses in future.
A unique opportunity for future master’s candidates
As well as adapting their educational offerings, universities have needed to revise how they approach candidates, share information and attract students. To facilitate this approach, Quacquarelli Symonds continue to take their student recruitment events online. Where future students would typically mingle with admissions staff, alumni and education experts in a large event space, candidates are introduced to study institutions online from their own homes.
Continuing into 2021, Quacquarelli Symonds are hosting Kenya’s next virtual master’s event next week on Monday 10th May http://bit.ly/QS_BM
Attendees will be able to chat online with admissions staff and access informative resources on available courses, application advice, and assessment. Top-ranked global universities will be in attendance, including NYU & UCL.
As financial hurdles to learning are more prominent than ever, all attendees will become eligible to apply for a pool of scholarships worth $5.8 million, offered by participating schools and partnered institutions. The event is provided free of charge, with registration open online.
