COVID-19: Foreign Universities Worried About Indian Students - Check Details Here

Due to COVID-19, students are facing many hurdles while applying to enrol at foreign universities. Let's see the latest COVID-19 updates in the top 5 study abroad destinations.

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Indian students wanting to study abroad have been the worst impacted by the pandemic. In fact, international borders have been closed and flights are being cancelled due to continuously increasing COVID-19 infections. Most students have had to either postpone their intake or reconsider their decision to pursue studies overseas, in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rules around COVID-19 management are continuously being altered, so far Covishield is the only WHO-approved Indian vaccine authorized for international travelers. In many countries, it is mandatory to show the COVID-19 RT-PCR negative certificate for a test done within 72 hours of arrival. Let's know the current COVID-19 updates at the top 5 study abroad destinations for Indian students.

United States:
The USA has imposed several travel restrictions for India, but students whose academic year is about to start from August 1 are being provided exemptions. If you have a valid M-1 or F-1 visa, you will be allowed to travel to the USA, but you can arrive there only 30 days before the start of the academic program. The US does not require a COVID-19 vaccination for travel. It is worth noting that only a few flights are being operated from India to the United States of America at the moment, however Air India is planning to operate additional flights in August.

United Kingdom:
The UK, which had previously placed India on the red list, has now transferred it to the amber list from August 8. This means Indian students can now travel to the UK, although certain conditions have to be fulfilled. For example, before traveling, students will have to book and pay for a COVID-19 RT-PCR test when they enter the country. A 10-day mandatory home quarantine is also mandatory upon entering the UK.

UK is not on the list of EU countries that have recognized Covishield, due to which students would not be exempted from quarantine despite being vaccinated.  Students who start their course later this year or early next year can apply for a new post-study work visa. For this, they will have to be in the UK on a student visa on or before April 6, 2022.

Canada:
Fully vaccinated Indian students who meet the requirements set by the government are exempted from mandatory quarantine upon their arrival in Canada. However, Canada will not allow direct flights from India till August 21, and as a result of this, the RT-PCR test conducted in India would not be accepted upon arrival in Canada.

Therefore, Indian students would have to undergo an RT-PCR test from the transit country before reaching Canada. At the same time, students will have to stay in stopover countries for 14 days and take a negative COVID-19 test report from that country. Mexico, Belgrade, and Armenia are some popular stopover countries for Indian students. Due to the pandemic and the ensuing suspension of direct flights to Canada, IRCC has a large backlog of almost 3 to 3.5 Million student visa applications from India itself.

Germany:
Germany is one of the few countries in the European Union that has recognized Covishield. However, the vaccination certificate of Indian students must contain a passport number or date of birth as Aadhaar number is not sufficient. Although, flights are being operated from India to Germany, according to the German government, passengers coming from India will have to register on www.einreiseanmeldung.de before entering the country.  

Australia:
The Australian government has restricted travel for everyone except its citizens. However, it is working closely with states and territories and partnering with educational institutions to plan the return of international students to Australia. 
 
Although the situation may seem serious, students should not lose hope. The rules are changing in the favor of students, and countries are gradually relaxing restrictions. Universities around the world are also doing their best to get international students to enroll and start studying in classrooms.