UK Reopens for International Students amid coronavirus COVID-19

UK Reopens for International Students amid coronavirus COVID-19

Finally, the UK is re-opening its doors to international students. The UK universities have resumed granting CAS and the students can file visa applications for the Tier 4 category from 6^th July 2020 from major Indian cities. In addition, the Indian government has granted permission to international students to travel to the UK for higher education in the coming months. UK government has announced that a 2-year post-study work visa will be granted to all the international students present in the UK before 6 April 2021. Moreover, free COVID-19 testing/ treatment will be provided to international students by the NHS.

Tier 4 Visa application to the UK

From 6 July UK Visas and Immigration is beginning a phased resumption of services and the following Visa Application Centres (VACs) in India will be open from the same date:

• Ahmedabad
• Bengaluru (Global Tech Park)
• Chandigarh
• Chennai (see note below)
• Cochin
• Hyderabad
• Jalandhar
• Kolkata
• Mumbai (South)
• New Delhi
• Pune

For detailed information, please visit- here

If you’re a resident or visitor traveling to the UK, you must:

• provide your journey and contact details
• not leave the place you’re staying for the first 14 days you’re in the UK except in very limited situations (known as ‘self-isolating’) 

You may be fined up to £100 if you refuse to provide your contact details. You may be fined more if you break this rule more than once. You may also be fined up to £1,000 if you refuse to self-isolate, or you could face further action.

Free COVID-19 testing and treatment in the UK by NHS

The UK is immensely proud of its amazing National Health Service (NHS). From the very start of the pandemic we have been clear that our priority is to safeguard the health, safety and wellbeing of all students – including international students – in the UK. In addition to support from their universities, NHS services are available to both domestic and international students. International students will always be able to access at no upfront cost. No charges apply to testing for coronavirus, and as an international student in the UK, you will also be able to access specific COVID-19 advice through a new COVID-19 online service www.111.nhs.uk/covid-19.

Click here to get detailed information on this.

2-year Post-Study Work Visa in the UK

The Graduate route will be available to international students who successfully complete their degree at the undergraduate level or above at a UK Higher Education Provider with a track record of compliance by summer 2021, or after. International students present in the UK before 6 April 2021 will still be eligible for the two-year Graduate route, if you meet the other requirements of the route, even if you begin your course online before traveling to the UK in person. This is a fantastic opportunity for international students that will help you with your first steps into employment after graduation.

Teaching Methodology: A blend of online lectures and face-to-face class activities

If travel restrictions mean that you can’t reach the UK this September, you will be able to start your course online.  If you are able to join, Universities will ensure that their premises and activities follow government guidance and that they are COVID-19 secure.

Teaching will be delivered through a mixture of online and, where it’s safe to do so, face-to-face activities. As appropriate, face-to-face sessions will be recorded and made available to those who are unable to attend them. Staff will also be available to answer questions and guide you through your studies. This means that you will be able to engage effectively with your programme, whatever the situation.

Indian Government allows international travel for students going to the UK

The government has allowed international travel for people falling in the following categories:

• Nationals of the destination countries
• Indian and foreign nationals who hold a valid visa of at least one-year duration of the country of destination (This does not apply to Australia /New Zealand).
• Green Card / OCI Cardholders
• Health Workers holding a valid permit for travel to the destination country (Must obtain written permission from Embassy of the destination country)

This is excellent news for those who have been wanting to fly for studying abroad. Read detailed Govt. notification below.

Related Content:

-Duolingo English Test: an alternative to IELTS and TOEFL during COVID-19 disruption.

– Canada Post-Graduate Work Permit amidst COVID-19.

– Read Our Blog and News Section for lates updates on study abroad news, scholarships, application fee waivers, etc.