EDUCATION & LEARNING :
UK UNIVERSITIES : ENROLMENT DURING COVID-19
UK Universities : Enrolment During COVID-19
By Lucy Watkins , Acting Regional Director East Asia , British Council & Leighton Ernsberger , Director Education and English East Asia , British Council
if you ’ re considering your child ’ s – or your own - tertiary study options in the UK , it is important to understand what universities are doing to support students , both abroad and on-campus .
Choosing to pursue an education overseas is a significant milestone , for any young person and their family . It is an opportunity that brings with it the guarantee of new experiences and the expanding of horizons – geographic , social and cultural – but it can also be a very nerve-wracking time , even for the most confident of students and their parents . This is true of any ‘ normal ’ year but against 2021 ’ s backdrop of lockdowns , sustained education disruption , and global travel restrictions , making the decision to learn and study in the UK is more daunting and complex than ever before .
Although the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused many to question whether it is the right time to choose to study in the UK , pressing pause on long-anticipated and hard-earned study plans – be they undergraduate or postgraduate – also feels uncomfortable . As Mr . Leighton Ernsberger , the British Council Director for Education and English in East Asia , explains : “ Although the last year has been very unsettling , it is important that students don ’ t put their futures on hold ; delaying or re-imagining study plans , sometimes years in the making . Now , more than ever , is the time to continue to hope , and grow , and to take careful steps towards achieving your goals .”
However , if you ’ re considering your child ’ s – or your own - tertiary study options in the UK , it is important to understand what universities are doing to support students , both abroad and on-campus .
Universities across the UK have been working closely with the UK government since the beginning of the pandemic . Across 2020 and into the Autumn term , many UK universities blended in-person teaching with new online technologies and tools , and this focus on remote access and support has continued into 2021 , with UK universities working tirelessly to innovate and implement diverse COVID-19 services – both practical and emotional - that students can access irrespective of their location . From new platforms designed to help students meet and make friends , and stay active and engaged safely , to airport pickups , support through self-isolation periods , food packages and mental health initiatives , these measures aim to offer help to all students , including those self-isolating , or unable to travel to the UK just yet . UK universities have also worked to make sure that entry processes are flexible and supportive of international students choosing to begin their studies from overseas ; including that they remain eligible for student visas .
Although the disruption remains today , universities ’ considered and rigorous COVID-19 safety measures , coupled with thoughtful and empathetic student support initiatives , continue to go above and beyond to ensure that both local and international students ’ physical health and mental wellbeing remains their top priority .
Regardless of the new learning formats being implemented to support this year ’ s students , the quality of the UK ’ s institutions – and academics – is renowned . A world-class multicultural education hub , the UK ’ s universities are ranked among the top around the world .