Now each and every human on this earth is aware of this dangerous virus which is known as COVID-19 or Coronavirus, which has not only caused different kinds of destruction but also killed many people in the world. As per the latest report, the number of victims of coronavirus has crossed more than 428,220 cases. And unfortunately, more than 19,101 people globally died due to this virus.
At the beginning of the year 2020, universities in the UK were still celebrating the statement regarding a new post-study work route which will allow international students to remain in the UK for 2 years after they graduate. This made the growth targets within the government’s 2019 International Education Strategy increasing international admissions from 460,000 in 2017-18 to 600,000 by the year 2030 which seems to feel achievable. Then suddenly coronavirus started to spread.
International students make up around 20% of the UK’s total student population.
Many different factors will influence how seriously the international intake is affected at individual institutions – and how long it will take to get back on track with enrolments.
Some factors are beyond an institution’s control. Others are linked to institutional profile and responsiveness.
The impact of coronavirus on enrolments of international students will not just be for September intake 2020. Any reduction in undergraduate and postgraduate research student numbers will last for the duration of their studies. Some present students may not return to their studies in the UK at all.
International student recruitment teams are having to be imaginative when it comes to taking part with overseas students and stakeholders, working remotely, virtually and through in-country partners. The moves to less carbon-intensive approaches to international student recruitment were already high on the sector’s agenda. One positive side-effect because of the coronavirus crisis is that it has facilitated experimentation with alternative recruitment practices that don’t involve long-haul travel.
There have been critical points in international student recruitment before as well, though never on this scale. The good news is that the impact has always been temporary. Coronavirus will inevitably have an important effect on international enrolments, but those institutions that can pull through the financial impact and handle the challenges effectively can expect to bounce back.
In a broader picture, the university chief warns that the economic impact of the crisis threatens the very diversity of our Higher Education sector, and could result in the closure of smaller institutions in the economically poor parts of the nation. No one knows how deeply this virus will affect, and whether all universities will be able to tackle, at least as independent institutions. All universities are going to suffer in the crisis.
In an opinion piece for the Higher Education Policy Institute (Hepi) published on 23rd March 2020, Sir Anthony Seldon vice-chancellor of the University of Buckingham, says: “Universities will be changed forever by the coronavirus crisis and its aftermath.
There is an opportunity to emerge with 'moral authority' and 'popular respect”. Also added that the crisis will evaluate their universities and their leadership to the hilt.
The crisis will test the universities and their leadership to the hilt. They should not let go of this opportunity. The prize is coming out of it with more moral authority, popular respect and national leadership than ever before.
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