Indian government arranged a special vaccination drive for students going abroad to ensure that they don’t have to defer their study abroad plans due to the unavailability of the jabs. However, if you are confused about vaccination requirements and procedures, this article will clarify your doubts about the entire process related to the rules and regulations.

Vaccine status

Covishield is the only vaccination allowed by the WHO. So, neither will the countries you are travelling to nor your universities will accept Covaxin. Sputnik V is currently manufactured locally and may soon go live, but for students studying abroad, it is best to opt for Covishield because it is internationally accepted.

What Indian government expects you to follow?

• You must maintain 28 days of gap between the 1st and the 2nd jab
• Ensure Cowin certificates are linked to the passports
• Carry passport as ID proof during vaccination. The other benefit of carrying the passport is that the passport number will be added to the vaccination certificate
• If you did not carry the passport during your 1st jab, you can apply for a separate certificate to link the passport with the vaccination certificate. State government and Union territories (UTs) will fulfil this formality by appointing the right authority

Link the passport number in the vaccine certificate in 5 easy steps

So, why must you link the passport number to the vaccine certificate? Because you will require this certificate to travel abroad with your passport number linked to it.

Follow these five easy steps to add passport details to the vaccine certificate:

1. Login to the Cowin website using your registered mobile number
2. Select the “Raise Issue” option
3. Select the passport option
4. Select the name of the person from the drop-down box
5. Enter the passport number and hit “Submit”. You can immediately download the certificate for your reference

An alternate way to download your vaccination certificate using WhatsApp

1. Save this number “+91 9013151515” on your mobile
2. Type “covid certificate” on WhatsApp and send it
3. You will receive the OTP. Enter the OTP, and you will receive the vaccination certificate

Will all the universities require vaccination?

This largely depends on both your respective university and the study abroad destination too. So we recommend you check with your respective university for the latest updates pertaining to vaccination.

The United States of America

Most universities in the US are welcoming international students for this fall intake. Vaccination is mandatory to gain entry. Also, since the blanket approval is not active currently, it is advised to apply for a visa well in advance.

The USA is the most popular study abroad destination among international students. However, the cost of education is higher too. So, if you are planning to travel to the USA, you can opt for an overseas education loan that covers the holistic cost of education, such as your tuition fees, airfare, equipment cost and more.

The United kingdom

Here’s exciting news for those travelling to the UK, India is no longer on the red list but has made it to the amber list. What does it mean for Indian students? You don’t have to seek quarantine facilities in the hotels anymore. Instead you will be allowed to quarantine in your chosen private accommodation or university campus for 10 days.

Also, most UK universities don’t require international students to be fully vaccinated to attend on-campus programs. However, the Department of Education encourages students to be fully vaccinated. You can also get vaccinated in the UK as international student vaccination is a priority in the UK.

France

Recently France has placed India on the yellow list, so you can now travel to France. Most French universities require you to be fully vaccinated. Moderna, Covishield and Pfizer are some of the vaccinations approved by the French government.

Germany

German universities allow only fully vaccinated students. Also, please remember to carry your vaccination certificate because it is mandatory to enter Germany.

Canada

Canada allows student visas on a case-to-case basis. You have to be fully vaccinated to enter Canada and also check if your university has a covid-readiness plan.

So, we wish you all the best for this fall season. Whether you choose to study in the USA, the UK, or any other location, studying abroad is expensive. So you can opt for an abroad education loan from Avanse and fulfil your academic aspiration successfully.

 

Disclaimer: The information shared in this article is for general information purpose only. Nothing contained in this article amounts to any specific or legal advice. For the latest update, please visit the country website or contact your visa consultant.