While many countries are welcoming international students for the fall intake, the conundrum around it continues. This situation can be overwhelming and must have left you confused. To put an end to this confusion, we bring you the latest updates about the popular study abroad destinations to help you plan your next move.

Key Highlights:

• The gap between two vaccinations is reduced to 28 days by Indian government for study abroad students travelling before August 31
• Covishield is the only vaccine approved by WHO
• COVID negative test, 72 hours before arrival is mandatory in all the countries
• If you are travelling to the USA for the first time with F-1 visa then you have to be enrolled for either hybrid programme or fully in-person courses
• British National Health Service [NHS] allows you to get vaccinated once you go the UK hence, you can travel to the UK even if you are not vaccinated
• In Canada, you will get full work permit even if you are attending the hybrid programme

The USA

American universities have started to welcome students from overseas this fall, for fully on-campus courses. Hence, the US embassy has started rolling out more appointments for student visas. Although thousands of appointments are already slated for the next two months, the US embassy has planned to double the number to enable more students to travel to America. Also, your visa application will undergo a thorough check to ascertain if your on-campus presence is necessary. Students who have contracted COVID will have to wait for 3-4 months.

If for some reason you still aren’t able to join the on-campus programmes then universities in the USA allow you to opt for the hybrid programme. Did you know that now your student visa will come with no fixed expiry date?  This means that you can stay as long as you want to pursue your academics. . However, you have to be fully vaccinated to gain entry in the USA. So now, nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams. However, if you are worried about finances, you can apply for education loan online and be stress-free.

If for some reason you still aren’t able to join the on-campus programmes then universities in the USA allow you to opt for the hybrid programme. Did you know that now your student visa will come with no fixed expiry date?  This means that you can stay as long as you want to pursue your academics. And you can travel without any proof of vaccination. Now nothing can stop you from achieving your dreams. However, if you are worried about finances, you can apply for an education loan online and be stress-free.

The UK

You can go ahead with your plans to study in the UK because international students are allowed to travel to the UK but with some restrictions. You are expected to quarantine yourself for 10-days, only in the government-approved hotels, once you land in the UK. You can also opt for on-campus vaccination by registering for the same. Here’s an exciting news for you: You can opt for a post-study graduate route which goes live on 1st July 2021. This allows you to work in the UK for 2-3 years after completing your graduation or post-graduation. And just like in the US, you can opt for a hybrid learning programme, then fly to the UK whenever possible. If you are planning to study in the UK, an education loan will help you because it will cover the holistic cost of your education which includes travel expenses, living expenses, course material, equipment cost and many more.

Australia

South Australia has opened its borders for the fall intake this year. However, you will be placed under mandatory quarantine for two weeks. New South Wales is set to open borders under “NSW Pilot Plan”. So, what is NSW pilot plan? New South Wales will initially welcome 250 students from overseas beginning this fall. But you will have to serve mandatory quarantine at Parafield Airport for 2 weeks. After evaluating the situation post this pilot plan, Australia will welcome more international students.

A few regions in Australia will allow the students to arrive in batches. So, 800 students will be welcomed per month and this plan will go live from the last week of July 2021. Australia is currently planning to welcome students onboard with just one jab. The plan will be finalized next month.If you are planning to take a higher education loan, we at Avanse will walk you through the entire process, so leave your finance-related worries behind and prepare to travel to Australia.

Canada

Canada was first among the study abroad destinations to welcome students from all over the world. Currently, Candadian student visas are considered on case-to-case basis. Canada too enforces quarantine once you land in Canada. You can check with your respective universities if they have a COVID-readiness plan. Your entry and stay in Canada will largely depend on Canadian universities. Canada has gone a step ahead to welcome you with many universities offering pick-up and quarantine facilities. You can also expect a discount on your flight expenses, food and more.

Ireland

You are allowed to fly to Ireland if your COVID test is negative. Post which, you will have to quarantine for 14 days. You can quarantine yourself at your campus if you are planning for on-campus accommodation. The vaccines approved in Ireland are BioNtech vaccine, Moderna vaccine and Covishield. If you take these Ireland-approved jabs then you don’t have to quarantine yourself.

France

France has opened its border only for nations that are marked as Green Countries. Although India is currently not on this list, a case-to-case basis approval will be considered. You have to be fully vaccinated to be allowed to travel to France. And you will be allowed to travel only after two weeks post your second dose. Those who have contracted COVID will have to wait for four to six weeks to travel.

So, now with these latest updates, you can confidently make your study abroad plans. With these positive developments, you now have that perfect opportunity to make your dreams come true. Don’t let finance stop you from achieving your goals. We, at Avanse, will take care of the finances while you focus on your studies. All the best!