Australia is the top destination, with half of the respondents indicating interest in studying there.
Only 2% of prospective students in South Asia would totally reject the idea of studying abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a survey by counselling organisation Global Reach cited by The Pie News.
Australia, UK and Canada are top destinations
Nearly 70% of the around 1,600 respondents said they are interested in studying abroad in the July-September 2020 cohort despite the pandemic. Respondents included individuals from India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with around 90% seeking to pursue postgraduate studies overseas.
Australia is the top destination, with half of the respondents indicating interest in studying there. The UK and Canada are also in the top three of their favourite places to study.
Concerns about travel restrictions and flight cancellations
Asked about their concerns, 47% of those polled pointed to travel restrictions and flight cancellations. About 34% said they were worried about suspended visa processes and 27% cited health and safety concerns.
“Students’ concerns range from getting paperwork done and finances ready for applications to job opportunities after course completion and stay back options thereafter,” Global Reach was cited as saying.
Limited interest in online delivery
Half of the respondents said they were not interested in online delivery, with only 6% indicating they would be happy to pay the same price as on-campus education for off-campus remote delivered delivery.
Just a quarter of students said they are open to online delivery, but only if it is for one semester and visa and post-study work rights are assured.
“Basic face-to-face interactions and the experiences of on-campus lifestyle are key attractions to the scholars in the overseas education format,” according to Global Reach.
Source: the PIE News
