Studying in the UK from Autumn 2020 – All You Need to Know About Starting Your Studies
COVID-19 has caused disruptions and uncertainties; in particular for students wanting to start their studies in September 2020 at a UK-based university. The Education and Universities Ministers of the four countries of the United Kingdom (UK): England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have provided guidance for all international students heading to the UK.
Despite the disruptions brought on by COVID-19, now is the time to ensure your paperwork is in order; finalise your university application and payment, and get your visa in order.
International students need to familiarise themselves with UK visa requirements; talk to your IE Abroad Student Advisor or your chosen university, about the evidence you may need to supply for a visa application. Students will be able to apply for and receive their Tier 4 visas in good time before commencing their programme of study in the UK.
To adapt to a pandemic world and considering your health and wellbeing, admission processes and modes of teaching might look slightly different this year. Universities will be flexible in accommodating your circumstances where possible, including if you are unable to travel to the UK in time for the start of the academic year. There have been fantastic and innovative examples of online learning and, as the UK universities are among the best in the world, the Education and Universities Ministers assures all international students that they will receive a world-class education. Rest assured, the quality of a UK qualification will continue to be internationally valuable; whether delivered face-to-face or online or in blended form.
If you have any questions about course delivery in 2020/21, you are encouraged to contact your chosen or prospective university; who will be able to provide you with institution-specific information.
Transmission Prevention Strategy
To keep the number of transmissions in the UK as low as possible and to protect students from abroad; international arrivals are required to supply their contact and accommodation information, and self-isolate in their accommodation for fourteen days on arrival into the UK. Your chosen or prospective university will support you upon your arrival in the UK.
It is a legal requirement to wear a face-covering on public transport in England and, from 22 June 2020, will also be mandatory in Scotland. However, across the UK, you are encouraged to wear face-covering in public spaces and practise social distancing.
The governments across the UK are adhering to the most up to date scientific advice and guidance, which is available publicly online. As this changes, so has the prevention strategy, and it will continue to change to match the level of the threat of the virus.
We will also continue to communicate with you and provide you with updates as we receive them.
Our team of Student Advisors remain available to assist you on your study journey. Talk to us and get your applications in, and visa in order.
