Latest Study Abroad Updates (COVID-19)

IDP will always be there to help you realise your dreams. We are in this together. 

 

We understand these are trying times and so we’re making all efforts to make sure you keep updated with all the latest information about your favourite study destinations.

Australia

1. Australia’s interstate borders are now fully open for the first time in 12 months. (As on March 15; source: news.com.au)
2. Australia begins vaccination drive – Prime Minister Scott Morrison is one of the first Australians to receive the coronavirus vaccine alongside a small group of aged care residents and staff and frontline pandemic workers. Also, the authorities target to vaccinate all the people in the country by October. (As on February 22, 2021; source: Business Standard) 
3. Australia has received its first COVID-19 vaccine shipment — with frontline workers set to begin getting shots as early as next week. (As on February 15, 2021; source: Business Insider) 
4. The first 140,000 doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine have arrived in Australia, Health Minister Greg Hunt announced today. After testing, the rollout of the vaccine is tipped to begin as soon as Monday next week. (As on February 15, 2021; source: Business Insider) 
5. The COVID-19 vaccination will be free for all Medicare-eligible Australians and all visa-holders, including student visa holders (subclass 500). (As on January 27, 2021; source: Australian COVID-19 vaccination policy)
6. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has granted provisional approval to Pfizer Australia Pty Ltd for its COVID-19 vaccine- Comirnaty, making it the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive regulatory approval in Australia. (As on January 25; source: Australian Government)
7. As per the announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, a COVID-19 vaccine rollout is being brought forward to mid to late February. (As on Jan 7; source: The Canberra Times)
8. As per the announcement, the Victorian Government is working closely with the Federal Government and the sector to welcome international students back to Victoria from early 2021. (Source: International education short-term recovery plan 2020-21 report)

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Important updates on Australia by experts

 

Canada

1. The federal government is suspending incoming passenger flights from India for the next month as cases of COVID-19 surge in the country.(As on April 22; source: The Canadian Press)
2. Ottawa is creating a new pathway to permanent residency for 90,000 essential workers and international graduates who are currently in Canada. The new policy will grant permanent status to temporary workers and graduates who possess the skills and experience the country needs to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and achieve economic recovery. (As on April 14; source: CTV News)
3. Some Canadian universities plan to return to in-person classes this fall. This return depends partially on the public health authority and on institution’s administration. (As on March 14)
4. Under the current travel restrictions, international students can come to Canada if their institution has a COVID-19 readiness plan. (As on March 14)
5. Studies completed outside Canada up to December 31, 2021, will count towards a future PGWP, and international students are now allowed to complete their entire program online from abroad and still be eligible for a PGWP. (As on February 12; source: Government of Canada)
6. These temporary changes apply to all international students who are enrolled in a PGWP-eligible program and meet all other PGWP criteria. (As on February 12; source: Government of Canada)
7. Air Canada, WestJet, Sunwing, and Air Transat are suspending all flights to “sun” destinations such as the Caribbean w.e.f January 31. Besides, these measures will be in place until April 30. (As on February 4; source: CIC News) 
8. Starting next week, all international flights can only land in Vancouver, Calgary, Montreal, and Toronto. (As on February 4; source: CIC News) 
9. Incoming air travellers will need to take COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test upon arrival and will need to stay in a hotel designated by the federal government at their own expense for three days while awaiting test results. (As on February 4; source: CIC News) 
10. If the test result is negative, international travellers will then need to quarantine at home for a total quarantine period of 14 days (three days at the hotel plus eleven days at home). Those who report a positive test result will need to stay at a designated government facility. (As on February 4; source: CIC News) 

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Important updates on Canada by experts

19-03-2021	Explore exciting opportunities to study in Canada: Panel discussion hosted by our destination expert Mr. Rahul Kumar, Associate Director-Canada with Ms. Sonia Takkar, Director-Student Recruitment, South Asia & MENA, Canadore College of Applied Arts and Technology, Dr Chrish Anstead, Dean of Business, Georgian, ILAC, Mr. Milan Petrovich, Vice-President, ILAC
17-03-2021	Explore living on-campus in residence at the Western University: Live session by Ms. Amriah M, Saugeen Maitland Hall Soph and Residents, Council President 2018-19, Western University
12-03-2021	Explore the Faculty of information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University, Canada: Live session by Prof. Lisa Henderson, Dean, Western’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies
10-03-2021	Explore engineering programs at Western University, Canada: Live session by Mr. Ken Coley, Dean, Western Engineering, Western University, Canada
03-03-2021	Planning to study in Canada? Live session by Ms. Kate Russell, International Recruitment Officer, Western University, Canada

New Zealand

1. Education New Zealand is inviting organisations to host international New Zealand Education Centres, as part of ENZ’s New Zealand Global Education Pathways initiative. The centres will deliver education programmes for students progressing onto further study with New Zealand education providers, and act as pathways for greater education, cultural and diplomatic engagement between New Zealand and partner countries. (As on April 13; source: ENZ Government)
2. The centres will receive support from New Zealand universities, ENZ design and marketing packages, and have opportunities to host events, promotions, and student mobility activities. (As on April 13; source: ENZ Government)
3. Immigration New Zealand has created new checklists for international students to use when preparing their student visa application. Thus, applicants should use the appropriate checklist to make sure they provide the right documents and evidence to support their student visa application. (As on March 19;source: Immigration New Zealand)
4. International students are eligible for free, public healthcare if they think they have COVID-19. In case of cold or flu-like symptoms, they can call their doctor or Healthline on 0800 358 5453 and get advice about being tested.(As on February 23, 2021; source: ENZ Government)
5. International students, as temporary visa holders, will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as part of New Zealand's national vaccine programme. The roll-out will focus on border workers first, with the rest of New Zealand expected to receive a vaccine later in the year. (As on February 23, 2021; source: ENZ Government)
6. Some countries require travellers to confirm a negative COVID-19 test before they leave New Zealand. Students who require a test prior to departure can organise this through Healthline or their GP, but they will need to pay for it. (As on February 23, 2021; source: ENZ Government)
7. Education New Zealand Manapou ki te Ao (ENZ) welcomes the minister's announcement allowing border exceptions for up to 1,000 bachelors degree-level (or higher) international students to return to complete their study, saying it signals New Zealand’s commitment to international education. (As on January 13; source: ENZ Government)
8. To be eligible students must hold or have held a valid visa to study in 2020 and have studied in New Zealand in 2019 or 2020 towards their current qualification and be returning to complete their study with their current provider. (As on January 13; source: ENZ Government)

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Important updates on New Zealand by experts

20-04-2021	Masterclass on Microbiology of butter: Live session by our destination expert, Ms. Tania Arora, Manager- Client Relations-New Zealand & Strategic Alliances and Prof. Steve Flint, Professor of Food Safety and Microbiology & Team Leader Food Bioscience, Massey University
08-04-2021	Walk the Talk session with The University of Waikato: Live session by Ms, Anjana, an IDP student pursuing Masters of Business Management at The University of Waikato, New Zealand to give campus tour of the university along with the information for the foundation program to enter The University of Waikato
22-01-2021	Experience the campus-life of one of the finest New Zealand institutions – Victoria University of Wellington: Virtual campus tour by James Law, International Operations Coordinator, Wellington University International - International Recruitment & Business Development

The UK

1. The new graduate route will be open to international students on 1 July 2021. This covers the international students who want to work following the successful completion of a course of study at UK bachelor’s degree level or above. (As on March 4,2021; source: UK Government)
2. The graduate route will be unsponsored, meaning applicants will not need a job offer to apply for the route. There will be no minimum salary requirements nor caps on numbers. Graduates on the route will be able to work flexibly, switch jobs and develop their career as required. (As on March 4,2021; source: UK Government)
3. Coronavirus concessions for students unable to travel to the UK due to the pandemic have also been extended, recognising the continuing disruption many face due to international travel restrictions. (As on March 4,2021; source: UK Government)
4. UK medicines regulator authorises first COVID-19 vaccine. (As on December 2; source: UK Government) 
5. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine meets the regulator’s strict standards of safety, efficacy and quality. (As on December 2; source: UK Government) 
6. The vaccine to be made available across the UK to priority groups from next week. (As on December 2; source: UK Government) 
7. International students are eligible for post-study work rights after graduation, even if they opt to take online classes to begin their 2021 academic session. (As on June 16; source: www.thepienews.com)

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Important updates on the UK by experts

26-04-2021	Future Urbanism: Live session by Ms. Anna Lyttle, International Student Recruitment Officer, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Ms. Laura Coucill Senior Lecturer in Architecture, Queen's University Belfast
24-04-2021	In conversation with Cardiff Metropolitan University on Food Science and Technology: Live session by Mr. Simon Dawson, Senior Lecturer, Food Science & Technology, Programme Director, MSc Food Science and Technology
20-04-2021	Decision Making under Uncertainty- Analytics meets Supply Chains: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Dr. Edilson F Arruda, Lecturer in Business Analytics and Management Sciences, Southampton Business School
19-04-2021	Postgraduate Biomedical Sciences at University of Westminster: Live session by Dr. Joan Liu, Senior Lecturer, University of Westminster, Dr. Adele McCormick , Senior Lecturer, University of Westminster, Dr Tony Madgwick Principal Lecturer in Cellular Pathology, University of Westminster
12-04-2021	Artificial Intelligence in Shipping and Commercial Law at By Swansea University: Live session by Mr. Glyn James, Recruitment and Marketing Manager at Hillary Rodham Clinton School of Law, Swansea University
09-04-2021	An overview of Blockchain and its applications: Live session by Prof. Ahmet Kondoz, Director, Institute of Digital Technologies and Dr. Yogachandran Rahulmathavan, Programme Director, MSc Cybersecurity and Data Analytics, Loughborough University London
07-04-2021	Study MSc Plant Biotechnology and Enterprise at Durham University: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland, Ms. Iqra Khan, international officer, Durham university, Dr Miguel de lucas, Associate Professor, Department of Biosciences, Durham university and Mr. Bill Hoare, Regional manager, South Asia, Durham university
06-04-2021	What CFOs tells us about what is important in Finance”- By University of Nottingham: Live session by our destination experts Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland New Zealand and Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and  Dr. Amrit judge, Associate professor, finance, Nottingham university of business school
30-03-2021	Study in the UK-A destination full of opportunities: Live session by our destination experts Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland New Zealand and Mr. Richard Follett, Associate Vice President and Deputy Pro Vice Chancellor (International), University of Sussex
25-03-2021	The gig economy-A tool for sustainable entrepreneurship: Live session by our destination experts Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland New Zealand and Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Dr. Shahnaz Ibrahim, Senior Teaching Fellow in Strategy, and Innovation and Dr. Heli Helanummi Cole, Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, University of South Hampton
23-03-2021	Advancing Gender Equity through Education: Live session by our destination experts Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Ms. Ann Stewart, Professor of Law, University of Warwick
22-03-2021	Cyber Security-A road to the future: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Mr. Paul Holborow. International Student Recruitment Officer, Swansea University
19-03-2021	Study in the UK – A destination full of opportunities: Live session y our destination expert Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland New Zealand and Ms. Rachel Sandison, Vice-Principal (External Relations), University of Glasgow, UK
15-03-2021	An introduction to Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Arjun Sharma, Asst. Manager-UK and Prof. Ahmet Kandoz, Director, Institute of Digital Technologies and Dr. Varun De Silva, Program Director, MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics.
10-03-2021	Quantum Computing, The world’s most incredible machines: Live session with Prof. Winfried Hensinger, Quantum Technologies, University of Sussex
08-03-2021	All about living in the UK: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Ms. Jisa Mithun, IDP alumni and a student at the University of Surrey, UK
05-03-2021	Taster session on Tourism during the Pandemic & Introduction to Strategic Marketing with Nottingham University Business School, UK: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland, Dr. Carol X. Zhang, Course Director, MSc International Tourism Management and Marketing and Dr. Anastasios Pagiaslis, Assistant Professor in Marketing, Nottingham University Business School
02-03-2021	Know how to make an impressive application in UK’s prestigious King’s College London: Live session by our destination expert Mr. Anurag Srivastava, Senior Manager-UK and Ireland and Ms. Dolan Mitra, International Student Recruitment Manager, Kings’s College London
23-02-2021	A current student's guide to the University of Sussex: Live session by Ms. Mishal Alice Mathews, a student of Social Development at the University of Sussex, to hear her talk about her journey to the University and her experience with IDP so far
19-02-2021	Know more about Institute of Technology Carlow: Live session by our destination expert Ms. Jyotsna Singh, Asst. Manager-UK and Ireland with current students and faculty

The US

1. With regards to the COVID-19 situation, all routine services at the US consulate General Chennai are cancelled from April 26 to May 15th, including non-immigrant visa interview appointments, interview waiver appointments and routine American Citizen services appointments. (As on April 26)
2. All U.S. Embassy New Delhi’s in-person visa appointments and interview waiver appointments are cancelled from April 26-May 9 in light of current pandemic conditions. (As on April 22)
3. Large numbers of US consulates around the world are not processing visas, leading to serious concerns from stakeholders that international students won’t be able to reach campuses for the fall 2021 semester. (As on April 22; source: The Pie News)
4. Indian students can now enroll in their desired US universities for the Fall semester of 2021 since the US Embassy in Delhi is prioritising student visa applicants to ensure they travel to the US in time for the start of their semester in August-September. (As on April 09; source: The Times of India)
5. According to the announcement by President Joe Biden on April 6, all U.S. adults to become eligible for coronavirus vaccine to April 19, which is nearly two weeks sooner than the initial goal of May 1. (Source: USA Today)
6. According to Presidential Proclamation 10052, which temporarily suspended the entry of certain H-1B, H-2B, J (for certain categories within the Exchange Visitor Program), and L nonimmigrants, expired on March 31, 2021. Now Visa applicants who have not yet been interviewed or scheduled for an interview will have their applications prioritised and processed in accordance with the guidance of the existing phased resumption of visa services. (As on April 1; source: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs)
7. Visa applicants who were previously refused visas due to the restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 10052 may reapply by submitting a new application including a new fee. (As on April 1; source: Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs)
8. On February 26, 2021, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it will offer additional flexibility to international students affected by the delayed issuance of receipt notices for Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization. (As on March 13; source: The National Law Review)
9. USCIS aims to resolve the issues affecting its processing capabilities, given the same the agency announced the following policy changes for Form I-765 OPT applications received on or after October 1, 2020, through May 1, 2021: (As on March 13; source: The National Law Review)
   • “14-month OPT period flexibilities,” ensuring that students are able to obtain the full amount of OPT time requested (not to exceed 12 months);
   • “refiling following the rejection,” treating refiled applications as filed on the originally received dates; and
   • “missing or deficient signatures,” changing policy so Form I-765 applications received with missing or deficient signatures will be issued requests for evidence instead of denials.
10. US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced it would provide for greater flexibility for students to complete their optional training program (OPT) after they graduate on account of delays in processing applications. (As on March 01,2021; source: Economic Times)
11. The 14-month period will now commence on the date of the approval of Form I- 765 which is the application for post-completion OPT for applications filed between October 1, 2020, and May 1, 2021. (As on March 01,2021; source: Economic Times)

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Important updates on the US by experts

Ireland

1. Based on the announcement by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science- postgraduate students who successfully complete their programmes remotely this summer will be eligible to apply for a stay back visa – the Third level Graduate scheme (1G). Thereby, international students currently studying postgraduate programmes remotely due to COVID-19 can apply for a stay back visa once they have successfully completed their course in the summer of 2021 and provide the following documentation to the Department of Justice. (As on March 01, 2021, source: inis.gov.ie)
2. All travellers into Ireland, coming from anywhere except Northern Ireland, must:
   • Complete a Passenger Locator form  (As on January 16, source: gov.ie)
   • Provide evidence that you have a negative or ‘not detected’ result from a COVID-19 PCR test carried out no more than 72 hours before you arrive in Ireland (As on January 16, source: gov.ie)
3. As per the Guidelines by Health Protection Surveillance Centre, Higher Education Institutes in Ireland will operate within the parameters of public health and safety advice at all times.
4. All international students have free access to the Irish healthcare system for treatment related to COVID-19.
5. All International students irrespective of planning for online course or physical course will require a study visa.
6. As per guidelines laid by the Irish Government, you will be required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form before you arrive in Ireland and submit it at the airport.
7. Once you reach Ireland, you will be required to restrict your movement for 14 days. 'Restricted Movement' is different from ‘Self-Isolation’ and ‘Quarantine’. It means:
   •  Avoid using public transport
   •  Avoid visiting others or having visitors
   • Avoid meeting face-to-face with anyone who is at higher risk from COVID-19 (older people, pregnant women, people with long-term illness)
   • Do not go to the shop unless absolutely necessary. You must wear a face mask if going to the shop for grocery or essentials such as SIM card
   • If you are sharing an apartment, please minimise sharing and remain in the same household pod for the 14 days
   •  You can still exercise outdoors by yourself as long as you keep 2 metres distance from others
8. Concerning COVID-19, following discussions were held by the Departments of Justice and Equality and Education and Skills (Dublin Business School, Ireland) on the operation of the Third Level Graduate Permission Scheme (TLGPS)/ Graduate stay back option:
   • On the once-off basis, international students who were about to commence their program from September will have to now complete the first semester online while the rest of the study program can be completed on-campus
   • International students who returned to their home country and opted for the online mode to complete their studies and exams, are now eligible to apply for the scheme and receive an award from the university on the once-off basis (As on May 26)

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Important updates on Ireland by experts

18-03-2021	Next generation leaders: Opportunities for Business graduates in Ireland: Live session by our destination experts Mr. Amit Chaturvedi, Associate Director-UK, Ireland, New Zealand and Dr. Colette Darcy, Dean - School of Business & Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management, National College of Ireland
12-03-2021	Learn about Cloud Computing: Live session by our destination expert Ms. Jyotsna Singh, Asst. Manager-UK and Ireland with Dr. Horacio González-Vélez, Associate Professor and Founding Head of The Cloud Competency Centre, National College of Ireland
26-02-2021	Skills, Employability and Career: Live session by UCD’s (University College Dublin) career team- Ms. Lorraine Woods, Regional Manager, South Asia and Mr. Mark Cumisky, UCD Career and skills consultant
25-02-2021	Get to know more about Ireland’s University of the Year, Dublin City University: Live session by Mr. Colum Cronin, Senior International officer, International student recruitment, Dublin City University about Ireland’s capital city, top courses, scholarships, career opportunities, post-study work rights and much more.

Updated on April 30, 2021