This document provides updates for international students joining UK universities amid COVID-19, including vaccine access and blended learning options. It outlines guidance on UK student visas, healthcare, and wellbeing measures in place for new students, including quarantine protocols. Additionally, it addresses frequently asked questions about university applications, scholarships, and deferring enrollment.

1. COVID-19 Updates
For UK University Joiners

2. Contents
Guidance for International Students
1
Updates from UK Universities
2
UK Student Visa Information
3
Healthcare and Wellbeing
4
Frequently Asked Questions
5
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3. Support for
International
Students
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4. Points to
Ponder
01
02
Student Vaccine
Priority
International students in the UK will
have access to the vaccine developed
by Pfizer/ BioNTech. You might get it
even quicker than in your home country
and will be protected when you return
to native place.
Vaccine Rollout
Plans
The UK is the first country in the world
to approve Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine
and immunisation drives are already
ongoing. The country expects to be fully
vaccinated by summer 2021.
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5. Points to
Ponder
01
02
Blended Learning
Modes
A form of hybrid (mixed) learning is
currently taking place at UK universities.
This includes digital lectures and
seminars through Skype, Zoom etc.
In-Person Teaching
Classes
Face-to-face classes are also going on
in some UK universities with proper
safety precautions in place; sanitiser
stations, floor markings and thermal
check-ups.
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6. Updates from
UK Universities
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7. • Virtual open days are being
conducted for international
students
• Students are requested to
attend classes online be on
campus when possible
• The university is accepting
some online English test
scores for English
proficiency
• Students have the option to
defer applications
University of Edinburgh
COVID-19 UPDATES
FROM UK UNIVERSITIES
• Provisions are available to
switch from campus to
online classes
• With proper approval from
the university, students can
interrupt their studies for
this academic year
• The university also
provides the option for
students to defer their
applications due to the
current situation
University of Manchester
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8. • Students will be provided
blended learning options
this academic year
• Teaching hours are
extended and the university
is looking into offline
classes
• Those who wish to attend
classes physically will get
ample student support
• IT support provided for
those who cannot travel to
the UK
University of Bristol
COVID-19 UPDATES
FROM UK UNIVERSITIES
• New teaching methodology
– blended learning with
social distancing guidelines
in place
• Virtual open days and
support services offered for
international students
• University is encouraging
students to connect
virtually and many
scholarships are also being
offered for international
students
University of Warwick
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9. Updates on
UK Student Visa
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10. UK Student Visa Updates
(for those who have applied and
waiting for decision)
“
• your sponsor is a Student sponsor
• you have been given a confirmation of
acceptance for studies (CAS)
• you submitted your application before your
current visa expired and you show your
sponsor evidence of this
• the course you start is the same as the one
listed on your CAS
• you have a valid Academic Technology
Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if required
You can start your course or studies before your visa
application has been decided if:
If your application is eventually rejected as invalid or
refused you must stop your course or studies.
Source: UK Government Website
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11. Healthcare &
Wellbeing
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12. Government Guidance
The UK government has issued detailed guidelines for
quarantining in university and college halls of residence and
student housing. You will be isolating for a specific period of time
once you arrive in the UK, the exact duration of which will be
updated by the university or its representative, before your
departure.
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has latest information
and advice about coronavirus on their website.
UK universities have already put in place a number of support
Covid-19 support options for international students. You may
reach out to the university or a qualified consultant for further
information.
Contact UK University Consultant
ENSURING YOUR HEALTH
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13. Frequently Asked
Questions
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14. What are the plans in place for the academic year 2021?
Most campuses will be open, but hybrid learning will also continue.
Face-to-face lectures along with digital classes and seminars will
be conducted in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
How are university applications being processed?
UK universities are accepting applications from international
students in the same manner as they used to. Admissions are
open for mid intakes like May, April as well as the major one –
September 2021.
FAQs Answered
COVID-19
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15. If I don’t travel, will my UK student visa be affected?
If you decide not to travel, it must be informed to the university so
that the visa status can be updated. Should you prefer to defer
your enrollment, application has to be made for a new student visa
so that it would cover the full period of study for the course.
Are UK universities still offering international scholarships?
There are no major changes as to how scholarship are offered to
foreign students in the UK. Universities are finalizing revised
scholarship plans for 2021 intake.
FAQs Answered
COVID-19
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16. THANK YOU