Higher education after Corona

How will higher education scenario change after Covid-19 Corona virus attack?

Read this article to understand the global effect of Corona Virus Pandemic all across the globe. The educational institutions are preparing for the same. How can you be with the flow of this change? Vandana Mahajan, Director, Futures abroad, writes

It is difficult, really difficult to predict what remains after COVID-19, but a lot will definitely change in the landscape of higher education. At the intersection of disruptions and unpredictability worldwide, there will emerge a new model for the world’s economy as well as a new model for higher education. ‘COVID-19 is going to force us to really think differently.’

A few things that will change across the globe:

1. Corona’s attack will change educational dependency on China:

China was one of the greatest suppliers of low-cost products, raw materials and students across the globe. Supply chain of both goods and international student mobility will be hampered greatly. The Covid-19 Corona virus aftermath will require diversification in this aspect in the coming time. In coming futures, specially in the higher education sector, abroad countries like USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can no longer expect Chinese students to enroll in the same numbers and volume that they used to have for decades.

According to a report by Institute of International Education, three-quarters of American colleges and universities have reported the negative impact of Covid-19 on recruitments this year. It is important to keep in mind that 370,000 students, or 33.7% of America’s total international students, are from China. On the other hand, China’s dream of becoming the hub of international students’ destination unfortunately will remain only a dream. The trend of students thinking of studying in China will drastically decline. In a recent survey of more than 2,000 students from Africa, Asia and Australia, conducted by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds, a British company specialising in education), nearly 3 in 10 said that their plans had changed due to the Covid -19 Corona virus world-wide pandemic.

2. A wider role of online learning after Covid-19:

The necessity of increased online and MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) learning options can no longer be denied. Presidents, vice-chancellors, provosts and academic deans will be forced to rethink and reconsider what part of their educational delivery will be offered in person and what part will be offered online. Covid-19 virus may be the new beginning for e-learning possibilities for the higher education sector all across the globe. Futures Abroad will always be ahead to provide all necessary up-to-date information of all the online courses provided by these Universities. Please keep on visiting regularly our websites, Facebook pages and other social media platforms for these valuable updates. So, stay alert.

3. Embracing online recruitment methods after the Corona threat:

Admission deans and specially the recruiters in the future will have to embrace ‘online outreach’ to prospective students in their own country and across the Globe. Flexible application deadlines and a review of qualifying credentials will require re-evaluation of current recruitment and admission practices. The Covid-19 Corona virus attack has disrupted the college fairs which may no longer be valid. Accepted student receptions and traditional orientation programmes in different educational institutions and Universities may also see a darker and grim side. Nunzio Quacquarelli, QS’s CEO, stated: “The global higher education sector should aim to be flexible on application deadlines and delayed start dates.”

4. The Corona virus fear has made more students to opt for studying closer to their home:

For higher educations, students will opt to study closer to their home. The PIE News reporter says, “I think there is a clear trend that more Asian students will look to study in Asia. This is happening already.” Currently, Malaysia is the leading study destination in Asia. More Asian countries will open doorways for higher and quality education.

5. Covid-19 will lead to a Change in Admissions review:

The higher educational institutions and Universities worldwide will be more flexible in the admission evaluation guidelines. After the Covid-19 Corona scare, they will be forced to make the admission process more holistic and will device admission guidelines which are going to be test optional. New trends will emerge. We promise to keep you all updated regarding these trends.