International Medical Students Enrolled in Chinese Universities Reach Out to the UN for Help

 logo

Cyril Zachariah
Updated on Apr 12, 2021 06:49 PM IST

With no support being provided to the international student community in countries such as China, Japan and Australia, over 20,000 medical, graduate and undergraduate international students have signed a letter urging the UN to intervene in the matter.

International Medical Students Enrolled in Chinese Universities Reach Out to the UN for Help

With the pandemic still striking fear in the hearts of many, especially governments around the globe, some countries like China are yet to open their borders to allow international students to study at the universities.

International students enrolled in Chinese Universities, along with international students enrolled in universities located in countries with restricted borders, have reached out to the United Nations in hopes of receiving a positive response.

After the outbreak of the virus, the Chinese government had closed its borders off for all international travellers, including international students who had been enrolled in Chinese Universities. As per sources, Medical students enrolled in Chinese universities have reached out to the UN for helpso that they can continue their studies in China.

Over 20,000 medical, graduate and undergraduate school students studying in Universities in China, Japan and Australia signed a letter, urging the UNs intervention in lifting the ban on international travellers in the country. The ban by the Chinese government has left international students stuck in their home countries for over an entire year.

In a statement released by the students, they highlighted that while they are enrolled at the universities in the aforementioned countries, the current COVID-19 border restrictions, the students are unable to receive the proper education. Medical students raised their concerns over the practical surgical classes being held online, Doctoral students are concerned with their inability to access the labs in their host countries, while the language barrier continues to grow worse while studying online.

The Chinese Government had released a recent statement, which failed to give any clear indication on the entry restrictions for international students with study visas. On March 22, the Indian Embassy in Beijing, China, stated that the recent statement by the Chinese government with regards to visa facilitation for foreigners visiting China was not applicable for international students.

Also Read: International Students Won't Be Allowed to Enter Australia in Large Numbers Until 2022

An official statement from the Embassy states, Chinese authorities at various levels continue to maintain their position that, on account of last years announcement by ministry of foreign affairs of the Peoples Republic of China to suspend temporarily the entry of foreigners holding valid Chinese visa and residence permits following the outbreak Covid-19 in many countries, the visa suspension on foreigners stays until further notice,.

Students have raised their fears over their future, commenting that along with theory portions, practical sessions are also being conducted online. In their statements, students wish to leave the universities and pursue their education elsewhere, however, the National Medical Commission of India (NMC) regulations states that the students must finish their course at the institution they enrolled in.

Data from UNESCO from 2018 and 2019 revealed that, with 500,000 international students applying for higher education in China, the country ranked third after the US and UK, with regards to the number of international students.

Also Read: 50% of International Students Support Universities' Requirement for Vaccinations of All Students

Media sources state that official data from 2018 revealed that 23,000 Indian students had enrolled in different programmes in Chinese Universities. This meant that Indians were among the fourth largest international student cohort in China, after South Koreans, Thais and Pakistanis.

Students, in their statements, further claimed that many students were scheduled to reach the host countries before the April term commenced. Some of the students have been forced to leave their jobs, apartments and belongings in the host countries as well. With the current circumstances, they added, the countries should allow essential travel with proper care and quarantine measures in place. The countries should allow the students to pursue their education alongside their batchmates in the host country.

You can share this post!

Admission Open 2024

Related Articles

Aug 18, 2023 04:28 PM IST

How to Apply for Masters in USA?

Aug 03, 2023 01:18 PM IST

Documents Required for TOEFL

Our Study Abroad Offerings

Related Articles

Related Institutes

Planning to study abroad?

Interested in Studying Overseas?

Connect with us and kickstart your learning journey for a rewarding experience!

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekhoAbroad Terms of Use & Privacy Policy.