As the world starts to reopen once again after the second wave of COVID-19, a move made by the United Kingdom and the UK universities will once again make the country a perfect destination for Indian students to start their higher education journey.
According toNDTV, a total of 3,200 Indian students have been accepted by UK universities and the higher education courses via the centralised application system of the UK for 2021. This increase indicates a rise of 19% compared to the previous year. The acceptance rate was revealed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) on 10th August, days after India was moved off the Red List to Amber List on the COVID-19 travel ban.
The high acceptance rate will directly affect the plans of every Indian student aspiring to travel and study in the UK, as they would no longer be required by law to quarantine in a government-managed facility for a duration of 10 days, which increases the costs students have to bear considerably.
Since India has been moved on to the Amber List, all Indian students travelling to the UK will now be mandated to quarantine for a period of 10 days in a destination of their choices, such as a friend or family home address or their university accommodation.
Vivienne Stern, the Director of Universities UK International welcomed the news and highlighted that students are advised to keep themselves updated with their universities on the latest COVID-19 precautionary measures for those arriving from amber list countries.
She further congratulated and offered her gratitude towards students who continued to stick with their UK universities through such difficult times. On 8t August this year, India was transferred from the Red List to the Amber List, which allows travellers from the country who are required to follow strict quarantine and COVID-19 safety measures.
As per the Amber List regulations, all vaccinated travellers are required to fill in the compulsory passenger locator form, mentioning the address for their mandatory 10-day quarantine stay. Additionally, Amber List travellers are required to bring a negative COVID-19 test, along with taking a COVID-19 Test on Day 2 and Day 8 of their quarantine.
Also Read: Many Countries Easing Travel Restrictions for Indian Students: Centre
As per the provisions provided by England for international students, international travellers on quarantine can pay for a test on Day 5, which if found negative will allow students to come out of their quarantine early.
Happy and welcoming the news, Kerry Law, Chief Marketing & Engagement Officer, University of Leicester, revealed that in a bid to help students have a great experience, the university, home to a large Indian population, have extended their welcome by one week while also having developed online transition support for the incoming students.
In the recent past, the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) had been highlighting the plight of Indian students bearing the burden of compulsory hotel quarantine costs, which amounted to around 1,750 pounds for travellers under the Red List.
Also Read: 30% Rise in Undergraduate Applications from Indian Students to Study at UK Universities: UCAS
Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, had set aside Rs 10 crores in order to assist Indian students travelling with a COVISHIELD vaccination certificate, which is currently not accepted by the UK, even though the Astr/Zenecas Vaxzevria has been approved. As students would still have to face additional expenses, he took the initiative to help aspiring international students.
The UK has become one of the top choices for international students, especially Indians because of its proposition. UK offers Indian students a world-class education, great post-study work opportunities and with the help of NISAU, a home away from home, commented Sanam Arora, NISAU UK Chairperson.
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