COVID-19 Updates from UK Universities

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 5 Frequently Asked Questions © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 2

3. Support for International Students © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 3

4. Points to Ponder 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. Student Vaccine Priority 01 02 Vaccine Rollout Plans 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. © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 4

5. Points to Ponder 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. Blended Learning Modes 01 02 In-Person Teaching Classes A form of hybrid (mixed) learning is currently taking place at UK universities. This includes digital seminars through Skype, Zoom etc. lectures and © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 5

6. Updates from UK Universities © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 6

7. COVID-19 UPDATES FROM UK UNIVERSITIES University of Edinburgh University of Manchester • 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 • 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 © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 7

8. COVID-19 UPDATES FROM UK UNIVERSITIES University of Bristol University of Warwick • 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 • 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 © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 8

9. Updates on UK Student Visa © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 9

10. UK Student Visa Updates (for those who have applied and waiting for decision) You can start your course or studies before your visa application has been decided if: “ • 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 If your application is eventually rejected as invalid or refused you must stop your course or studies. Source: UK Government Website © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 10

11. Healthcare & Wellbeing © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 11

12. ENSURING YOUR HEALTH The 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. UK government has issued detailed guidelines for Government Guidance 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 © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 12

13. Frequently Asked Questions © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 13

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. COVID-19 FAQs Answered © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 14

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. COVID-19 FAQs Answered © AH&Z Associates Ltd. 2021 15

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