New QS research reveals prospective international students’ attitudes and priorities 6 months on from UK lockdown

The data published today (29 Sept), forms part of QS’ ongoing research into the impact of COVID-19 on global higher education, which began in February and highlights the changing dynamics the pandemic is having on the international student market.

The new research spoke to 1021 respondents interested in studying in the UK. It shows that restrictions on leaving and arriving in different countries have been the most impactful barrier on the ability of prospective international students to start their studies in 2020. Additionally, face-to-face teaching is the most important factor for prospective international students when considering if they feel comfortable traveling abroad to study.

The key findings include:

• Nearly a third (32%) of prospective international students said they had intended to begin their studies in 2020, while 84% of respondents who said they would like to start their studies in 2021 currently expect to do so.

• 31% of prospective international students expect life to return to ‘normal’ within 6 months and 28% expect life to return to ‘normal’ within 12 months, while 30% of respondents said they expect life to return to ‘normal’ in 1 to 2 years.

• Nearly half (45%) of prospective international students said they will only feel comfortable travelling overseas to study when campuses are open and face-to-face teaching has resumed. Furthermore, 43% of respondents said they would travel overseas to study once a vaccine is developed and available. 25% said they would be comfortable travelling to their destination country as soon as they were legally allowed to.

• Government restrictions on leaving their home countries impacted a third (33%) of prospective international students’ abilities to start their studies in 2020, while 30% of respondents said Government restrictions on entering their new countries had impacted their plans.

• Over three quarters (77%) of prospective international students believe that universities have been effective at supporting international students during the outbreak of COVID-19.

The research from QS comes after a challenging week for universities, as growing COVID-19 cases result in lockdowns being issued on campuses across the country.

Commenting on the findings, MD of QS Jessica Turner, said:

“As universities across the country begin the new academic year in very different circumstances to previous years, these insights play a vital role in helping universities understand prospective international students’ priorities and concerns during this challenging period for the sector.

“Our research highlights that the cessation of face-to-face teaching and government travel restrictions have both impacted prospective international students’ abilities and plans to study in the UK. The data also underlines the importance of universities continuing to effectively engage and support its community of prospective international students, with many of them currently planning to travel abroad and begin their studies in 2021.”