Will COVID-19 boost ‘study in India’ and will ‘study abroad’ take a backseat?

Several students' study abroad plans have either been shattered or delayed due to lockdown restrictions imposed in various countries across the globe leading to suspension of classes and visa processes due to the COVID-19 situation.

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted decision of over 48 per cent Indian students who wanted to study abroad, according to a report by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), which comes out with coveted global ranking for educational institutions . Each year plenty of Indian students went abroad for studies and many come to India but in current scenario this trend seems to break . As countries across globe has restricted international travel student wont be able to cross the border , as a result students over here will be looking forward-to take admissions in their own native country as a result cut off percentage will increase.

Each year there are hundreds and thousands of students shifting to foreign for studies and if they decide to stay here the no. Of sheets will decrease and admission process will become difficult . Raising concern for both parents and students.

But also to see positive side , many students would be looking forward to take a year gap or move to covid free countries .There is a surge in interest to study in countries like New Zealand which has successfully fought Covid-19. International students in New Zealand were also taken care of during the crisis. While there might be a section that would prefer to drop dreams of studying abroad, for the others who are well aware of the advantages of overseas education, waiting for normalcy to return is the way to go.

Many student will reside in India but it doesn't mean a complete shut in foreign education. Some student can still dream of foreign universities by keeping few points in mind.

 1. Check their country’s current status report
2. Check for the changes in admission procedures
3. Check for changes in their immigration policy


According to career consultants, there is a definite fear in the minds of parents in sending their wards abroad for studies. For the overcautious, this can extend to fear in sending their children to study in universities in other states. And, career consultants are feeling the heat. “For students aspiring to pursue graduation in foreign universities, the cancellation of international flights has become an issue. Taking this into consideration, many universities have postponed the start of various programmes and courses by a couple of months. Other qualifications tests like IELTS are now being taken online. But fear has dampened the interest of many prospective students.

Keep your dreams alive but safety is also a major concern. Student could keep Indian universities for a backup plan and apply for foreign ones keeping all the precautions in mind.