75% of students intend to start their overseas study programme in 2021

Study Group shares insights from its latest white paper on International student recruitment trends in global Higher Education

The in-depth report identifies students’ and parents’ concerns about studying overseas and the impact of COVID-19 on the study choices, along with their perceptions of online learning in the immediate and longer-term future
Key Findings:
Out of the 3000 students surveyed, 43% prefer traditional, face-to-face study experience while 31% prefer online learning and 26% prefer blended learning
In terms of online learning experience during the pandemic, 86% of students were able to stay engaged, 85% enjoyed their course induction programme and 88% were satisfied with the course content
75% of students intend to start their overseas study programme in 2021; 83% are Indian and Nepalese high school students who are optimistic about higher education abroad
Australia, New Zealand and Canada are the most preferred destinations

Study Group, a

global education provider that prepares international students for university degree programmes and offers English language courses, conducted a broad range of global and local market research, insight and data analysis initiatives during the pandemic on International student recruitment trends in global Higher Education. By understanding the students’ and parents’ main concerns about studying overseas and the impact of COVID-19 on their study choices through the research, the education provider aims to stay prepared for the post-pandemic world.
To get the latest insights, Study Group surveyed 3000 students. In terms of analysing their preferences on the on-campus and online form of education, 43% of the respondents showed their inclination towards a traditional, face-to-face study experience, on a university campus abroad. Meanwhile, 31% chose online learning and 26% were up for blended learning.
Despite the pandemic restricting international mobility, many students started the new academic year on-campus and online at their chosen university. According to Study Group’s survey, the students were overall positive about their overseas learning experiences so far. 86% of students said that they were able to stay engaged, 85% enjoyed their course induction programme and 88% were satisfied with the course content. However, there is lingering doubt around the online learning being delivered in place of face-to-face teaching.
The reports suggest that the enthusiasm towards international study has not subsided due to the pandemic. Students from across the globe have just been delaying or deferring their plans, to start their programme in 2021. 75% of prospective students intended to start their overseas study programme in 2021. One out of every five applicants who rejected a Study Group offer in H2 2020, are planning to reapply in near future. In fact, the survey identified that students are driven more by the ‘pull’ factors or the appeal of key destinations, rather than ‘push’ factors at home that prompt them to seek opportunities overseas. Additionally, a report from UKVI stated that only 5% of students are considering cancelling their study abroad plans to study in their home country instead. However, the preference of study destinations is changing with a shift in market share anticipated in the coming years where Australia, New Zealand and Canada are predicted to witness a surge.
Sharing his views on the insights generated from the survey, Manoj Shetty, Chief Revenue Officer, Study Group said, “Everyone has been trying to overcome the challenge presented by the pandemic to support current and potential international students to achieve their education goals. From recruiters running virtual study-abroad fairs to governments providing additional funding and countries re-opening to students, we’re all working hard to ensure that students are able to access the education they deserve. While we do acknowledge their concern about online learning as a compromise on quality education, it is just a temporary solution. With vaccines being rolled out around the world, we are foreseeing a brighter, post-pandemic future where we can continue supporting the students to achieve their overseas education goals with high-quality opportunities.”