Survey reveals that post-COVID, Indian students prefer hybrid models for studying abroad. Choosing to study abroad presents an excellent avenue of growth in terms of academia and culture. Students get a chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, explore the world, broaden their horizons, and gain skills in order to be employment-ready.

Obviously, much of the concept of overseas education has been reimagined due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Over the last 2 years, the pandemic has caused huge disruptions in various sectors, ravaging country after country.

And the one sphere that witnessed and, in many ways, continues to witness its worst onslaught is international education. Covid-19 has affected the plans of everybody, particularly international students.

Students who wanted to venture out for higher studies abroad had to change how they would normally go about it.

Hybrid-model for studying abroad due to Covid-19

According to a new survey, Indian students who wish to study abroad are willing to opt for hybrid programs (part online-part offline degrees) in order to cut down on expenses in the post-pandemic world.

Conducted by a tech-enabled international education platform, ‘The World Grad’, the survey revealed that 72% of the students want this type of model without having to compromise on education quality.

This proportion is a significant rise from 55% just a few months back.

Impact of Covid-19 on study-abroad plans

The survey involved more than 4,000 students and found that 66.8% agreed that the newest wave of the Coronavirus pandemic is a major contributing factor in their change of plans pertaining to studying abroad.

In many cases, parents were not comfortable with their children moving abroad right now owing to safety concerns.

Not surprisingly, the handling of the pandemic by destination countries was the 3rd most important criterion when choosing a country for studies, the survey remarked further.

Top destinations for overseas education post-Covid

The United States (41%) was the most popular international educational destination amongst Indian students, followed by Canada (21%), Australia (18%), and the United Kingdom (17%).

A significant change in trend is being witnessed in favor of two countries, the US and Australia. Both these countries had fallen out of favor among international students a few months back.

Limited understanding of guidelines pertaining to international education

The survey also found that at least 58% of the students had a very limited understanding of things like visa guidelines pertaining to overseas studies.

This asymmetry is due to the fact that countries had to change their policies time and again during the pandemic.

Therefore, it is important now more than ever to look for professional aid when it comes to guidance and counseling in these matters. By doing so, individuals could make informed decisions that will help shape their careers the way they imagine when you follow the hybrid models for studying abroad.

Bottom Line

According to UN Population prospects, India has the largest population of young adults (aged 18 – 23) in the world. The massive number means more competition, and given the quality of education in some countries, it’s no surprise the survey got the results it did.