Students aspiring to study abroad are in quest of targeting multiple universities in different countries that serve their courses and programs of interest. Amidst the visa rules changes, visa decision delays, and ever-expanding expenses taking a toll on students’ decisions to study overseas, they are forced to diversify their options.
As cited in a survey by INTO University Partnerships and reported by Business Standards, around 213 education counselors in India were taken into consideration for the survey. 93% of the total noticed that students are targeting more universities than before and 91% claimed that students are also preferring to apply in more than one destination. Not to mention, the reports added that students even consulted multiple agents to secure their seats in their dream international schools, making hedging bets a new trend in the global education system.
What causes the occurrence?
As noted by INTO, “There are some strong incentives for students to [submit so many applications] at present. In some countries limited availability of visa appointments, or large delays to visa decisions, coupled with lack of clarity about evolving landscape, increase the reasons for needing a good back-up plan should their preferred destination become less desirable, or accessible.”
Additionally, below are the challenges faced by Indian students in securing their seats-
- Limited Visa Appointments
Destinations are holding back unlimited visa appointments. As a result, students are left with adequate to few visa appointments, ultimately troubling them in a smooth application process and further delaying their study plans.
- Delayed Decisions
Students might get visa interview appointments on request. However, after the interview, they ought to face challenges in receiving final decisions. Subsequently, students face disruption in their study plans and have insecurity regarding their academic journey.
- Evolving Academic Landscape
Ever-evolving policies, prices, rules, and regulations in the academic landscape are a few of the important reasons for students to rethink their education goals abroad. This makes it strenuous for them to stay informed, updated with documents, and adapt their plans accordingly.
- Backup Plans
As a result of constant changes, delays, and limitations in visa appointments, the students feel uncertain about picking one destination and one university. Therefore, they ponder upon multiple applications through different agencies and consultants, targeting quite a few universities and destinations than before.
- Rising educational costs
Not to forget about a major concern which is continuously rising international education costs. 90% of the agents in the survey agreed that affordability is one of the key influencers of study overseas decisions. That being the case, a good count of international student quota is shifting to countries like Germany and Ireland for their study plans. These are the countries believed to cost lower tuition fees and living expenses when compared to the big four.
Strategies to stay ahead of the curve!
- Be a part of early bird applications
Why wait for situations to go unfavorable when you can start early? Request your application before time so you can easily secure your position for a visa appointment. As soon as you begin the journey, it becomes graspable as to where you stand right now and what should be your next move.
- Keep abreast of the updates and news
Whenever there are changes in any rules, regulations, fees, etc., make sure to keep yourself updated through different sources of information like official university websites, and news sections, and stay connected with leading education consultants in the industry like Learner Aid, KC Overseas, SI-UK, GeeBee, etc.
- Flexibility to adapt to what comes your way
Students are recommended to stay open to accept the changes, mold their career choices accordingly, and always stay a go-getter for their educational goals. Have the flexibility to go for the destinations and institutions that can give them a smooth experience and clear all the stumbling blocks coming their way.
Summarizing the whole scenario
As the situation continues to change in the international education scenario, students ought to put their first feet in proactive planning, years before they are eligible. This will help them build a good extracurricular portfolio that will have a great impact when going for visa and university interviews.
They should be open to considering university options that do not just offer them quality education but also under budget-friendly tuition fees and living costs, so they and their families never run out of finances.
