Investing in education at this time is a means of readying oneself for a competitive job market, writes Vibha Kagzi

The air of uncertainty for students aspiring to study abroad has not lifted in the post-pandemic world. If anything, changes in student visa regulations across countries have created further confusion.

Standardised test waivers
As travel restrictions were lifted, a jump in college applications occurred alongside countries and universities making the process easier and more attractive. One such change was the waiver of standardised tests. While schools still accepted SAT and GRE scores, they were more than willing to consider applications without them. After all, access to exam centres and resources was interrupted. However, this also meant that if a student had an average score in pre-board exams, those would be the basis on which their application would be considered.

Relaxed rules
Visa rules were also relaxed wherein the UK offered post-study visas with which students could continue their stay in the country for two years after completing their degree. Healthcare workers were made eligible for a 12-month health and care visa. Countries like the US and Australia dropped in-person visa interviews in favour of telephonic ones.

Fee reduction
Online and hybrid courses at a reduced fee were considered the optimal solution to ensure that students could still access universities’ courses. These efforts were tied in with mental health support and a student-friendly approach.

Students turned to education consultancies to navigate these changes and secure their college admissions. Education consultancies ensure that their information and guidance are in line with the latest norms and requirements of destination countries.

Many students start working with consultancies as early as 3-4 years in advance. When an event as unprecedented as the pandemic upends all this planning, they must be quick to respond and re-evaluate a students’ application trajectory while ensuring that there is no loss of progress. This means putting in place contingencies and a solid plan that sustains external shocks. For this reason, many companies have been working despite and through the pandemic to secure students’ study abroad goals. They have been tapping into their network of alumni and admissions officers for webinars or talks.

Overall, despite changing rules, studying abroad remains a crucial goal for students. Investing in education at this time is a means of readying oneself for a competitive job market and getting a leg up in the same. As uncertainty gives way to clarity, applications from international students will continue to grow. And with that comes the exposure and confidence to succeed on the global stage.

(The author is founder & chief education officer, ReachIvy.com)