Indian students see record entries to UK universities as travel rules ease up

There is an increase of 19 per cent in Indian students accepted in UK universities and higher education courses compare to the previous year. 3,200 students from India have been accepted through the country’s centralised application system 2021 which is a record number. 

Previously, on Sunday, 4 am local time,  India was upgraded to the Amber list for covid 19 travel. Days after that, on Tuesday, The universities and colleges Admission Service has released the figure. This up-gradation will be in favour of Indian students planning to pursue their courses from the UK as they do not need to spend on hotel quarantine costs but they can quarantine themselves for 10 days at their chosen place. The 

Director of Universities UK International, Vivienne Stern stated,” We know India being moved from the Red to Amber list will be a significant and welcome move for those Indian students due to travel to the UK soon. Those students should stay in touch with their university and be aware of the latest procedure for amber list arrivals to ensure a smooth arrival.”, She added, “UK universities are preparing to give a warm welcome to Indian students this autumn. Students have shown a great amount of patience and resilience in sticking with their plans to study overseas and we look forward to welcoming them and welcoming them back, to our campuses and university communities,”

As India has upgraded to the Amber list, all the passengers should have a negative Covid-19 test report before arrival and also have to take Covid-19 tests on the 2nd and 8th day of quarantine. Students can also pay for a test on day 5 to end their quarantine early. When India was on the red list, students had to pay 1,700 pounds for compulsory hotel quarantine. Now they can stay in their chosen place.

Chief marketing and engagement officer at the University of Leicester, Kerry Law stated, ” The move to the Amber list is great news for our large number of Indian students and means that alongside no longer needing to quarantine they also won’t have any delays to arrival and can engage and adapt to life on campus”. She added, ” To ensure, we welcome the students and give them a great experience as we have extended our welcome by an additional week and have developed online transition support for all new starters”. 

On the other hand, NISAU UK chairperson Sanam Arora said,” We are absolutely thrilled to see the number of Indian students accepted onto courses via UCAS go up by nearly fifth as part of overall significant increase in the number choosing to come to the UK to study“, she added, ” The UK now offers a wonderful proposition for Indian students – world-class education, a great post-study work offer, and through NISAU a home away from home for Indian students, which I can proudly say in a distinct offering for Indians going abroad to study. “

In an addition, in July, the UK’s post-study or graduation route visa has launched which is giving chances to the students to stay two more years in the UK to gather work experience.