Study in the United Kingdom: COVID-19 Update

The Novel Coronavirus outbreak is an unprecedented situation. Like other institutes around the world, it has raised many challenges in front of UK universities and colleges and students. UK government, educational institutions, and other responsible bodies are monitoring the situation closely and issuing guidelines for international students in the UK. As a matter of fact, to empathize with international students, the Minister of State for Universities, Michelle Donelan MP, wrote a letter to international students in which he reassured them that the Government is taking appropriate steps to keep them safe and lessen the effect of the Novel Coronavirus.

The UK institutions started delivering classes online

The UK government has ordered all schools, colleges, and universities across the country to close until further notice. Many institutions have started delivering classes online to minimize the effect of the current circumstances on the education of their students.

The Current Students can continue studies through distance learning

The government has advised the students that they should now not travel back to their countries. However, if the students return to their homes and wish to continue their studies through distance learning, they will be able to keep their Tier 4. But they will have to adhere to the restrictions and reporting requirements.

Student Visa extended to 31 May

The UK government has further stated that student or staff visas shall be extended to 31 May 2020 if an individual cannot leave because of travel restrictions or self-isolation.

The Students living in a hall of residence should be allowed

Further, the Government has also issued guidance stating that students living in a hall of residence should be allowed to stay there. It has been stated by the Government that

“It is important that institutions operate a ‘non-eviction’ policy so that no student is required to leave halls if their contract is up, if their rental agreement does not cover holiday periods or if they are unable to pay their rent. This applies whether students are self-isolating or not, and is particularly important in the case of international students, care leavers, and estranged students.”

Tier 4 applicants can start studies

The UK government has also issued an advisory for UK visa applicants and temporary UK residents in which it is stated that students who have applied under a tier 4 visa and are waiting for a decision on their applications can start their studies before their visa applications have been decided, provided 

• your sponsor is a Tier 4 sponsor
• you have a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS)
• The course you start is the same as the one listed on your CAS
• you have a valid visa
• you have a valid Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if required

The Government has also advised the students to stop their studies if their applications are rejected. For more information on this matter, students are advised to contact their institutions to which they have applied.

Pyramid eServices always believes in providing the most authentic and up to date information to our students. however, Covid-19 is a rapidly evolving situation due to which advice from institutions, and the UK government is being updated frequently. Therefore, it is recommended to you contact our UK visa experts for the latest update. You can contact us at 92563-92563.