Studying abroad involves meticulous planning to ensure that all the required processes are in sync and run smoothly. While universities usually open in the month of September, planning generally begins almost a year prior in preparation for standardised tests like SAT, GRE and GMAT. However at present, owing to the coronavirus pandemic, the planning that goes into organising these processes and timelines has been thrown off the gear. So in the current scenario, here’s what students who are hoping to study abroad should keep in mind.

• Ensure the availability of finances:

Many students who plan on studying abroad make use of student loan facilities. If this was your plan, re-evaluate the financial position of your guarantor – which in most cases are your parents. As the pandemic has brought with it pay cuts and job loss, many people’s financial positions have also been affected. Even if you had planned on paying for your own education or taking the money from your parents, it is imperative that you ensure that adequate funds are available before moving forward with your decision. Look out for scholarships or financial aid that you may be eligible for as this will reduce the financial burden considerably. Finally check for the availability of the course you want in reputed universities across countries as currency exchange rates can significantly affect the cost of your education.

• Weigh the pros and cons:

Assess the return on investment if you go ahead with the decision to study outside the country. If you plan on returning to India, your salary may not be sufficient to repay your loan. Apart from this, as COVID-19 has shaken the world economy, finding a job outside the country may be difficult. As most campuses remain closed, it’s likely that a part of your course will be taught online. In that case, ask yourself if it makes sense to spend big money to only attend online classes.

• Contact universities directly:

A lot of universities are waiving application fees, and relaxing the requirement of standardised test scores. Apart from this, admission timelines and start dates are also undergoing change. In that case, reach out to the universities you want to apply to directly and find out what their expected protocols are. Apart from this, if you have already received admission but your financial position has changed or you are facing visa issues, it is imperative that you inform the university as soon as possible. They will be able to guide you through what you need to do. 

• Think about a backup plan:

If there are too many risks and variables associated with you pursuing your education abroad, you may want to defer your plans till the scenario changes. Many universities allow you to defer your admission by a year, some longer. However, if you haven’t gotten an admission letter yet, you may want to think about how you can use the time you have presently, or look for local options that you can pursue. If you decide to take the year off, consider applying for a job or internship that is relevant to the field you want to study in. This will definitely enhance your subsequent application.

Economic changes brought upon by the coronavirus pandemic have significantly affected students’ hopes to study abroad. So to salvage your dreams attending a foreign university ensure that you evaluate all factors like financial setbacks to visa constraints, before going ahead with your decision.