Affected by Coronavirus: what all international students and aspirants should know
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Coronavirus has left many study abroad aspirants in dilemma. This global pandemic has affected the study abroad students the most. Various colleges and universities around the world are canceling regular classes and asking students to leave campus. It is just a precaution to spread the virus further. You can learn everything about how Coronavirus affecting Study Abroad Students here. Universities like Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have asked students to vacate campus for the rest of the semester. Also, various universities The Ohio State University, the University of Washington and Princeton University have started giving online classes for a few weeks and suspended regular campus classes. International students and their parents are most worried at this time. They have serious concerns regarding their ongoing studies and what the future holds for them. In this article, we will address all the questions which might be concerning prospective international students, international students, and their parents.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: TOEFL Exam Alert
ETS, the conducting body for the TOEFL exam has launched the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition from April 2, 2020. Worldwide, candidates will be able to take the exam from home except in mainland China and Iran. Currently registration is open for dates from June 2020. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the equipment requirements set by the ETS for registration. The at-home testing solutions are similar to the one taken at the test center. Candidates will be able to view Reading and Listening scores at the end of the test.
ETS has postponed testing in India till April 11th-2020. ETS has also temporarily waived off rescheduling fees for all the test takers due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: GRE Exam Alert
ETS, the conducting body for the GRE exam has launched the GRE General Test Special Home Edition from April 2, 2020. Worldwide, candidates will be able to take the exam from home except in mainland China and Iran. Currently registration is open for dates from June 2020. However, candidates need to make sure that they meet the equipment requirements set by the ETS for registration. The at-home testing solutions are similar to the one taken at the test center. Candidates will be able to preview, skip questions, review and changes answers while giving the test at home.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
ETS has postponed testing in India till April 11th-2020. In addition to this, the April 4 GRE Subject Test administration has also been canceled worldwide. Candidates registered for this date will receive an email alert from the ETS. Also, candidates need not do anything right now. Subject Test administration dates for the 2020–21 testing year will be published by ETS in April 2020 and registration will open from July 1, 2020. ETS has also temporarily waived off rescheduling fees for all the test takers due to the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: GMAT Exam Alert
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, GMAC has to suspend test-center based GMAT exam for candidates, as worldwide various countries have put restrictions on the movement of citizens. On April-15th-2020, GMAC (Graduate Management Admission Council), administrator of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) announced the release of the GMAT Online exam. Know all about the GMAT Online Exam from registration to test dates to score reporting to retesting here.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: PTE Exam Alert
In order to control the Coronavirus outbreak, Pearson, conducting body for the PTE exam has suspended testing in various locations globally and restricted the number of test-takers in each session in various locations to ensure the safety of test-takers, test center administrators. In India, the testing facility has been reduced in different locations as there are restrictions on movement in various cities. Candidates are advised to contact their respective test centers to know the status of their exam before going for the test.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: IELTS Exam Alert
Currently, the IELTS administrators have suspended testing in Kottayam, Kerala, India. They have also advised test-takers not to attend an IELTS test if they have been in contact with anybody who has been exposed to novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or even if someone has a cough, fever or are showing signs of being short of breath. Test takers are advised to contact their IELTS administrators to discuss options for transferring the test to a later date or for refunds.
Coronavirus/Covid-19 affect: SAT Exam Alert
College Board has canceled the May SAT exams because of the Coronavirus outbreak. Makeup exams for March 14th-2020 which were scheduled for March 28th-2020 have also been canceled. Students who had previously registered for the SAT Exam will receive refunds from the College Board. The College Board will provide future SAT testing opportunities as soon as it is feasible to arrange for the exams. Also, it has not canceled the exam scheduled for June 6th-2020. In the coming days, the College Board will share additional information and details regarding the SAT administration.
Note: We will update this page as we receive more information about the major study abroad exams.
Updates related to universities
United States
Due to COVID-19, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement department has permitted US Universities to electronically send Forms I-20 to students on their email addresses listed on SEVIS. For minor students, the email address may belong to their parent or a legal guardian.
Considering the Coronavirus pandemic, SEVP has lifted the restriction on mailing physical Form I-20s and is allowing schools to email I-20s directly to the students temporarily. The emailed Form I-20 will now be considered official for the purpose of applying for the visa by the US embassy. It also means, currently, students need not pay shipping fees until further notice.
| University |
Announcement |
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| The university has made SAT and ACT requirements optional for this year’s applicants | |
| Students who have been admitted may defer their admission offer for any future term up to 1 year to allow for time for VISA processing and travel restrictions to open again | |
| Santa Clara University ( Leavey School of Business) |
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| The university is accepting applications for Fall 2020 as usual | |
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| UMBC applicants who have got admission for Fall 2020 and who are worried about their next move because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world can listen to Michelle Massey, Associate Director, International Education Services at UMBC reach out to students on what to do next, here. |
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| Extended the international merit scholarship deadline to June 1 |
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| Accepting applications for Fall 2020 semester, however, it will not start until early September |
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| Accepting Duolingo English Test scores for international students in place of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE English language proficiency exams who have taken the exam between February 3 and July 31, 2020 |
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| Accepting Duolingo English Test scores for international students in place of IELTS, TOEFL and PTE English language proficiency exams who have taken the exam between February 3 and July 31, 2020 |
Canada
| University |
Announcement |
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| The university is processing confirmation letters. Students can get complete info here |
United Kingdom
| University |
Announcement |
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| Currently, plans for the September in-take continue as planned |
Ireland
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Announcement |
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Course that require reference:
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Australia
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Announcement |
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Will students be refunded for the expenses?
As various universities have asked students to move out of the hostels for the rest of the semester, however, students have already deposited fees for this semester. Some schools are adjusting the fee for the remaining year. Like room and board costs at Harvard will be pro-rated for the remaining year for the students leaving their campus and vacating the house. It will also reimburse those students who are receiving financial aid for their travel costs. Also, some schools have not decided about the refund process and about the fee adjustment, so, for students of those schools, it is best to wait and watch till they receive any communication from their university.
What students who are still on campus should do?
Many international students have nowhere to go as their universities have asked them to vacate the campus. In this case, students from countries that have put restrictions on travel (where the outbreak is worse) are suffering the most. Some colleges are still offering rooms to students who have no place to go. Also, various schools are offering dining facilities to their students. Like, Rutgers University has opened the dining facility for students who can't leave campus. Universities are also limiting the facilities like activities etc. on campus, so, students should have minimum exposure. Read: International Students left in confusion as universities shut campuses
Will online classes affect the students’ and aspirants' visa status in any way?
International students: Moving to online or remote learning has left many international students worrying. As students on an F-1 visa can have one online or distance learning class per semester. Also, students on M-1 visas and ESL students cannot count any remote classes for their degree score. However, the Student and Exchange Visitor Program that is run by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has said that it recognizes that these are special circumstances. Because of the pandemic, the program is allowing schools to hold temporarily lifting restrictions on holding distance learning, so, as of now, this won't affect the student visa status in any way.
Aspirants: As of March 16, the United States Embassy and Consulates in India are canceling routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments and will process immigrant 221gs. READ: Embassy of India Student Hub Advisory
While the uncertainty remains, the authorities and schools are trying to make sure that international students and study abroad applicants both can study in the US.
Study Abroad Aspirants
Prospective international students are also concerned about their applications and admission status, however, the schools are sensitive to their concerns and are preparing to address the issues concerning study abroad aspirants. Standardized admission tests are also being canceled worldwide. According to the College Board, the SAT exam scheduled for May has been canceled in many countries due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
ETS, the body that administers TOEFL and GRE tests have also postponed both the exams in various countries. Students are notified by the ETS whose exams are postponed. Apart from this, some universities have deferred fall admissions. Like, the University of Akron has deferred summer admissions to fall and are treating Fall 2020 admissions as normal.
Students should note that coming from a country where Coronavirus is present does not affect the students' perspectives on their admission in any way.
Related Reads
Q: Â Is Torrens University good for international students?
Torrens University Australia is one of the fastest growing universities in Australia. It offers a culturally vibrant and comfortable environment for international students. Each year thousands of international students from all over the world come to study at various courses of the university. currently, there are 3932 total students at Torrens University out of which 986 are international students.
Q: Â Is BSBI degree valid in Germany?
BSBI does not hold degree-awarding powers in Germany and its programmes are validated by private Italian distance learning institution UniNettuno International Telematic University. BSBI has also partnered with Concordia University Chicago to deliver programmes at its Berlin campus.
Q: Â What GPA is required for the University of South Dakota?
The University of South Dakota expects a GPA score of 2.5 from undergraduates and 3 from postgraduates on the 4-pointer scale. Along with the GPA scores, undergraduates must meet the basic eligibility and submit an ACT score of 21 or higher and an SAT score of 1070 or higher. In addition, they must submit the required documents, such as academic history, transcripts, letters of recommendation, English language scores, and more.
Q: Â What is the cost of a student visa in Germany?
International students going to pursue higher education in Germany are required to apply for a German study visa. The cost of study visa for Germany is EUR 75 per applicant. Below we have provided a check list for German student visa:
- Valid passport
- Application form
- Declaration for additional contact and legal representation information
- Copy of passport
- Proof of admittance to the study course
- Curriculum Vitae
- Proof of Financial Means
Q: Â How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Â Is it hard to get into Newcastle University Australia?
The University of Newcastle is amog the universities that does not publish official data on the acceptance rate. However, as per some unofficial sources, the University of Newcastle Australia acceptance rate is 80%. This makes Newcastle University Australia moderately selective in admissions. Please note that the data on acceptance rate given above is taken from an unofficial source, therefore, it is subject to vary.
Q: Â Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Â What GPA is needed to go to Ohio State?
There is no minimum GPA score for UG admission at Ohio State. However, International students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale or equivalent) for graduate admission. Applicants may submit a standardized test score (GRE or GMAT) if their cumulative GPA is below 3.0 for the last degree.
Syed Nazrul Hassan, an MA graduate in International Relations, is an adroit counselor who believes in the philosophy of putting himself in student's shoes in order to provide honest and sincere counseling services. ... Read Full Bio
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