London/India: The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns across the globe have brought large-scale transformations to the education landscape. Leading international education provider Study Group has highlighted these shifting trends in the global higher education market in its latest research. The white paper reveals that students’ desire to study overseas on-campus remains strong, with 92% of prospective international students willing to quarantine rather than deferring their academic programme. Study Group has also announced the launch of new initiatives in response to the evolving needs of its partner universities and students.
According to the research, traditional destinations like the UK and the US will continue to be the most preferred choice for international students on the back of political changes. Interestingly, students from China and South Korea are more likely to study for an international qualification at a campus in their own country in the current climate in the short-term.
When it comes to the mode of learning, students are gravitating towards flexible learning models, which bring the benefits of both virtual and face-to-face learning. In fact, 67% of students are likely to consider blended and digital modes of delivery, whereas 70% expect delivery to be at least half online in the future.
In line with such changing demands, Study Group has launched a Remote Learning Centre in Shanghai, China to allow students to study their programme online in an on-campus learning environment. Additionally, it has introduced new online programmes to support learners as they prepare to study overseas. Developed with an education-first digital pedagogy approach, these courses are designed to sustain attainment, progression and student satisfaction virtually.
Commenting on the findings of the research, Manoj Shetty, Chief Revenue Officer at Study Group, said, “The whole education sector responded rapidly to the pandemic, moving to remote learning everywhere from K-12 to workforce training. This has accelerated the move to a more digital education landscape and prompted a greater acceptance of this change.
We have introduced new online programmes to support our learners, including: Prepare for Success and specialist courses in Academic English Skills. These courses were created with an education-first digital pedagogy approach and are designed to sustain attainment, progression and student satisfaction virtually.”
The research report further reveals that the pandemic has necessitated the need for education providers who can support the lifelong learning of students. Moreover, there is now increased demand for international courses offering greater employability opportunities.