Overseas education continues to be an attractive proposition to Indian students even during the current pandemic. Based on the quality of education and post-study work opportunities, Germany, Canada, the USA, the UK, Singapore and Australia remain highly favoured study-abroad destinations. Most of these countries have started accepting international students with varied levels of restrictions. Now you need to present a negative COVID-19 test result (taken within 72 hours before departure) to airlines before travelling to any of these destinations.
Here is a look at the latest updates regarding vaccine acceptance, flight plans, visa requirements and part-time employment options in each of these countries:
Germany
The first step is to apply for a National Visa, also known as D Visa, which is valid only for 3 months but allows you to enter Germany and apply for a residence permit. Though the permit is valid for 1 year, it can be renewed or extended according to the length of your course.
International students currently in Germany can look out for jobs like teaching assistants, tutors and lab assistants.
From September 19, 2021, Germany has reopened international flights from India. Covishield is the only Indian vaccine accepted in Germany and at least 14 days should have passed since the second dose at the time of departure.
Check out more here: https://india.diplo.de/in-en/vertretungen/-/2464164
The USA
Indian students who have gained admission to a recognised US university for a course starting on or after August 1, 2021, are allowed to travel to the country 30 days before the start of the course. The USA has been issuing a record number of student visas (F or M) for Indian students in the past few months.
Students on F1 visas are allowed to work only on campus in positions such as teaching assistant, campus tour guide and library monitor. Rules are strict and any job done illegally might lead to deportation.
Flights to the US are allowed from India. However, only Air India is currently operating direct flights between the two countries. As of now, proof of vaccination is not mandatory during departure or arrival in the USA, and vaccination rules depend on individual universities. From November onwards, the USA plans to make vaccination (including Covishield) mandatory for travellers to enter the country.
Check out more here: https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
Canada
To study in Canada, students need to apply for a study permit to enter the country. Once the permit is approved, they will receive a student visa. The jobs available in Canada for Indian students include those of customer service representatives, delivery persons, storekeepers and on-campus research assistants.
Direct flights from India to Canada have resumed since September 27, 2021. Students fully vaccinated with Covishield are exempt from quarantine on arrival.
Check out more here: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/india#flights
The UK
The UK is currently issuing visas to Indian students, who need to apply for a Tier-4 Visa to study there. The country has also taken India off its red list and so flights are currently operating from India to the UK and back. As per the latest update, Indians who have been fully vaccinated with Covishield or any other UK-approved vaccine need not quarantine after arriving in Britain from October 11 onwards.
The UK government recently introduced the graduate route visa, enabling students to stay back in the country and look for work after post-graduation for at least 2 years. International students having a Tier-4 visa are allowed to work during the course in different positions like delivery staff, cashier, clerk and library assistant.
Check out more here: https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/Studying–living-in-the-UK/Coronavirus-Covid-19-info-for-international-students
Australia
Australia is currently not allowing Indian students to travel to the continent, even though international flights have started operations. As a result, Indian students who secured admission to Australian universities this year are yet to get any definite joining dates. The Australian government has recently announced that it “looks forward to welcoming Indian students” after Covishield has been approved by its health authorities. In terms of employment prospects, international students in Australia get to work part-time on and off campus for jobs in sectors like retail and grocery stores, courier services, warehouses and cafes.
Check out more here: https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/travel-restrictions
Singapore
To study in Singapore, a Student’s Pass is needed for which you can apply after receiving an acceptance letter from any of the 34 universities in Singapore listed as an IHL (Institute of Higher Learning). Students can do only university-approved internships in Singapore related to their course. Singapore is presently accepting Indian students, but students need an additional approval through the SafeTravel Online Portal. They can enter Singapore only after obtaining permission from the immigration authorities and the Ministry of Education Singapore. They also need to submit a health declaration prior to travel and quarantine upon arrival.
Check out more here: https://safetravel.ica.gov.sg/arriving/overview
