International study must be flexible, digital and focused

International students are focused on employability and lifelong learning, according to new research from Study Group. The survey of 813 students across seven countries was conducted to determine the impact of the pandemic for the higher education market.

Alex Chevrolle, Study Group’s Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, said that four key themes had emerged from the research but the key was employability and lifelong learning becoming the benchmark requirements for education providers.

“Initiatives such as virtual internships and embedding transferrable skills into academic curriculum to help students seamlessly transition into skilled jobs following graduation will enable students to fill global skills gaps and access jobs for the future,” Chevrolle said.

Students study overseas for global exposure and an on-campus, in-country experience. This desire is still strong with increasing confidence in overseas travel to access higher education in markets with open borders and robust COVID-19 vaccination programs, according to Study Group.

“International students are seeking secure study options in the context of health, travel and financial uncertainty fast tracking digital transformation in education. There is an intra-regional student mobility trend in Asia with 92% of prospective international students far more willing to quarantine than defer their academic program,” Chevrolle said.

“With an increasing confidence to travel abroad to access higher education opportunities, the research points towards the international student recruitment market recovering.

“COVID-19 has accelerated a global digital transformation in the K–12 sector, creating a pipeline of digital native international students completely familiar and comfortable with online learning.

Chevrolle believes offering blended and online modes is essential.

“As global higher education institutions build their long-term international strategies, they will need to consider developing blended and online programs which are accessible, high-quality and meet student academic and wellbeing expectations. In a progressively virtual world these initiatives help learners to fulfil their academic potential during their studies and to access work opportunities post-graduation.

“The research found 67% of students were likely to consider blended or digital modes of learning while 70% expect at least half of the delivery of this learning to be online.

“As Australia adapts and prepares for what the changing education landscape will mean for universities, Study Group's research reinforces an optimistic outlook for Australia,” Chevrolle said.

“While Australia’s borders remain closed, proactive steps are being taken to maintain the region’s reputation for high-quality international education. The future of education will inevitably embrace flexible study, combining online learning or local study centres with blended, on-campus programs in the destination country,” he said.

The link to the full report can be found here.

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