QS-报告：新冠病毒与高等教育的未来（英文）-2020.8-31页_3mb

Summary of "The Coronavirus: Crisis and the Future of Higher Education"

Core Content

This report, published by QS in August 2020, analyzes the impact of the coronavirus crisis on the global higher education sector, focusing on the responses of prospective international students and university professionals. It outlines how institutions and students have adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic and what the future might look like for higher education.

Main Findings

Prospective International Students

• Adaptation to the Crisis: As of August 2020, 61% of prospective international students stated that their plans to study abroad had been affected by the coronavirus.
• Study Plan Changes: The majority of students either plan to delay their studies or switch to a different country. Interest in studying overseas in 2020 has declined, while interest in 2021 has increased.
• Online Learning: Interest in online degrees has gradually increased from 42% in March to 36% in August. Many students are open to starting their studies online but expect tuition fee discounts.
• Expected Discount: 79% of students believe tuition fees should be discounted for online learning, with the majority expecting a discount between 21-50%.
• Preference for On-Campus Education: There is a growing interest in on-campus learning, as evidenced by the increase in the proportion of students wanting larger lecture rooms to minimize contact.
• Information Requests: Students are seeking more information from universities on topics such as changes to course structure, entrance exam dates, and English language test requirements.
• Preferred Communication Frequency: 25% of students want daily updates, and 30% prefer updates a few times a week, indicating a high demand for frequent communication.
• Preferred Communication Mode: Email is the most preferred mode of communication (81%), followed by WhatsApp (36%) and SMS (24%).

Universities and Higher Education Professionals

• Adaptation Measures: Universities have implemented a range of measures to adapt to the crisis, including switching courses online, changing application and offer deadlines, and introducing social distancing protocols.
• Blended Learning Approach: Most universities (35%) expect teaching to be mostly online with some face-to-face sessions, while 32% anticipate an equal split between online and on-campus learning.
• Campus Reopening Expectations: 29% of institutions expect their main campus to be reopened in September 2020, while 22% anticipate a reopening in January 2021.
• On-Campus Measures: The top measures implemented include ensuring social distancing (86%), installing hand-gel stations (82%), and placing signs for minimum distance (70%). Only 43% of institutions provide PPE, and a third do not require face masks.
• International Recruitment Challenges: 72% of universities expect a decrease in international student applications due to travel restrictions and fears of international travel.
• Reasons for Decrease: The main reasons cited are the inability to travel (73%), fear of travel (72%), and deferral of studies (67%).
• Preference for Countries with Better Handling of the Crisis: 55% of students reconsidered their study destinations based on how different governments managed the coronavirus. New Zealand, China, Germany, and South Korea were the most preferred, with the US and UK being the least.
• Diversification of Recruitment Sources: 49% of universities are looking to diversify their recruitment sources, and 20% are still considering options.
• Language Test Flexibility: 21% of universities plan to admit students without completed language tests, while 42% will not, and 21% are still considering it.
• Fee Discounts Consideration: 19% of universities are considering fee discounts for students starting online, 33% are unsure, and 48% are not considering it.

Key Insights

• Flexibility and Innovation: Universities are demonstrating flexibility and innovation in adapting to the new normal, with a growing emphasis on blended learning models.
• Student Confidence: Despite the challenges, there remains strong interest in studying abroad, suggesting that universities should continue to promote their offerings for the 2020 and 2021 academic years.
• Communication Needs: Prospective students value frequent and clear communication from universities, especially regarding the impact of the coronavirus on their studies.
• Policy and Government Action: Universities are calling for swift government action on visa policies and travel corridors to attract international students.
• Environmental Commitment: QS has committed to sustainability, becoming a CarbonNeutral® Company in 2019 through efficiency initiatives and carbon offset projects.

Conclusion

The coronavirus crisis has significantly impacted the global higher education sector, with both prospective students and universities adjusting their strategies and expectations. QS continues to monitor these changes through ongoing surveys and is committed to supporting the sector with innovative solutions and insights. The report emphasizes the need for transparency, communication, and flexibility as universities navigate the new educational landscape.