63 Accepted

During our inquiry we heard how the covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected university students.

Conclusion
During our inquiry we heard how the covid-19 pandemic has negatively affected university students. They spent most of 2020 and the first months of 2021 working remotely, with universities only permitted to have 5% of their total students on campus for face-to-face teaching, and many have experienced financial hardship, accommodation and wellbeing issues.147 A NUS Scotland survey of 653 Scottish students published on 14 January 2021 found that: 73% of students are concerned about managing financially during the pandemic, 64% of students say covid-19 has had some impact on their income and 14% of students have used food banks.148
Government Response Summary
The government describes a series of concessions introduced to support the education sector and international students during COVID-19, including enabling distance learning and ensuring COVID-related absences do not count against students.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government Accepted
We have also introduced a series of concessions to support the education sector and international students across the UK during Covid-19, providing certainty to students and the sector by enabling distance and blended learning for international students until April next year; ensuring that Covid-related absences will not count against students; and ensuring reporting and compliance assessment requirements do not place unnecessary burden on sponsors whose students defer their studies, or withdraw from a course, as a result of the pandemic.
Addressee Bodies
Scotland Office
Timeline
Recommendation age 5.2 yrs
Report published 28 May 2021