Pathway providers have announced plans to provide flexibility and confidence in a bid to reassure international students who may have concerns about future study intentions.
Study Group has introduced a 21-day money back satisfaction offer and an amended visa refund policy, while Oxford International Education Group has announced combined face to face and online learning courses and flexible start dates to support students.
“We also want to reassure any students who may have reservations that they can begin their studies without risk”
“We’ve listened to what our education consultants have told us and conducted an internal applicant survey to create three options for study that support the different types of students who have expressed interested in joining us in the autumn,” said Lil Bremermann-Richard, CEO of Oxford International Education Group.
Start dates in September, October, November and January and face to face, online and blended learning modalities “will enable students to continue to meet their academic goals for the future, despite the disruption that Covid-19 has produced”, Bremermann-Richard added.
“We believe this is the most flexible model for international students in the sector,” she noted.
Students studying online with Study Group’s International Study Centres and Bellerbys Colleges will be eligible for the money back satisfaction offer, in a move that the company says signals confidence of its provision.
“Study Group is confident of our ability to deliver high-quality learning to international students who start their program online – a position which has been strengthened by our acquisition of expert education technology company Insendi,” said Emma Lancaster, Study Group CEO.
Those not fully satisfied with their online learning experience will have the option to defer or withdraw entirely at no extra cost, the company said.
Refunds are conditional on students having an online attendance level of 80% or more.
“Our early feedback shows strong satisfaction with the teaching and support we are providing even at this difficult moment, however, we also want to reassure any students who may have reservations that they can begin their studies without risk,” Lancaster added.
“Having listened carefully to the concerns of international students at this very challenging time, we believe that this 21-day money back satisfaction offer along with the visa refund will provide the necessary assurances to international students hoping to start their academic journey in the UK this year.”
Until now more than 1,300 students have signed up to Study Group’s online preparation program including English language practice, learning tips and early interaction with peers and tutors, prior to commencing their studies at the Virtual Study Centre.
