Updated 17 February 2020

The below summary is taken from a survey by Beijing Overseas Study Service Association of 160 agents. (Full report attached below).

The current outlook for international markets:

• Two thirds are optimistic that students who have already decided to study abroad this year will not change their plans
• 80% of agents believe the outbreak will affect recruitment of summer schools
• One third have received reports of discrimination against Chinese students
• Two thirds believe that the total number of students studying abroad this year will decline

Working situation:

• Nearly 85% of agents working from home
• Over 90% of consultations are being dealt with online or over the phone

The below information was given by agents in response to questions from the British Council:

Priority issues, concerns and challenges:

• UK visa application centres (VAC) continued closure. Concern is for students who have already submitted their visa applications and have had a decision made – but cannot get their passport due to closures.
• Suspension of IELTS examinations – disruption of application timelines.
• Airline cancellations and border control.
• Reports of discrimination in universities and local communities.
• Students short of application materials.
• Students short of academic documents (e.g. transcriptions from Chinese university due to campus closure.

Support requested:

• UK institutions to postpone enrolment dates due to the VAC closure.
• UK institutions to pre-accept applications with reduced documents and agents to submit supplementary documents once available. 
• UK institutions to provide more support via online recruitment, online exams and online interviews.

 British Council on-going support for agents:

• Frequent communication of latest information on VAC and IELTS situations
• A dedicated platform for UK institutions to communicate updates to agents on application deadlines / requirements, policy updates etc.

Analysis by Fraser Deas, Head of Education Services China, British Council International Education Services

Education agents are a key chain in the student recruitment process in China with the majority of students seeking support from them at some point of the decision making process – as such they are closely in touch with market sentiment.

It’s encouraging to learn that agents are confident that students who have already decided to study abroad are unlikely to change their mind. Regular communication and reassurance from UK institutions with these students will help to ensure this is the case.

Agents have given a clear steer on the support they need from UK institutions, including increased digital engagement and, where possible, relaxed deadlines to ease pressure on students. Institutions should keep in close communication with their agents and respond in a timely manner to their questions and concerns.

The British Council will be hosting a webinar on Tuesday 18 February to support agents and answer their questions. Any further feedback or support requests from agents will be communicated to the sector.