52% of students favour requirement for vaccine passports

Of the 3,853 prospective and current international students from 159 countries QS Quacquarelli Symonds asked, 52% were in favour of vaccine passport requirements on campuses.

An additional 70% said they think vaccines should be a prerequisite before traveling to the country of their chosen institution, while 57% said international students should be required to have a vaccine passport before travelling.

The 70% figure is an increase from 50% of respondents in a survey from April suggesting that students should be required have had the vaccine before they can travel.

Some 1,320 students said they were interested in studying in the UK, and of the close to 4,000 respondents, 56% said the country was becoming a “more attractive place to study” thanks to its vaccine distribution program.

The findings are similar to QS’ annual International Student Survey, also released in April, which suggested 47% of prospective students see the UK vaccine rollout as adding to the country’s appeal.

“It is encouraging to find that over half of international students believe that the UK is a more attractive student destination”

“With the start of the new term fast approaching and the sector still trying to navigate what the university experience will look like this year, insights like these have never been more vital in terms of supporting policymakers in understanding the motivations of international students,” explained QS director of Marketing, Paul Raybould.

“It is encouraging to find that over half of international students believe that the UK is a more attractive student destination due to its successful vaccination scheme.

“Further, our findings on international students’ support for vaccination passports provides valuable insight as the government considers different options for vaccination requirements on campuses for students.”

US stakeholders have recently indicated that vaccine requirement confusion in the country will require clear communication.