An international survey of graduates reveals that 28% have started to study online since COVID-19. The survey of graduates, aged 21 to 35, in Saudi Arabia, Kenya, Pakistan and the UK, all major markets for British education, showed that while 18% overall were studying online prior to COVID-19, a further 19% were considering studying online and 23% were planning to study online. Only 12% had no plans to study online. The results were relatively similar across all four countries, although one third (35%) of Saudi graduates were already studying online and 12% have started studying online since COVID-19, while 12% had no such plans. The desire for qualifications to boost their career was the main reason for 70% of graduates overall turning to online study. Only 11% want to study their hobbies. Ian Fraser, principal and director of iQualify UK, said, "It is very logical for graduates to see the value in studying additional qualifications online in the current environment, and it is encouraging to see the increase in online study to take advantage of the current situation. "I was particularly interested to see that it is the same reason given by those who have started their studies online since COVID-19, albeit at a slightly higher proportion (72%), which shows how important graduates see the need to obtain further qualifications these days." Four in ten graduates overall (38%) are either studying online or had no concerns about studying online. The main concern was cost, which worried 41% in KSA, but only 16% in Pakistan. Only 12% overall, 6% in KSA, thought that online courses are too difficult. One quarter overall are working full-time, 8% of graduates at their workplace, but twice as many, 16% were working full-time from home. A further one quarter were working less hours than normal or furloughed. The other half were not in employment or were looking for employment. KSA fared better than the average with 53% in full-time employment, 12% working part-time and 18% looking for employment. The survey was targeted at individuals aged between 21 and 35 who had obtained a bachelor or master's degree, as these are normally the main market for further qualifications. More than 500 responses were received to the survey (which was undertaken at the end of May 2020). The results are as follows; • What is your current employment situation? Respondents are working less hours (24%), although the proportion is lower in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, and are working from home (29%) particularly in Saudi Arabia. This is to be expected in the current circumstances, and provides reassurance that the results are therefore likely to be a valid reflection of the impact of COVID-19 coronavirus on online study in markets for British education. • What are your plans regarding your education? It is interesting to note what proportion are already studying online (18%) and how many more (28%) have started to study online since COVID-19. There is also considerable interest in studying online with 19% considering doing so and 23% planning to study online. While the UK and Pakistan show high figures of respondents who have started to study online since COVID-19 (34% and 35% respectively), Saudi Arabia has a lower proportion of respondents who have started studying online since COVID-19 (12%), although they have a higher proportion who are already studying online (35%). • Do you have any concerns about studying online? Nearly four in ten (38%) of all respondents (47% in Saudi Arabia) are already studying online or have no concerns about doing so. Cost is the biggest concern (29%) followed by reputation (20%). Unlike the other countries, respondents in Pakistan think that online courses are too difficult (23%) compared to the average for all of 12% and just 4% in the UK. • What subjects would you study (or are you already studying) online? Respondents were able to select more than one reason, and so totals do not add up to 100. Qualifications to help you in your career was the most popular reason for studying online (70%). — SG
