Banco Santander and IAUP study reveals major concerns of more than 700 rectors about pandemic impact
The survey taken by rectors from 90 countries forecasts a significant impact on universities’ finances and a fall in enrolment. As many as 70% of the institutions surveyed expect to offer blended programmes and stress the need to invest more in infrastructure.
Banco Santander and the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) have presented the results of a survey of more than 700 university rectors from 90 countries about the effects of the pandemic on education institutions: “Leadership response to COVID-19”. The results show the pandemic will have a significant financial impact on university enrolment and infrastructure needs.
Rectors and leaders from public and private universities pointed to pressures the pandemic has put on their financial model and on attracting new students. They also noted their education models may be subject to change in order to overcome the challenges posed by COVID-19. 70% of these institutions expect to start offering blended programmes (classroom and online).
Over 73% of the surveyed institutions expect future income to fall, while 59% foresee a drop in enrolment. 49% expect funding difficulties. This pattern is consistent in all the regions where the survey was administered.
45% of university heads envisage a greater need for student financial aid as well as investment in technology infrastructure, not to mention the development of further education programmes and support for student career development and entrepreneurship.
While the need for student financial aid is greater in the Americas and Europe, the priority in Asia and Oceania is to invest in infrastructure. In Africa and the Middle East, the focus is on programmes to boost employability.
Having overcome the emergency response to the pandemic, we’re now seeing the lasting impact it will have on education institutions around the world. In addition to pressures on fundraising and student enrolment, the effects of the pandemic have changed how higher education institutions work with industry, suggesting significant shifts in international education trends
We support this study providing unprecedented global analysis, as part of our commitment to higher education, where we pledge more than any other company. We hope this information will help universities prepare for the rapid changes brought about by the pandemic and the new education models to be implemented in the future. Santander is helping universities tackle this challenge because we’re convinced investing in higher education will make all the difference in the post-COVID world
The survey was split into three sections: Initial reactions, focusing on the first half of 2020; preparations for the 20-21 academic year, immediately after the start of the autumn term; and the outlook for the next three years.
The main conclusions of the survey are as follows:
- 37% of institutions said they were prepared to deal with COVID-19. Asia and Oceania reported the highest levels (49%) and North America the lowest (29%).
- COVID-19 is having a profound impact on partnerships between universities and businesses, with 56% of education institutions expecting relations to decline.
- Rectors appear to be focusing on a wide-ranging internationalization programme, expanding their „virtual mobility” programmes and underlining the importance of alliances between universities.
- Main concerns are academic achievements (68%); institutions’ financial sustainability (57%); how to keep students engaged (51%); inclusion (49%); and a decline in enrolment (44%).
- Most institutions are homing in on temporary needs (47%), rather than restructuring (49%) or reinventing themselves (36%). This applies to public and private institutions in all regions where the survey was administered.
- Rectors believe future programmes will lean towards a combination of online, blended and classroom-based education (71%); blended education (70%), online education (67%) or education using alternative methods (66%).
