In-person classes at US Universities expected Fall 2021 onwards, none expect online-only classes

Students will return in-person to campuses in Fall 2021 at US universities and colleges. Over 85% of institutions surveyed by International Education’s (IIE) expect to offer students in-person classes, and none expect to deliver online-only instructions, 62% educators believe that students will learn through a hybrid model, and 24% said they are planning for in-person-only instruction.

Mirka Martel, IIE’s Head of Research, Evaluation and Learning, adds, “Universities are prepping for a strong recovery in international education enrolment as they emerge from the pandemic. We anticipate the recovery to come in phases, tied to vaccinations and travel guidelines. But there is definitely a concerted effort by US higher education institutions to reopen their campuses and encourage all students, including international students, to return to in-person study.”

64% of US educators said they plan to offer vaccines on campus this fall, only 14% currently have a requirement that students be vaccinated in order to be on campus. Nearly half (45%) said they do not intend to make vaccination mandatory for attendance, and 55% said they are still thinking about what to do. 89% will require face masks for all on campus, and 71% will offer COVID testing for all on campus.