Covid-19 Impact.pdf

European higher education institutions rapidly shifted to emergency remote learning and teaching in response to the Covid-19 crisis, with 95% of universities pivoting to distance learning. This sudden shift varied by institution size, governance models, and disciplinary differences, with large comprehensive institutions facing more challenges.

Prior to the crisis, most institutions had some digitally enhanced learning provision, but the sudden increase in demand exposed gaps in digital capacity and staff and student familiarity with online learning. Despite challenges, many colleagues were positive about the developments, and institutions plan to explore new ways of teaching and enhance digital capacity beyond the crisis.

The crisis amplified existing challenges, such as the digital gap, with socially disadvantaged students being disproportionately affected. Institutions had to reflect on how to provide student services, counseling, and peer support remotely. For the next academic year, institutions will need to plan diligently to balance synchronous and asynchronous online provision with limited on-campus capacity.

Internationalization was severely impacted, with two-thirds of institutions reporting an impact on outgoing student mobility and half on incoming mobility. Border closures prevented transborder mobility, leaving international students and staff facing challenges such as expiring grants, visas, and resident permits. Institutions provided support, including remote study options and psychological counseling. Prospects for the next academic year include hybrid or blended approaches to mobility, with travel restrictions and visa issues still pending.