This publication is the second of a series of informs launched by the European Migration Network (EMN) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on the impact of COVID-19. The current edition explores the effects of COVID-19 on international students and the responses of state, as well as higher education institutions (HEIs) across the EU and OECD Member States.

The global health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic made it more difficult for international students to complete the administrative procedures required to enrol higher education abroad, as well as to abroad in order to take up studies. Most EU and OECD countries closed their national borders in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus epidemic, and many universities were also temporarily closed.

The report's key findings include:

• Some EU and OECD countries modified or adapted their immigration processes at the national level, often in cooperation with HEIs; many HEIs also adapted their enrolment and admission procedures.
• Some countries have issued guidelines to HEIs in order to facilitate, as much as possible, international student flows, while also respecting safety measures;
• Many countries introduced temporary measures to mitigate the financial impact of COVID-19 on international students, for example by increasing the maximum working hours they are entitled to or opening access to national funds.

The key findings of the report were also presented at a webinar providing further insights:

Other publications in the series look into:

• how states managed residence permits and migrant unemployment during the crisis - available here;
• the pandemic's effect on migrants working in essential sectors - available here;
• reduction or loss of remittances - available here;
• return issues - available here.

Each Inform will be presented in a special webinar - for updates, check regularly the EMN publications page and EWSI.

The OECD also tracks the development and challenges related to migration management policies under COVID-19 here. Other resources on the COVID-19's effect on third-country nationals' integration find here.