International Students: Open Borders In Australia?

Australia is a popular destination for international students, with almost 600,000 enrolled in courses across the country. However, the COVID-19 pandemic saw Australian borders closed to international students for 18 months. While there have been some positive signs, with the Australian government proposing to resume international borders for students, the exact date for the reopening remains uncertain. The Australian government has stated that only students with an approved plan from their educational institutions and a valid visa will be allowed entry. This has caused frustration among prospective and current international students, who are eager for more transparency and clarity on when they can enter the country to pursue their studies.

International students' revenue is important for Australian universities

Australia has the highest ratio of international students per capita in the world, with international students representing an average of 26.7% of the student body population in Australian universities in 2019. International students are required to obtain a valid student visa before arriving in Australia, and each student must prove that they have the financial means to cover their tuition, books, and living expenses. This has resulted in a significant source of revenue for Australian universities, which has solidified the country's reputation as a world leader in education.

The high number of international students in Australia has several implications. Firstly, it contributes to the country's demographics, with a significant proportion of international students remaining in Australia after graduation on various skill and employment visas. Secondly, it has economic ramifications, as the revenue generated by international student fees is crucial for the financial health of Australian universities. This income stream is particularly important as universities have faced challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on border closures and travel restrictions.

Australian universities recognize the importance of international student revenue and are implementing institutional changes to adapt to the situation. Some universities are shifting from a 'fly-in, fly-out' recruitment approach to more permanent, in-country representation across source market recruitment hubs. Additionally, transnational education solutions, such as joint programs, twinning, and offshore partnerships, are being explored to maintain enrollment during border closures.

To maintain their competitiveness and financial stability, Australian universities are also exploring new markets to replace lost revenue from international undergraduate students. This includes targeting currently underserved Australian and international postgraduate markets by offering intuitive, user-first online experiences that cater to the needs of busy, time-poor professionals. By providing hybrid learning options and demonstrating the return on investment, universities can attract students seeking career advancement and willing to invest in their education.

While the COVID-19 pandemic and border closures have created challenges, Australian universities remain committed to supporting international students and attracting skilled migrants to positively impact the country's economic recovery. The Australian government has also announced measures to support the international education sector, including visa norm changes and extended regulatory fee waivers. These efforts reflect the importance of international student revenue for Australian universities and the country's broader economy.

Australian border opening dates for international students

Australia's international borders have been open since early November 2022, but only fully vaccinated citizens, permanent residents, and their families have been allowed to enter the country without being quarantined. However, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that starting December 1, 2022, eligible visa holders, including international students, would be able to enter the country without a travel exemption.

The reopening of borders to eligible visa holders came after they were blocked for almost two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time, international students were unable to enter Australia, causing them to pursue alternative options, such as online learning. The closure of borders also impacted the Australian economy, as international students contribute significantly to the country's revenue.

In the lead-up to the border reopening, the Australian government announced several measures to support international students and educational institutions. These measures included changes to visa norms, extended regulatory fee waivers, and additional grants for education providers impacted by the pandemic. The government also took initiatives to protect the post-study work rights of international students, such as extending the temporary graduate visa duration from two to three years.

Despite the reopening of borders, some challenges remain for international students traveling to Australia. Students are advised to apply for their visas promptly, as there may be delays in processing applications. Additionally, students need to ensure they meet the vaccination requirements and have proof of vaccination for smooth entry into Australia. International students are also required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours before their departure and comply with quarantine requirements upon arrival. Information on borders and travel to Australia is constantly evolving, with new advice frequently released by the government.

Australian visa requirements for international students

As of December 15, 2021, Australia's borders have been open to international students. All eligible visa holders and skilled migrants can now enter the country. However, it is important to note that there may be delays in processing visa applications, so students are advised to apply for their visas as early as possible.

To study in Australia as an international student, you must obtain a student visa (Subclass 500). This visa allows you to visit Australia to study full-time in a recognised educational institution. The application for this visa must be done online, and there is a paid visa application fee that you can estimate using the government's visa pricing estimator.

When applying for the Student Visa (Subclass 500), you must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia primarily for educational purposes. This is known as the Genuine Student (GS) requirement. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide details about your current circumstances, including family, community, employment, and economic ties. You will also need to explain why you want to pursue your chosen course in Australia and how completing the course will benefit you.

In addition to the GS requirement, there are several other requirements and documents that you must fulfil and submit when applying for an Australian student visa. These include:

• Proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, travel, and living expenses
• English proficiency test scores (unless exempt)
• Confirmation of Enrolment (COE) or a Letter of Offer confirming acceptance into a registered course
• A copy of the biodata page of your passport

It is important to note that some students may be required to physically provide their passports, and additional documentation may be requested during the application process. Prompt responses to any requests for further information or documentation will help ensure a smooth application process.

Impact of COVID-19 on international students

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on international students intending to study in Australia. Australian borders were closed to international students for 18 months, causing significant uncertainty and disruption to their academic plans. The pandemic has also exposed the Australian tertiary education sector to new financial risks due to its reliance on international student fees.

International students are a significant source of revenue for Australian universities, contributing $40.4 billion to the economy in 2019. However, the pandemic has resulted in a sharp decline in international student enrolments. For instance, enrolments dropped from 4,608,520 in 2019 to 708,671 in May 2020. This decrease has placed Australian universities at risk of losing up to $19 billion in revenue by 2023.

The pandemic has also disrupted the academic plans of international students, with many unable to travel to Australia to commence or continue their studies. Some students have had to switch to online learning, facing challenges with time zones, limited interaction with peers and instructors, and a lack of access to campus resources. The uncertainty surrounding border closures and travel restrictions has caused anxiety and frustration among students, with some reconsidering their choice of studying in Australia.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also taken a toll on the mental health and wellbeing of international students. Research has shown that international students in Australia during the pandemic experienced heightened levels of worry, social isolation, and financial and employment insecurity. The pandemic has exacerbated existing inequalities between international and domestic students, highlighting the need for support strategies to address these issues.

To mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on international students, the Australian government has implemented several measures. These include visa changes, such as extensions of the temporary graduate visa and post-study work rights, to support students unable to travel to Australia. The government has also provided fee waivers and grants to international education providers impacted by the pandemic. Despite these efforts, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the plans and wellbeing of international students intending to study in Australia.

International students' experience in Australia

Australia has long been a popular destination for international students, and its borders have been open to them since 15 December 2021, after remaining closed for 18 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. International students are required to have proof of vaccination and are advised to apply for their student visas quickly, as there is a delay in processing applications.

However, the pandemic has negatively impacted the international student experience in Australia. A survey funded by the Australian government found a sharp drop in student satisfaction with the overall educational experience, particularly among international students. The quality of their overall education experience declined by 12% in 2020, and their ratings of learning resources declined by 11%. The pandemic also affected students' living arrangements and paid work commitments, which in turn negatively impacted their studies. Universities in Victoria experienced the largest decline in student ratings of the quality of their overall education, including the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and RMIT University. Other universities that saw larger-than-average falls include the Queensland University of Technology and the University of Wollongong.

Despite these challenges, Australia continues to be a sought-after destination for international students. The Australian government has implemented various measures to support international students, including changes to visa norms, extended regulatory fee waivers, and additional grants for education providers impacted by the pandemic. The government has also taken initiatives to protect international students' post-study work rights, such as extending the temporary graduate visa from two to three years.

While there have been reports of dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency from universities and the Australian government regarding border openings, many international students are eager to commence their studies in Australia and are willing to follow the necessary safety precautions. Overall, Australia remains committed to supporting international students and ensuring their experience in the country is positive.

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