Ibrahim Gardner
Australia's international borders closed to all non-citizens and non-residents on March 20, 2020. Since the pandemic, there has been a decline in international student enrollment in Australian universities. On November 22, 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students would be allowed to enter Australia from December 1, 2021. However, some students expressed frustration with the Australian government for keeping the borders closed while still issuing new student visas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of opening borders | 1st of December 2021 |
| Who can enter? | Fully vaccinated international students and skilled workers |
| Vaccines recognised by | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) |
| Examples of recognised vaccines | Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna, Johnson and Johnson |
| Examples of non-recognised vaccines | Sinovac |
| Other requirements | International Covid-19 certificate with a unique QR code |
| Arrival numbers | 200 international students in February 2021, down from 121,120 in February 2020 |
| Impact on the education sector | Loss of billions in revenue |
| Impact on the economy | Loss of $20bn a year in 2022, half of the sector's value |
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What You'll Learn
- Australia's closed borders have negatively impacted its higher education sector
- International students are waiting for borders to open to study in Australia
- The Australian government has started issuing student visas again
- Australia's border reopening is dependent on its COVID-19 vaccination targets
- Victoria's plan to reopen borders includes safety measures and quarantine
Australia's closed borders have negatively impacted its higher education sector
Australia's closed borders have had a detrimental impact on its higher education sector, causing a decline in international student enrolments and the number of new students commencing their studies. This has resulted in significant financial losses for universities and related businesses.
In February 2021, only 200 international students arrived in Australia, compared to 121,120 during the same month in 2020, representing a staggering 99.8% decrease. The higher education sector in Australia is heavily reliant on international students, and this sudden drop in numbers has had a devastating economic impact.
The decline in international student enrolments has also likely affected the overall diversity of students in Australian universities. With key markets such as China, India, and Nepal accounting for over half of all international enrolments, the absence of these students has likely impacted the cultural richness and global perspective on campuses.
Furthermore, the closed borders have prompted international students to consider other study destinations, such as the UK, which has kept its borders open. Other countries, including China and other Asian nations, are actively seeking to attract these students, potentially threatening Australia's position as a leading host of international students.
The Australian government has recognized the importance of international education to the country's economy. In November 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students would be allowed to enter Australia from December 1st, 2021. This decision was made after universities expressed their concerns about the impact of closed borders for over a year.
While the reopening of borders is a positive step, the recovery of the higher education sector will depend on the swift implementation of proactive strategies to regain market share and meet the changing needs of international students in a highly competitive global landscape.
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International students are waiting for borders to open to study in Australia
Australia's international borders have been closed to all non-citizens and non-residents since March 20, 2020. The pandemic has had a significant impact on international student enrolments in the country, with universities expressing their concerns to the government for over a year.
On November 22, 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students would be allowed to enter Australia from December 1, 2021. This announcement was welcomed by universities and students alike, with the former recognizing the financial impact of border closures. According to the new border update, international students entering Australia must be fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and provide a valid certificate.
Despite this positive development, there are still challenges ahead for Australia to regain its market share of international students. Other countries, including China and other Asian nations, are capitalizing on the situation by attracting international students who would have previously considered Australia. To rebound as a top international study destination, Australia must carefully reopen its borders and optimize the use of quarantine facilities.
While there is optimism that Australia's borders will eventually open to international students, the country's higher education sector is at a disadvantage compared to other countries that have already opened their borders. Universities must act swiftly to address the changing needs of international students and ensure they can provide a high-quality education, whether on-campus or through offshore partnerships, to remain competitive in the global market.
In conclusion, international students who are considering Australia for their studies can be confident that the country is taking steps to reopen its borders and welcome them back. However, Australia's higher education sector must also adapt to the changing landscape of international education to remain an attractive destination for students worldwide.
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The Australian government has started issuing student visas again
In November 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students would be allowed to enter the country from December 1st. This announcement provided a glimmer of hope for students who had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to resume their studies in Australia. The government's decision was influenced by the recognition that education, particularly international student enrolment, is a vital contributor to the Australian economy.
To facilitate the return of international students, the Australian government implemented specific requirements for entry. Students entering Australia must be fully vaccinated with vaccines recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). The government also launched the International Covid-19 certificate, featuring a unique QR code that can be scanned by passport readers at the border.
While the reopening of borders is a step in the right direction, there are still challenges to be addressed. Universities and education providers must adapt to the changing needs of international students in a highly competitive global market. The pandemic has prompted other countries, such as the UK, China, and other Asian nations, to enhance their appeal to international students. As a result, Australia's higher education sector must work swiftly to regain its market share and reaffirm its position as a leading destination for international students.
Despite these challenges, the Australian government's decision to issue student visas and reopen borders demonstrates a commitment to supporting the education sector and engaging with international students. This move is expected to bring relief to students who have patiently awaited the opportunity to pursue their academic goals in Australia.
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Australia's border reopening is dependent on its COVID-19 vaccination targets
Australia's border reopening plans are dependent on the country's COVID-19 vaccination targets. In July 2021, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a four-phase plan for resuming international travel, with the country currently in phase A, which involves local and state-wide travel restrictions based on vaccination rates. The next phase will be implemented when 70% of the eligible population is vaccinated.
The final phase will see the opening of international borders with quarantine for high-risk inbound travel only, and international travel will return in a sustainable way. However, Morrison has refused to make a firm commitment on when all Australians will be vaccinated, stating that the timeline would depend on the speed and rate of vaccinations and Australians' willingness to get vaccinated.
The Australian government's handling of the situation has been criticized, with business groups claiming that Australia will be "left behind" as other countries open their borders. The higher education sector is also facing losses as international students opt for other countries that have already reopened borders, such as the UK.
Despite the uncertainty, there are positive signs that international students may be able to return to Australia as early as July 2021, and the country's universities are eager to welcome them back, knowing that education is a key part of the economy.
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Victoria's plan to reopen borders includes safety measures and quarantine
Australia closed its borders to international travellers in March 2020, with Australian citizens returning to the country required to undergo mandatory government quarantine.
As of 2024, international students are still awaiting the reopening of Australia's borders. In February 2024, only 200 international students arrived in Australia, compared to 121,120 in the same month the previous year.
While Australia's borders remain closed indefinitely, there are positive signs that the country will eventually reopen to international students. Victoria's plan to reopen borders includes safety measures and quarantine. For example, in 2021, Tasmania reopened its borders with Victoria, requiring those who had been at a high-risk premises in Victoria to complete their quarantine and testing requirements. Similarly, while there were no restrictions on crossing the Victoria border, some state premiers advised against travel due to Victoria's second wave of COVID-19.
The reopening of Australia's borders to international students depends on a clear and proactive COVID-19 strategy, including the careful reopening of borders and the optimisation of proven quarantine facilities. Universities must also move swiftly to address the changing needs of international students when borders reopen.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's borders were closed to all non-citizens and non-residents on March 20, 2020. However, on November 22, 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that fully vaccinated international students would be allowed to enter Australia from December 1, 2021.
International students entering Australia must be fully vaccinated with vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must also provide a valid certificate before entering the country.
The closure of Australia's borders significantly impacted international student enrolments, with a 16.8% decrease in total enrolments and a 37.9% drop in startup rates as of February 2021. Australia's higher education sector faced increasing losses and competition from other countries as students sought alternative study destinations.
