Janice Lozano
Australia has opened its borders to international students after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions. The Australian government lifted the ban on December 15, 2021, allowing eligible international students to enter the country. This decision was made following Australia's successful vaccination campaign, with nearly 90% of its population above 16 fully vaccinated. The reopening of borders has been welcomed by international students, particularly those from India, who are now returning in large numbers. Australia's world-class institutions offer demanding skills and trending degrees, making the country a desirable study destination. The approval rate for international student visas has soared, indicating a positive impact on the Australian education market and economy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of opening borders | Mid-December 2021 |
| Covid-19 guidelines | Fully vaccinated with approved vaccines, valid visa, proof of vaccination status, negative PCR test within three days |
| Student visa lodgements | Over 101,000 granted globally for the 2022 programme year |
| Student visa approval rate | 93% in 2021/22, a 15-year high |
| Number of international students | Almost 600,000 enrolled in various courses |
| Percentage of international students in the population | Up to 30% |
| Countries of origin | China, India, Nepal, Brazil, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore |
| Impact | Positive for students and the Australian economy |
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What You'll Learn
International students make up 30% of Australia's population
Australia has opened its borders to international students after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions. The travel ban was lifted on 15 December 2021, allowing eligible international students to enter the country. Before the pandemic, international students made up more than 30% of the population in some Australian suburbs. This was particularly true for suburbs close to university campuses, such as Darling Heights and Gatton in regional Queensland, where more than 5% of the population were international students.
The Mitchell Institute mapped the distribution of international students across Australia, revealing their significant presence in capital cities and regional areas. This research highlighted the integral role of international students in Australia's social fabric. They contribute approximately AU$38 billion to the economy each year and support 130,000 jobs. Additionally, international students enrich Australia's cultural diversity and enhance its international standing.
The return of international students to Australia is expected to have a positive impact on local businesses, particularly in the retail, entertainment, and property sectors. Over 36% of international student spending goes towards retail and entertainment, benefiting local cafes, markets, and other venues. Furthermore, as 65% of international students rent their accommodations, their presence also supports Australian property investors.
The Australian government has implemented a Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, allowing recent graduates to live, work, and study in the country for up to four years, depending on their qualification level. This visa provides international students with a pathway to contribute further to Australian society and strengthen their connections within local communities.
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Student visa applications are booming
Australia has opened its borders to international students after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions. The Australian Government lifted the travel ban for eligible passengers, including international students, from 15 December 2021.
The Temporary Graduate (subclass 485) visa, or the student visa, allows recent graduates to live, work and study in Australia for up to four years, depending on the level of qualification obtained. Currently, student visa holders in Australia have unlimited work hours.
International students make up to 30% of the entire population in Australia and bring significant economic value to the country. The Australian Government has recognised the benefits of welcoming back international students, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison noting Australia's high vaccination rates as a key factor in the decision to reopen borders.
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Students must adhere to Covid-19 guidelines
Australia has opened its borders to international students after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions. The country lifted the ban on international travel for eligible passengers, including international students, from 15 December 2021.
To enter Australia, students must adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines set by the Australian Government. The guidelines are in place to ensure the safety of all and it is important that students follow them closely.
Firstly, students must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must provide proof of their vaccination status before travelling. Additionally, students must submit a negative Covid-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within three days of departure. It is recommended that travellers discuss their risk factors for severe Covid-19 and consider re-vaccination and boosters accordingly. This is particularly important as medical care overseas may be difficult to access, expensive, and of a lower standard than expected.
Upon arrival in Australia, students must follow local guidelines, which may include isolation and mask-wearing requirements. Students should also ensure they have adequate supplies of their regular medications in case a prolonged isolation period is necessary. If a student develops symptoms or is exposed to a positive case during their travel, they should take precautions to avoid infecting others. This includes seeking treatment as soon as possible, within five days of symptoms or a positive test, especially if they are considered high-risk. Tests can be self-administered, such as rapid antigen tests, or taken at a reliable laboratory if necessary.
It is important to stay updated with the latest news and protocols from the Australian Government, as well as maintaining personal responsibilities such as staying hydrated and maintaining a well-balanced diet. Australia has also launched a COVID-19 app, available on iOS and Android, which provides easy access to information, updates, and news regarding the virus.
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The Australian government is confident about vaccination rates
Australia has opened its borders to international students, allowing them to pursue their academic goals at its world-class institutions. This decision comes after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions imposed by the Australian government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Australian government is confident about its vaccination rates, which have played a crucial role in combating the pandemic and facilitating the reopening of borders. In a conversation with radio station 4BC, Prime Minister Scott Morrison expressed optimism about Australia's high vaccination rates, stating, "We've got one of the highest vaccination rates, which means we can fight this thing. We don't have to surrender to it." As of December 2021, Australia had successfully vaccinated nearly 90% of its population above 16 with both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, the country shortened the waiting time for booster shots in response to the emergence of Omicron cases.
The reopening of borders for international students is a significant development, as they constitute a substantial portion of the country's population and contribute immensely to the economy. According to data, international students make up about 30% of Australia's total population, with almost 600,000 international students enrolled in various courses at Australian universities. The influx of international students brings a high economic value to the country, and their presence is beneficial for both the students and the Australian government.
However, it is important to note that each state in Australia has set additional arrival conditions for incoming students. Students are strongly advised to consult with Australia study visa experts or seek guidance from their educational institutions to ensure they meet all the necessary requirements before travelling to Australia. The Australian government has implemented specific guidelines that students must adhere to, including being fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and holding a valid visa from an eligible visa subclass.
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Indian students are returning in large numbers
Australia opened its borders to international students in December 2021, after nearly two years of stringent travel restrictions. Since then, Indian students have been returning to the country in large numbers.
For the period from July 1 to September 30, 2022, over 101,000 Australian student visas were granted globally, with Indian students accounting for nearly 9,000 of those visas. This rebound in student visa applications from India has been attributed to the country's strong educational ties with Australia, as well as the availability of scholarships and research fellowships, extended post-study work rights, and the mutual recognition of academic qualifications between the two nations.
In 2022, India surpassed China as the largest source of commencements (first-time enrolments) in Australia. This shift was driven by a decrease in new Chinese students and an increase in Indian students choosing Australia as their preferred study destination. The quality of Australian education, with nine of its universities ranking among the top 100 in the world, has been a significant factor in attracting Indian students. Additionally, Australia's safe, warm, and welcoming environment, along with its generous post-study work rights, have made it an appealing choice for Indian students seeking to gain valuable skills and experience.
The Australian government has also implemented policies to support the increasing number of Indian students. They have increased the duration of stay for Temporary Graduate visa holders with select degrees by two years, allowing graduates to live, work, and study in the country for an extended period. Furthermore, the Australian Department of Home Affairs has committed to processing 75% of student visa applications within 22 days, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for incoming international students.
While the total number of foreign enrolments in Australia in 2022 was down 18% compared to 2019, the country's international education sector is showing signs of recovery. The number of primary student visa holders studying in Australia increased by 57% from March 2022 to March 2023, indicating a positive trend in the return of international students, including those from India.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia opened its borders to international students in December 2021.
International students must adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines set by the Australian Government. They must be fully vaccinated with approved vaccines recognised by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and hold a valid visa for an eligible visa subclass. Students must also provide proof of their vaccination status and a negative Covid-19 PCR test taken within three days before departure.
There has been a significant increase in student visa applications and approvals since Australia reopened its borders. The approval rate for international students outside of Australia reached a 15-year high of 93% in 2021/22. The number of student visas granted globally for the 2022 programme year (July 1 to September 30) exceeded 101,000.
International students bring substantial economic value to Australia, and their return helps rebuild the country's international education market. The reopening also aids students in accomplishing their academic goals, especially those who require practical work and work-based training to complete their studies.
