Lana Oconnell
Australia's international border restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have significantly impacted international students and the country's educational institutions. While there have been positive signs and proposals for the return of international students since 2021, the Australian government has not provided a clear timeline for fully reopening borders. As of December 15, 2021, international students with valid visas and proof of vaccination can enter the country, but they must adhere to state-specific entry requirements and quarantine arrangements. The Australian government has implemented various measures to support international students and educational institutions during this transition period.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current border status for international students | Open since 15 December 2021 |
| Entry requirements | Proof of full vaccination with a TGA-approved vaccine, negative PCR test within 3 days of departure, compliance with state-specific quarantine requirements |
| Visa requirements | Valid student visa; visa fee waivers available for those impacted by the pandemic |
| Changes to visa norms | Extended duration for Temporary Graduate Visas, additional initiatives to validate time spent studying online |
| University advice | Apply for student visas quickly due to expected delays in processing |
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What You'll Learn
- International students need to be fully vaccinated and carry a negative COVID-19 report
- Students must comply with the quarantine requirements of the specific territory or state they arrive in
- A valid student visa is necessary for every international student returning to Australia
- Students can apply for a replacement visa if they couldn't travel due to COVID-19
- International students contribute over two billion Australian dollars per year to the South Australian economy
International students need to be fully vaccinated and carry a negative COVID-19 report
Australia has reopened its borders to international students, allowing them to enter the country as long as they are fully vaccinated and carry a negative COVID-19 report. This decision comes after the country's successful containment of the virus, which involved closed borders and strict quarantine measures. The Australian government has implemented several measures to support the international education sector, including changes to visa norms and extended regulatory fee waivers.
International students planning to travel to Australia must ensure they have received both doses of a vaccine approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must also present valid proof of vaccination upon arrival. Additionally, all international travellers should carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report taken within three days before departure.
It is important to note that Australia's recovery from the economic downturn caused by the pandemic is expected to be milder and faster compared to other popular international student destinations. This can be attributed to the country's effective management of the virus, which has made it an attractive option for students seeking a safe and stable study environment.
Before booking their flights, international students should be aware of the specific quarantine requirements of the state or territory they will be arriving in. Each state and territory may have its own entry requirements and travel restrictions. For example, those travelling to South Australia or arriving in another city and then moving to South Australia are subject to a 7-day quarantine period.
To enter Australia, international students must hold a valid student visa. Students can use their ImmiAccount or Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check their visa status and validity. In cases where the visa has expired or will expire soon, students should apply for a new visa using their ImmiAccount. Additionally, students who held a Student Visa Subclass 500 on or after 1 February 2020 but were unable to complete their studies due to the pandemic may be eligible for a waiver of the visa application fee.
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Students must comply with the quarantine requirements of the specific territory or state they arrive in
As of 15 December 2021, international students have been allowed to enter Australia. However, students must comply with the quarantine requirements of the specific territory or state they arrive in. This means that students must check the state-specific quarantine arrangements before booking their flight. If students plan to travel to another state or territory, they must also check what domestic travel restrictions exist, as Australian states and territories may have their own travel restrictions.
For example, if you wish to enter South Australia or arrive in another Australian city and then travel to South Australia, you may be required to quarantine for 7 days. To enter South Australia from another Australian state, it is mandatory to complete the EntryCheckSA application, which assesses your vaccination status, COVID-19 risk, and departure location.
International students travelling to or within Australia are required to be fully vaccinated with a Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved or recognised vaccine. Students must carry proof of vaccination and a negative COVID-19 PCR test report taken within 3 days of departure.
It is important to note that the information on borders and travel to Australia is constantly evolving, and new advice is frequently released by the Australian government and state governments. Therefore, international students should refer to official government sources for the most up-to-date information before making any travel plans.
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A valid student visa is necessary for every international student returning to Australia
Australia has kept its borders tightly controlled during the pandemic, and they were effectively closed to international students for well over a year. However, as of 15 December 2021, international students have been allowed to enter Australia.
There are still some obligations to comply with for a smooth transfer. A valid student visa is necessary for every international student returning to Australia. You can use your ImmiAccount or Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check its status and validity. If your visa has expired or is about to, you must apply for a new one using your ImmiAccount.
International students must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). A negative PCR test, taken within three days of departure, is also required. Students must also comply with the quarantine requirements of the specific territory or state they arrive in. If travelling to another state, they must comply with that state's border bans and quarantine requirements.
Australian universities are understandably anxious about the closed borders, and application numbers are lower than in previous years. However, there are positive signs that international students will be able to return to their studies in Australia. The Australian government has announced that it will support the international education sector once the borders are open, with changes to visa norms and extended regulatory fee waivers.
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Students can apply for a replacement visa if they couldn't travel due to COVID-19
Australia closed its borders to international students for 18 months during the COVID-19 pandemic. The country has since lifted its travel bans and allowed international students to enter from 15 December 2021. However, students are required to comply with certain obligations, such as being fully vaccinated and having a negative COVID-19 report from a PCR test conducted within 3 days of departure.
International students who were unable to travel to Australia due to COVID-19 international border restrictions can apply for a replacement visa. The Australian government has introduced the Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa Replacement Stream, which allows former holders of the Subclass 485 visa to obtain another Subclass 485 visa. This visa is typically granted to international graduates with relevant skills and qualifications for specific occupations in Australia. Both previous and present visa holders can apply for a new Subclass 485 visa with the same tenure as their original visa if it expired on or after 1 February 2020.
The Replacement Stream is intended to preserve the eligibility of Subclass 485 visa holders in the Post-Study Work stream to progress to a second Subclass 485 visa. This is applicable if their ability to meet the requirements for the second visa was disrupted by COVID-19-related international travel restrictions. The amendments add references to the new Replacement Stream into the existing criteria, allowing holders of a Subclass 485 visa in the Replacement Stream to qualify for a second Subclass 485 visa in the Post-Study Work stream if they have studied on a Student Visa and lived on their Subclass 485 visa in regional areas of Australia.
It is important to note that international students must have a valid student visa to enter Australia. Students can use their ImmiAccount or Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check their visa status and validity. If their visa has expired or is expiring soon, they should apply for another visa using their ImmiAccount. Additionally, students who held a Student Visa Subclass 500 on or after 1 February 2020 and were unable to complete their studies due to the pandemic may apply for a waiver of the visa application fee.
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International students contribute over two billion Australian dollars per year to the South Australian economy
Australia has lifted its travel ban and opened its borders to international students since 15 December 2021. However, international students travelling to or within Australia are required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) -approved or recognised vaccine. They must also carry a negative COVID-19 PCR test report taken within 3 days before departure.
International students play a significant economic role in Australia's higher education system (HES). In 2017, international students paid AUD$9.3 billion in tuition fees to Australian tertiary institutions, with more than 80% of these fees going to the country's 37 public universities. The universities of Sydney and Melbourne, for example, received around 34% of their annual revenue from international students in the year before the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Group of Eight universities, mostly located in Melbourne and Sydney, attract the majority of international students. In 2018, 40% of all Victorian HES students, 32% of ACT students, and 30% of all New South Wales students were international. The revenue generated by international students is crucial for the financial stability of Australian universities, especially in the post-COVID recovery phase.
While the exact economic impact of international students on South Australia is unclear, it is safe to assume that a significant portion of the overall contribution to the Australian economy comes from this state, given the popularity of its universities among international students. The presence of international students not only boosts the local economy but also enriches the cultural diversity and global reputation of South Australia's educational institutions.
Furthermore, the Australian government has implemented initiatives to support the international education sector and make the country more attractive to international students. These include changes in visa norms, extended regulatory fee waivers, additional grants, and the protection of post-study work rights.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australia's borders are open for international students as of 15 December 2021.
International students need to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved vaccine and have proof of vaccination. They also need a valid student visa.
International students need to check the quarantine requirements and travel restrictions of the specific state or territory they plan to enter. Some states may require additional documentation or applications.
Border closures have had a significant economic impact on Australia's international education sector. Australian universities have lost revenue and enrolment numbers have declined. However, the country has successfully contained the virus, allowing citizens to live relatively normal lives.
