Lana Oconnell
Queensland universities have been eager to welcome international students back to the state, with the sector warning that Queensland could miss out on a slice of the international student market. In 2021, the Queensland government announced that international students would be able to return to the state from January 2022, with 250 students arriving every two weeks and scaling up from there. This plan was contingent on the approval of the federal government, which had not yet been received at the time of the announcement. International students would need to be fully vaccinated and arrive via the Wellcamp quarantine facility. However, there was some concern that the lack of clarity around the end of quarantine requirements for international students could lead to Queensland losing students to other states or countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date international students can return to Queensland | January 2022 |
| Number of students allowed in | 250 students every two weeks, scaling up over time |
| Quarantine requirements | Yes, at the Wellcamp quarantine facility in Toowoomba |
| Vaccination requirements | Fully vaccinated with a student visa |
| Priority given to | Students in the field of medical research or Allied Health |
| Transport | Arriving at Brisbane Airport, students will be taken by bus to the Wellcamp Quarantine Hub |
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What You'll Learn
International students' contribution to Queensland's economy
International students have been able to return to Queensland since January 2022, with preference given to those in the fields of medical research or allied health. Before this date, universities in Queensland were concerned about losing students to universities in other states, such as New South Wales and Victoria, which had already abolished quarantine requirements for vaccinated overseas travellers.
International students make significant contributions to the economies of many countries, including Australia, the United States, and Canada. In the 2023-2024 school year, international students contributed $44 billion to the U.S. economy, with states like California benefiting from $6.4 billion in contributions. This money not only supports universities but also has a positive impact on local and state economies, supporting businesses such as restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as the real estate market.
In Canada, international students contributed C$36 billion to the economy in 2022, and this figure is projected to increase to C$42 billion in 2024. The rising number of international students in Canada, which reached over 805,000 in 2022, has been attributed to the country's excellent schools and hospitable environment.
In Australia, international students have been a significant source of revenue for the higher education system, which averaged around AUD$37 billion in revenue over several years, with international students contributing AUD$9.3 billion in tuition fees in 2017. In the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, universities in Melbourne and Sydney derived around 34% of their annual revenue from international students. Queensland had a lower proportion of international students compared to other states, with international students making up 23% of the student population.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond tuition fees. They contribute to the economy through their living expenses and other spending, such as transportation and entertainment. The presence of international students can also lead to the creation of new jobs, whether it's in the service industry or within the universities themselves to accommodate the increased number of students.
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Quarantine requirements for international students
Queensland is a popular destination for international students, with over 20,000 students enrolled from more than 160 countries. However, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the ability of these students to enter or return to the state.
In January 2022, Queensland announced that it would be scrapping quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international travellers, including students. This decision was made to boost the local economy, particularly in the tourism sector, and to help educational institutions recover from the loss of international students during the pandemic.
Prior to this announcement, there was some confusion and concern regarding Queensland's quarantine requirements for international students. While other states in Australia, such as New South Wales and Victoria, had already abolished quarantine for double-vaccinated overseas travellers, Queensland had not set a clear deadline for ending the quarantine requirement. This led to worries that Queensland might lose students to interstate universities.
With the relaxation of quarantine rules, international students can now return to Queensland without having to quarantine, provided they are fully vaccinated and comply with other relevant entry requirements, such as providing a negative COVID-19 test result within 72 hours of their flight.
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Queensland universities' competition with other states
Queensland universities are facing competition from other states in Australia as they race to attract international students back to their campuses. The state had been criticised for its lack of clarity on quarantine requirements for incoming overseas students, while other states like New South Wales and Victoria had already lifted quarantine requirements for double-vaccinated travellers. This prompted Griffith University's vice-president (global), Sarah Todd, to express her concern that Queensland might lose students to universities in those states.
In response to the criticism, the Queensland government announced that international students would be allowed to return to the state from January 2022. This was later than the November timeline announced by New South Wales and Victoria for admitting international students. Queensland's Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe emphasised the need for federal government approval for admitting students, with a plan to initially bring 250 students to the state over two weeks, gradually increasing this number.
Queensland universities have a lot to offer in the competition for international students. The state boasts a strong educational heritage, with over 150 years of history across its universities. Queensland institutions offer a diverse range of programs and degrees, catering to various fields of interest. The University of Queensland (UQ), one of the leading teaching and research universities in Australia, has a large community of international students and a global alumni network spanning over 190 countries. UQ's research capabilities are particularly notable, with its work rated above world-standard in 22 broad fields, the highest count among Australian universities.
Other universities in Queensland also stand out in their own right. Griffith University, for instance, has pioneered innovative programs in fields like Environmental Studies, Asian Studies, and International Business. Meanwhile, James Cook University (JCU) is recognised as Australia's leading university for the Tropics, with campuses across two countries and three tropical locations. CQUniversity Australia is also known for its inclusivity, providing a university education to high achievers as well as those who might not have otherwise had the opportunity.
To enhance their competitiveness, Queensland universities are calling for clarity and certainty from the state government regarding quarantine requirements for international students. They aim to maximise the economic and social benefits of the return of international students, recognising their value to the state. As Queensland continues to navigate the complexities of the pandemic, its universities remain committed to providing a welcoming environment for students from around the world.
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International students' arrival plan
International Students Arrival Plan
International students are a vital part of the Queensland economy, contributing $5.8 billion annually. The state government is keen to welcome them back, but the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made this challenging. Queensland universities have been pushing for clarity on when international students can return without quarantine, as other states have already abolished quarantine for vaccinated travellers.
The Queensland government has announced that international students will be able to return to the state from the beginning of 2022. The plan is to bring back 250 students every two weeks, scaling up as the pandemic situation evolves. Eligible students will need to be fully vaccinated and those in health fields will be prioritised.
Students will arrive at Brisbane Airport and be transported to the Wellcamp Quarantine Hub in Tumba. They will need to remain in quarantine until Queensland reaches a high vaccination rate. This is in line with federal requirements and similar to other jurisdictions in Australia.
The federal government will assess the plan and decide whether to approve international charters to land at Wellcamp. Queensland universities are delighted to welcome back international students and believe this will have a positive impact on the state's economy and society.
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Vaccination requirements for international students
As of December 1, 2021, international students were permitted to enter Australia without a travel exemption as long as they were fully vaccinated with a completed dosage of a vaccine approved or recognised by Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). They must also present a negative COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours of their flight's departure.
International students can travel from overseas and arrive in Sydney, Canberra, or Melbourne. Upon arrival, they must quarantine or self-isolate for 72 hours. After spending more than 14 days in Australia (including the 72-hour quarantine/self-isolation), students can travel to Queensland.
Students entering Queensland from outside Australia are not permitted to enter a vulnerable or high-risk setting during the 7 days after their arrival, unless they are a worker in such a setting and comply with the vaccination requirements for workers in vulnerable or high-risk settings.
International students must also comply with entry testing requirements in Queensland. They must provide written evidence, in English, of having recovered from COVID-19 within the 12 weeks before their scheduled flight, and they must not have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.
The Queensland Government has committed to accepting direct international arrivals without quarantine when the community vaccination rate reaches 90%. While there is no firm date for this, it is anticipated to be around mid-to-late January 2022.
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Frequently asked questions
International students can return to Queensland from January 2022.
International students must be fully vaccinated and those in health fields will be prioritised. They will also need a student visa.
The Queensland government's plan is for 250 students to arrive every two weeks, scaling up over time. Students will arrive at Brisbane Airport and be bused to the Wellcamp Quarantine Hub in Tumba.
