Ibrahim Gardner
International students have been returning to Victoria since December 2021, when Australia's international borders reopened. In 2021, the Victorian government approved a plan to allow 120 international students to return each week from the end of the year. This was in response to the state's $14 billion international education sector being decimated by the COVID-19 pandemic. International students contribute $13.7 billion a year to Victoria's economy, and the state has long been a popular choice for students from around the world, with over 100 countries represented in its student population. However, the return of international students to Victoria has faced challenges, with the state's premier, Daniel Andrews, stating in 2021 that he couldn't see international students coming back that year due to capacity issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students enrolled with Victorian institutions but remaining offshore | 47,000 |
| Number of international students studying in Victoria | 75,000 |
| Number of student visa holders in Victoria after borders reopened in December 2021 | 141,000 |
| Countries that are the top 5 sources of international students in Victoria | China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, Colombia |
| Victoria's ranking in the QS Best Student Cities index in 2023 | 5th |
| Victoria's ranking in the QS Best Student Cities index in previous years | 1st in Australia, 6th in the world |
| Victoria's ranking in terms of international education revenue | 3rd |
| International education revenue generated in 2021 | $6.9 billion |
| Amount invested from the Melbourne City Revitalisation Fund to upgrade the Study Melbourne Hub | $10 million |
| Amount of funding backing the International Education Recovery Plan 2025 | $53 million |
| Number of international students allowed to return to Victoria each week under the proposed plan | 120 |
| Cost of hotel quarantine for Australian residents | $3000 |
| Minimum cost of hotel quarantine for international students | $5000 |
| Date by which the Student Arrivals Plan was to be presented to the Commonwealth | End of the week, 2021 |
| Date of announcement of the plan to allow international students to travel to and from Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption | 15 December 2021 |
| Requirements for international students to enter Victoria | Full vaccination with a vaccine approved by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration, negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test within 3 days of departure, meeting Australian Government's entry requirements, rapid antigen or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival |
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What You'll Learn
International students' return to Victoria is challenging
In 2021, the Victorian government approved a plan to bring back international students, with universities covering the hotel quarantine costs of at least $5000. However, the lack of planning and details regarding the number of students and quarantine procedures caused frustration among universities and students. The federal government's focus on repatriating Australian citizens and permanent residents also posed challenges, as international students were a lower priority.
Victoria's plan to bring back international students faced criticism due to the lack of transparency in quarantine funding. The quarantine system operated without a budget, raising concerns about the financial burden. Additionally, the international arrival cap on Australia created uncertainty for the sector, testing students' loyalty to the country.
To address these challenges, the Victorian government proposed separate quarantine housing for international students, similar to the Australian Open setup. However, the state government's initial plan to bring back a small number of students was met with mixed reactions, with some universities expressing support while others felt it was insufficient. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent closure of borders significantly disrupted the education sector, and the road to recovery has been challenging.
Despite the challenges, Victoria remains committed to supporting international education and facilitating the return of international students. The state has invested in upgrading student hubs and launched the International Education Recovery Plan 2025, backed by significant funding. As of 15 December 2021, fully vaccinated international students with eligible visas could enter Victoria without travel exemptions.
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International students' contribution to Victoria's economy
International students have been able to return to Victoria since December 2021, when international borders reopened. In the first instance, 120 international students per week were permitted to arrive in Victoria, with universities covering hotel quarantine costs of at least $5000.
International students make a significant contribution to Victoria's economy, with international education being the state's third-biggest export earner, generating $6.9 billion in export revenue in 2021 and supporting more than 40,000 jobs. In 2023, the sector generated $14.8 billion in export revenue and contributed around 63,000 jobs to the Victorian economy.
International education is Victoria's largest services export industry, with the state's world-class universities, TAFEs, and colleges attracting students from around the world. In 2023, over 235,000 international students from 175 countries chose to study in Victoria, making it the most educated state in Australia. The strong international alumni network that Victoria has developed enables meaningful connections that support the state's international connectedness, global research development, trade, and business links.
The economic impact of international students extends beyond tuition fees, with an estimated additional $66,000 of economic benefit generated per student, driven by non-tuition spending. In 2023, visitor spending by international students totalled $1 billion, directly impacting over 3,000 jobs in the hospitality, retail, and tourism sectors. The presence of international students also supports Victoria's R&D efforts, with Victorian public universities contributing almost a third (32%) of the state's R&D investment.
The return of international students to Victoria is, therefore, crucial to the state's economy, and the absence of these students during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the state's finances and ability to support critical services.
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Quarantine requirements for international students
International students have been returning to Victoria since December 2021, when Australia's borders reopened. The return of international students has been a boon for the state, with international education being Victoria's third-biggest export earner, contributing $6.9 billion in 2021 and supporting over 40,000 jobs.
The Victorian Government's Student Arrivals Plan outlines the quarantine requirements for international students. Initially, 120 international students a week were permitted to arrive in Victoria and were required to quarantine in hotels, with universities covering the costs. However, as of November 2021, fully vaccinated international students entering Victoria are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival. This change aligns with the quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international travellers and is expected to boost the appeal of Victorian universities to international students.
To enter Victoria without quarantining, international students must meet specific conditions. They must demonstrate their vaccination status with a vaccine registered or recognised by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Additionally, they must comply with all relevant Commonwealth entry requirements, including visa and travel exemption rules. Furthermore, international students must adhere to the Victorian Government's testing requirements, which include presenting a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours before departure and undergoing additional testing within 24 hours of arriving in Victoria.
The relaxation of quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated international students is part of Victoria's efforts to revitalise its international education sector, which has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state government aims to send a strong signal that Victoria and Australia are opening up to the rest of the world, welcoming international students back to their universities and colleges.
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Victorian universities' eagerness to welcome foreign students
The return of international students to Victoria is eagerly anticipated by the state's universities. In 2021, the Victorian government approved a plan to allow 120 international students to return to the state each week from the end of the year. This was welcomed by universities, with ten vice-chancellors signing a letter of support. The University of Melbourne's Vice-Chancellor, Duncan Maskell, expressed his keenness for federal Education Minister Alan Tudge to approve the plan as soon as possible. Deakin University's vice-chancellor, Iain Martin, also emphasized the importance of signalling that Victoria and Australia are opening up to the world.
International education is a vital part of Victoria's economy, generating $6.9 billion in export revenue in 2021 and supporting more than 40,000 jobs. The state government recognizes the significance of this sector, with Minister for Higher Education Gayle Tierney attributing its success to the outstanding universities, TAFEs, and colleges that attract students from around the globe. The Andrews Labor Government has invested $10 million to upgrade the Study Melbourne Hub and support newly arrived students, providing free legal advice and 24-hour assistance.
Before the pandemic, around 47,000 international students were enrolled with Victorian institutions, but they remained offshore due to Australia's international border closures. The state government's initial plan focused on welcoming university students first, followed by TAFE and school students. The universities were willing to cover the hotel quarantine costs, which were estimated to be at least $5000 per student.
The return of international students to Victoria is not without its challenges. The state has faced criticism for its lack of planning and transparency in managing the quarantine system. Additionally, the international arrival cap in Australia has sparked concerns within the international education sector, as students are a lower priority compared to stranded citizens and residents.
Despite these challenges, Victoria remains committed to supporting the international education sector. The state's universities eagerly await the return of their international students, recognizing the value they bring to the academic community and the local economy.
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The federal government's role in approving plans
The federal government is responsible for approving plans for the return of international students to Victoria. In October 2021, the Victorian government approved a plan to allow 120 international students to return to the state each week from the end of the year. This plan was to be sent to the Commonwealth for approval.
The federal government has faced pressure from various stakeholders, including universities and student advocates, to approve plans for the return of international students. There has been a willingness expressed by students and universities to cover the costs of quarantine and accommodation, similar to the arrangements made for the Australian Open.
In January 2021, the Victorian government stated that it was "working closely" with the federal government to bring international students back to the state. However, the federal government has also faced competing priorities, such as the repatriation of Australian citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad due to strict arrival caps, which has resulted in international students being a lower priority.
The federal government's approval of plans for the return of international students to Victoria is a complex issue, balancing economic considerations, public health concerns, and the need to prioritise the return of Australian citizens and residents. Ultimately, the federal government's role in approving these plans is vital to ensuring the safe and gradual return of international students to the state.
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Frequently asked questions
International students have been returning to Victoria since December 2021, when the Australian government announced that fully vaccinated international students with eligible visas could enter Australia without a travel exemption.
International students must be fully vaccinated with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration and present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid antigen test taken within three days of their flight's departure. They must also meet all Australian Government entry requirements, including completing an Australian Travel Declaration.
International education is Victoria's third-biggest export earner, generating $6.9 billion in export revenue in 2021 and contributing $13.7 billion to the state's economy.
International students must present proof of their vaccination status, a negative COVID-19 test, and any other required documentation to their airline when checking in for their flight. Upon arrival, they may be required to complete hotel quarantine for 14 days if they are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated.
