Janice Lozano
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Australia's borders, affecting the entry of international students into the country. Initially, in 2020, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that the borders would not reopen until at least the end of the year. However, in December 2021, the Australian government announced plans to relax restrictions for certain groups, including fully vaccinated international students. The borders were expected to reopen on December 1, 2021, and then on December 15, 2021, but the emergence of the Omicron variant caused some delays. Despite these setbacks, over 250 international students returned to Australia as NSW borders reopened in December 2024, signalling a positive step towards the resumption of international student arrivals in Australia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 1 December 2021 |
| Target group | Fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students, as well as Japan and South Korean citizens |
| Requirements | Negative Covid test within three days of arrival |
| Quarantine | Not required for fully vaccinated South Koreans and Japanese with a valid visa |
| Latest update | 250+ international students returned to Australia as NSW borders reopened in December 2024 |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- International students return to Australia as NSW borders reopen
- Australian borders to reopen to fully vaccinated international students
- Australian universities start accepting applications from international students
- Australian immigration accepting visa applications from international students
- Australia's monthly review of restrictions on cruise ships entering the country
International students return to Australia as NSW borders reopen
Australia has been closed to most international travellers since March 2020. However, in December 2021, the country announced plans to reopen its borders to international students and skilled workers.
The Australian government had initially planned to reopen borders in early December 2021, but delayed the decision to gather more information about the Omicron variant. The government finally decided to reopen borders to international students and skilled workers on 15 December 2021.
The reopening of borders was accompanied by certain rules and restrictions. The federal government extended the Covid pandemic emergency powers for two months, until February 2022, to enforce mandatory mask-wearing on international flights and restrictions on international travel from high-risk countries. The government also continued to restrict the entry of cruise ships to Australia.
In line with the government's decision, the NSW International Student Arrivals Plan allowed a limited number of 250 international students studying with NSW education providers to return every fortnight from early December 2021. The University of Sydney advised accepted students to proceed with their student visa applications. More flights were expected to begin in early January 2022, with a second flight of students from South Asia arriving in Sydney on 24 December 2021.
The reopening of borders to international students was well-received, with Professor Ian Jacobs, UNSW President and Vice-Chancellor, stating that the university had been working with government and health authorities for over 18 months to bring back international students.
Public Hospitals: Free Treatment for International Students?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australian borders to reopen to fully vaccinated international students
In December 2021, the Australian government announced that it would begin significantly relaxing restrictions on foreigners entering the country, with priority given to fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students. This decision was made to help revive the economy, which was costing the country an estimated $40 billion. The government also extended the Covid pandemic emergency powers for two months to enforce some travel restrictions and the mandatory wearing of masks on international flights.
On December 15, 2021, Australia reopened its borders to fully vaccinated international students and skilled workers. This decision was made despite the emergence of the Omicron variant, with the government stating that it would continue to review and act decisively in response to the new variant.
Prior to the reopening, international students were already arriving in Australia. In December 2021, over 250 international students returned to Australia as New South Wales (NSW) borders reopened. The University of Sydney advised accepted students to proceed with their student visa applications, and more flights were expected to arrive in early January 2022.
While the reopening of borders is a positive step, it is important to note that the impact of the Omicron variant was a key concern for the Australian government. The government has stated that it will continue to review and adjust its response to the pandemic as more information becomes available.
Overall, the reopening of Australian borders to fully vaccinated international students and skilled workers is a significant development, allowing the country to revive its economy and welcome back a valuable sector of its population.
International Students: Overcoming Homesickness
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australian universities start accepting applications from international students
Australian universities have started accepting applications from international students. However, the process of reopening Australia's borders to international students has been a gradual one, with various factors influencing the timing.
In September 2020, there was speculation about when Australia's borders would reopen for international students, with some suggesting they might not reopen until the end of that year. Despite this, universities had already begun accepting applications, and immigration authorities had started processing student visas. Prospective international students were advised to start the application process, which included taking English language tests and gathering the necessary documentation.
In December 2021, the Australian government announced a significant relaxation of entry restrictions for certain groups, including fully vaccinated international students. This change took effect on December 1, 2021, with international students allowed to enter the country provided they had a valid visa and a negative COVID-19 test within three days of arrival. However, the emergence of the Omicron variant led to some uncertainty, with the government extending emergency powers and mandatory pre-departure testing and mask-wearing requirements for international flights.
Despite these challenges, the Australian government remained committed to reopening borders to international students. In December 2021, Scott Morrison, the Prime Minister, indicated a likely reopening the following week on December 15. This decision was influenced by the government's desire to reopen the country and respond decisively to the Omicron variant. The government also emphasised its intention to keep existing measures under constant review, taking into account the latest medical advice.
By December 2024, over 250 international students had returned to Australia as NSW borders reopened. The University of Sydney advised accepted international students to proceed with their student visa applications, recognising the importance of obtaining a student visa for future travel and employment rights. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) also worked closely with government and health authorities to facilitate the return of international students.
International Students: OASD & MED Tax Exemptions
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australian immigration accepting visa applications from international students
On December 10, 2021, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that the country's borders would likely reopen to international students and skilled workers the following week. This reopening was expected to take place on December 15, 2021, and would require mandatory pre-departure testing and mask-wearing for international flights, as well as ongoing restrictions on travel from high-risk countries.
Prior to this announcement, the Australian government had already begun accepting visa applications from international students. This was part of the country's efforts to revive its economy, as the delay in opening borders was causing significant financial losses. The University of Sydney advised accepted students to proceed with their student visa applications, as obtaining a visa ensures that students can travel later and have their offshore studies recognized for post-study employment rights.
On December 18, 2024, it was reported that over 250 international students returned to Australia as New South Wales (NSW) borders reopened. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) has been working closely with government and health authorities for 18 months to facilitate the return of international students. While only a few students were initially permitted to re-enter, more flights were expected to begin in early 2025, according to the institution.
As of December 2021, fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students, as well as citizens of Japan and South Korea, were prioritized for entry into Australia. These individuals were required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within three days of arrival and were exempt from quarantine requirements if fully vaccinated and holding a valid visa.
Consequences of Losing Student Status in a Foreign Country
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Australia's monthly review of restrictions on cruise ships entering the country
Australia has been slowly reopening its borders to international students and skilled workers since December 2021. However, the country continues to enforce some travel restrictions, including those on cruise ships entering the country.
In December 2021, the Australian government announced a two-month extension of the federal government's Covid pandemic emergency powers, which included restrictions on the entry of cruise ships into Australia. The government stated that these restrictions would be reviewed monthly to determine if they could be safely lifted or amended. This review process aims to balance the country's economic interests and the health and safety of its citizens.
The monthly review of restrictions on cruise ships entering Australia considers various factors, such as the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic, the emergence of new variants, and the effectiveness of vaccines and booster shots. The Australian government has prioritized the health and safety of its citizens while also recognizing the importance of the cruise industry to its economy. The review process involves input from health authorities, medical experts, and the tourism industry to ensure that any decisions are well-informed and balanced.
During the monthly review process, the government evaluates the latest medical advice and data related to the Covid-19 situation. This includes assessing the prevalence of new variants, vaccination rates, and the effectiveness of public health measures. By conducting these reviews, the government can make data-driven decisions about amending or lifting cruise ship restrictions.
The monthly reviews have allowed the Australian government to adopt a cautious and flexible approach to managing the impact of the pandemic on the cruise industry. This approach enables the government to respond swiftly to changing circumstances and make necessary adjustments to the restrictions. The reviews also provide clarity and confidence to the cruise industry and travellers, helping to revive the industry while ensuring the safety of passengers and crew.
International Students: Enlistment in the Marines
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Australia started allowing international students to enter the country on December 1, 2021. However, only fully vaccinated skilled migrants and international students were allowed entry.
International students must be fully vaccinated and must return a negative Covid test within three days before arriving in Australia.
Fully vaccinated international students holding a valid visa do not need to undergo quarantine.
Yes, universities in Australia have started accepting applications from international students. The University of Sydney is one such university that advises accepted students to proceed with their student visa applications.
International students planning to study in Australia need to take English tests like IELTS or PTE and collect relevant documents. Obtaining a student visa allows students to travel and ensures that their offshore studies are recognized for any post-study employment rights.
