Lana Oconnell
Australia, including the state of Queensland, has implemented some of the world's strictest border controls in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving thousands of international students stranded abroad. While Australia's international borders reopened in February 2022, Queensland state school students were banned from international travel. Queensland's borders reopened on December 13, 2021, but it was unclear if this included international students. Australia began pilot programs in mid-2021 to bring small groups of international students back into the country, and in late 2022, a gradual reopening focused on fully vaccinated individuals began. Experts predict that Australia will fully normalize international student flows by mid-2025, with the country currently open to most international students.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Queensland border reopening date | 13 December 2021 |
| Border reopening details | Fully vaccinated travellers from interstate hotspots allowed entry |
| International students | No explicit mention in the press statement |
| Border reopening delay | Due to concerns about the Omicron variant |
| Queensland state school students | Banned from international travel despite open borders |
| Australia's international borders | Reopened in February 2022 |
| Australia's international borders status for international students | Slowly opening up again |
| Australia's international borders expected normalization | Mid-2025 |
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What You'll Learn
- Queensland reopened its borders on December 13, 2021, but this did not apply to international students
- Australia's federal system means border policies vary across states
- Queensland was initially slower to reopen but is gradually aligning with national policies
- Australia's borders are currently open to most international students, with normalization expected by mid-2025
- Queensland state school students are banned from international travel despite open borders
Queensland reopened its borders on December 13, 2021, but this did not apply to international students
In the lead-up to the December 2021 reopening, there was much anticipation about whether international students would be able to return to Queensland. However, the press statement regarding the reopening did not mention any details about international student arrivals. While fully vaccinated border zone residents with a border pass were now able to move freely across the border, international arrivals were subject to different requirements, including mandatory quarantine.
Queensland's initial response to the pandemic included some of the strictest border controls globally, and the state was slower to reopen its borders compared to other Australian states like New South Wales and Victoria. The prolonged border closures had profound impacts on both students and universities, causing delayed academic progress, financial stress, and mental health challenges for students, as well as a decline in enrollment rates and reduced revenues for universities.
By late 2022, Australia had begun a gradual reopening, focusing on fully vaccinated individuals. Pilot programs were initiated in mid-2021 and late 2021 to bring small groups of international students back into the country. However, it is predicted that Australia will not fully normalize international student flows until mid-2025, contingent on maintaining public health stability.
It is important to note that the situation regarding border restrictions and travel advice can change rapidly, and interested parties should refer to official sources for the most up-to-date information.
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Australia's federal system means border policies vary across states
Australia implemented some of the world's strictest border controls at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, barring entry to non-citizens and non-residents. This posed challenges for international students enrolled in Australian universities, with thousands stranded overseas.
Australia's federal system gives each state and internal territory (except the Jervis Bay Territory) its own legislature, allowing them to set their own border policies. The federal High Court of Australia acts as the final court of appeal and can override any state judiciary. While the federal government can intervene if necessary, states generally retain the autonomy to limit border crossings to protect public health.
Queensland, for instance, reopened its borders to vaccinated travellers from interstate hotspots on December 13, 2021, but the press statement omitted details regarding international student arrivals. Queensland initially took a more cautious approach than states like New South Wales and Victoria, which were among the first to welcome back international students through pilot programs in 2021.
By late 2022, Australia had begun a gradual reopening, prioritising fully vaccinated individuals. International students were allowed entry under strict health protocols, including proof of vaccination with a WHO-approved vaccine and negative COVID-19 test results. Quarantine requirements varied by state but were generally reduced or waived for vaccinated travellers.
As of January 2025, Australia's borders are open to most international students, with normalization expected by mid-year, contingent on maintaining public health stability. Universities are providing financial aid, mental health support, and flexible learning options to support the return of international students.
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Queensland was initially slower to reopen but is gradually aligning with national policies
Queensland's initial response to the COVID-19 pandemic included some of the strictest border controls globally, with the state closing its borders to non-citizens and non-residents in March 2020. This decision was described as a key part of the government's pandemic response.
In November 2020, 63 international students successfully returned to the Northern Territory, signalling a promising step towards the return of international students. However, Queensland and Western Australia were initially slower to reopen their borders to international students. Queensland's border reopening on December 13, 2021, for instance, did not explicitly mention details regarding international student arrivals.
Despite these early challenges, Queensland is gradually aligning with national policies and reopening its borders. In February 2022, Australia's international borders reopened after two years, and Queensland is actively encouraging international students to come and study in the state. While there is still a ban on government school staff and students' international travel, this is expected to be lifted soon, with the state working through COVID-19 insurance issues.
By mid-2025, experts predict that Australia will fully normalize international student flows, focusing on enhancing the student experience, offering financial incentives, and building long-term resilience in the education sector. As of 2025, Australia's borders are currently open to most international students, with normalization expected by mid-2025. This gradual reopening process demonstrates Queensland's shift towards aligning with national policies and welcoming international students back to the state.
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Australia's borders are currently open to most international students, with normalization expected by mid-2025
Australia's response to the COVID-19 pandemic included some of the strictest border controls globally, which saw its borders closed to non-citizens and non-residents in March 2020. This caused significant challenges for international students and universities alike.
In late 2021, states like New South Wales and Victoria led the way in welcoming students back through pilot programs. Queensland, initially slower to reopen, gradually aligned with national policies. On December 13, 2021, Queensland reopened its borders to fully vaccinated travellers from interstate hotspots. However, the press statement did not provide details regarding international student arrivals.
While Australia remains a top destination for international students, it faces increasing competition from countries like Canada and the UK. The prolonged border closures have had profound impacts on both students and universities, including delayed academic progress, financial stress, and mental health challenges.
Despite the reopening of Australia's international borders in February 2022, Queensland state school students were still banned from international travel. This ban was implemented by the Queensland Education Minister, Grace Grace, in March 2020, due to the pandemic and remained in place despite open borders. However, independent schools were not bound by this restriction.
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Queensland state school students are banned from international travel despite open borders
Queensland state school students are currently banned from international travel, despite Australia's international borders reopening in February 2022. The ban was initially imposed by the Queensland Education Minister, Grace Grace, in March 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While the borders have reopened, the ban on government school staff and students remains in place.
The discrepancy between open borders and the ongoing ban on international travel for state school students has caused confusion for some. Tory, a mother of a Brisbane State High School student, expressed her frustration at the inability of her child's team to travel for a competition. She has been seeking information on when the ban will be lifted but has been unable to get a clear answer.
The Department of Education has stated that they are working through COVID-19 insurance issues. A Queensland Health spokesperson defended the health advice provided in March 2020 and throughout the pandemic, stating that it was appropriate at the time. The safety of students and staff travelling overseas was emphasised as their top priority, and they affirmed their commitment to following health advice.
The impact of border closures on international students in Australia has been significant. With over 500,000 international students enrolled annually, the closure of borders in March 2020 had far-reaching consequences. Students faced challenges such as delayed academic progress, financial stress, and mental health issues. Universities also experienced a decline in enrolment rates and reduced revenues, highlighting the importance of international students to the Australian education sector and economy.
Australia has begun the process of normalising international student flows, with a focus on enhancing the student experience, offering financial incentives, and building long-term resilience in the education sector. By mid-2025, it is expected that international student flows will be fully normalised, contingent on maintaining public health stability. However, the Queensland government has not provided a clear timeline for lifting the ban on international travel for state school students, creating uncertainty for those affected.
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Frequently asked questions
Queensland reopened its borders for international students on December 13, 2021, with fully vaccinated international arrivals requiring a negative COVID test within 72 hours of departure.
International students entering Queensland must be fully vaccinated with a WHO-approved vaccine and provide a negative COVID-19 test result before travel. Quarantine requirements depend on the state but are significantly reduced or eliminated for vaccinated travellers.
The prolonged border closures had significant impacts on international students, causing delayed academic progress, financial stress, and mental health challenges.
