Lori Meadows
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the education of international students worldwide, with many countries closing their borders to foreign students. Australia and China, two popular destinations for international students, have faced significant challenges regarding border closures and the potential reopening of borders. Australian universities have expressed concerns about the financial impact of border closures, while the Australian government has not provided a clear timeline for reopening. Meanwhile, China has maintained strict COVID-19 prevention protocols, with its borders closed to almost all foreigners since March 28, 2020. While there are possibilities for a gradual reopening, especially for students from select countries, the Chinese government has not provided official confirmation. The uncertainty surrounding border reopenings has caused anxiety among prospective international students, leading some to reconsider their study destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Australia | There is no clear timeline for when borders will open for international students. However, there are positive signs and some universities are confident that borders will open by July 2021. |
| Queensland, Australia | The government is concerned that expanding international arrivals to include students will put a strain on the hotel quarantine system. |
| South Australia | A pilot program proposed by Adelaide University, the University of South Australia, and Flinders University will bring 300 international students to the state by the end of January 2021. |
| Victoria, Australia | Working on proposals for the return of international students. |
| Western Australia | No timeline for a plan on the return of international students yet. |
| Northern Territory, Australia | Plans to open borders for international students soon. |
| China | China has had its borders closed to almost all foreigners since March 28, 2020. However, there are possibilities that China will open its borders for international students in 2022, especially for students from some countries like Russia and South Korea. |
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What You'll Learn
- The financial impact of closed borders on the higher education sector
- The Australian government's response to the issue
- China's strict COVID-19 protocols and their impact on international students
- Pilot programs for the return of international students
- The uncertainty faced by international students due to a lack of transparency
The financial impact of closed borders on the higher education sector
The COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent closing of borders have had a significant financial impact on the higher education sector. International students, who often pay higher fees, have been unable or unwilling to travel to their host countries, with many choosing to delay or cancel their plans. This has resulted in a decline in revenue for universities and related businesses, with Australian universities, for example, estimating a total loss of up to $9 billion.
The higher education sector has long been dependent on international students, who bring in significant revenue through tuition fees and other expenditures such as housing and groceries. In the 2023-24 academic year, more than 1.1 million international students contributed about $43 billion to the US economy, according to an analysis by NAFSA. This financial contribution is even more critical for public universities, where many US students pay lower in-state tuition.
The pandemic has disrupted this flow of international students, with early indications suggesting a decline in application and enrolment numbers. As of December 2020, commencements from China, Australia's largest student source country, dropped by 26%, contributing to an overall decline of 22%. This has led to concerns about job losses and research funding cuts in the higher education sector.
The impact of closed borders on the higher education sector extends beyond the financial. International students bring diverse perspectives and contribute to the cultural exchange that is integral to the educational experience. Additionally, the pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of universities with large international student populations, such as N.Y.U., Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and Carnegie Mellon.
While there are positive signs that borders will eventually reopen to international students, the higher education sector continues to face challenges. Universities must adapt to the changing landscape of international student flows and address concerns about transparency and uncertainty. Additionally, the pandemic has prompted a re-evaluation of the role of international students in migration debates, as they are no longer seen as temporary sojourners.
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The Australian government's response to the issue
The Australian government has recognized the significant economic and cultural contributions of international students and has been actively working on strategies to welcome them back to Australia safely. In October 2020, the government announced a plan for a gradual and safe reopening, prioritizing the return of international students. This plan, however, was temporarily halted due to the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and the subsequent border closures.
Despite these challenges, the government remained committed to finding solutions. In November 2021, the Australian government launched the International Student Arrival Plan, a pilot program that allowed small groups of international students to return to Australia. This plan was carefully designed in collaboration with education providers and state and territory governments to ensure the safe return of students while managing the risk of COVID-19. The plan prioritized students who needed to undertake practical components of their courses in Australia, such as medical and health care students.
The government has also implemented several initiatives to support international students during the pandemic. This includes providing financial assistance, visa flexibility, and access to mental health services. The government has recognized the challenges faced by international students and has worked to ensure their wellbeing and provide certainty during these uncertain times.
As of early 2022, the Australian government has further eased border restrictions for fully vaccinated skilled and student cohorts, allowing them to enter the country without needing to apply for a travel exemption. This change signifies a significant step towards the full reopening of borders and a return to pre-pandemic mobility for international students and skilled workers. The government continues to monitor the situation and provide updates on border settings as the pandemic evolves.
To support the return of international students, the government has also invested in the higher education sector. This includes funding to support the Job-ready Graduates package, which will create an additional 30,000 university places for domestic students and enable universities to offer more places to international students. The government has also provided funding to support the university sector's research efforts, which will help maintain Australia's reputation for quality education and research.
In conclusion, the Australian government has demonstrated its commitment to welcoming back international students and recognizing their vital role in the country's social, cultural, and economic fabric. Through careful planning, pilot programs, and the gradual easing of border restrictions, Australia is taking a cautious yet positive approach to reopening its borders to international students. The government's ongoing support for the higher education sector and initiatives to ensure the wellbeing of international students further underscores its dedication to resolving this issue.
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China's strict COVID-19 protocols and their impact on international students
China's strict COVID-19 protocols have had a significant impact on international students, causing disruptions to their education and mobility. The country's zero-COVID policy, aimed at restricting the entry of foreigners, has resulted in border closures and stringent quarantine requirements.
International students have faced challenges due to China's COVID-19 restrictions. In 2018, China hosted nearly 500,000 international students, with more than half originating from Asia. However, since the pandemic's onset, China's borders have remained largely closed to foreign students. While there are indications that some universities may soon permit their return, there is no clear timeline for the reopening. This uncertainty leaves international students in a difficult position, unable to resume their studies in China.
Chinese universities have implemented strict COVID-19 protocols, including vaccination requirements for students and their household members. Additionally, universities have been instructed to avoid large gatherings, enhance emergency response plans, and strengthen student management during internships and practical training. These measures have likely impacted the overall campus experience and social aspects of student life.
The impact of China's COVID-19 protocols on international students extends beyond their education. Stringent lockdown orders and travel restrictions within the country have resulted in students being quarantined on campuses. For example, in Yangzhou, an estimated 12,000 university students were placed under quarantine due to local health authorities' directives. Such sudden lockdowns can cause anxiety and disrupt students' daily lives.
Furthermore, China's COVID-19 protocols have had a notable impact on student exchange programs. The pandemic has led to the cancellation or delay of most study abroad programs in China. International students have faced challenges with travel restrictions, visa delays, and interview postponements. As a result, many have had to resort to online distance learning, which, while innovative, cannot replicate the experience of being on a foreign campus.
The strict COVID-19 protocols in China have had a significant impact on international students, disrupting their education, mobility, and overall campus experience. While China's measures aim to protect public health, they have also caused uncertainty and challenges for those seeking to study in the country. The long-term effects of these protocols on international education and student exchange programs remain to be seen.
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Pilot programs for the return of international students
The New South Wales (NSW) Government has announced a pilot plan for the phased return of fully vaccinated international students. The first phase of the pilot plan is expected to bring back 500 international students to NSW on chartered flights by the end of the year. The students will have to pay for their flights.
Education partners, including several universities and independent providers, have signed up for the industry-funded pilot plan. The NSW Government has stated that NSW is the top destination in Australia for international students. More than 57,000 students are currently overseas and eager to return to their studies, part-time jobs, and friends.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro, has assured that the safety of the people of NSW is paramount and that the plan will not compromise any Australian citizen or resident wishing to return home. He also emphasised the importance of the international education sector to the state's economy, sustaining thousands of jobs.
The pilot plan will involve a staggered return of students, with strict quarantine protocols in place, and will slowly expand and evolve as vaccination rates continue to rise in NSW and internationally.
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The uncertainty faced by international students due to a lack of transparency
International students have faced significant uncertainty and a lack of transparency regarding border openings during the COVID-19 pandemic. This has caused anxiety and reconsideration of study plans, impacting both students and the higher education sector in countries like Australia and China.
In Australia, while there are positive signs and efforts to reopen borders, the government has not provided a clear timeline. Universities have expressed concern over the closed borders, and while student visa application processing restarted in late 2020, enrolments have dropped. International students are left wondering if they should defer or change their study destinations. The lack of transparency creates uncertainty, impacting students' trust and career choices.
Similarly, China has maintained some of the world's strictest COVID-19 border restrictions since March 2020, affecting international students. While there are possibilities of gradual border openings, such as agreements with specific countries or opening select provinces first, the Chinese government has not provided official confirmation. This uncertainty affects students' ability to plan their education and causes concern for those already enrolled in Chinese universities.
The lack of transparency and uncertainty about border openings have left international students in a challenging position. They must decide whether to wait for borders to open, potentially delaying their education, or pursue alternative study options. This situation highlights the need for clear and timely communication from governments and educational institutions to support international students during the pandemic's evolving circumstances.
To address this uncertainty, governments and universities should strive for better communication and provide regular updates on border policies and expectations. Transparent information enables students to make informed decisions about their studies and helps institutions maintain their international student population, benefiting both the students and the higher education sector economically.
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Frequently asked questions
Australia's borders are expected to open to international students soon, with the Northern Territory government working on plans to open borders. Queensland, however, feels that this may put a strain on the hotel quarantine system. Australian universities are anxious about the closed borders, and there is no clear timeline for when borders will open.
International students can consider commencing their Australian education through one of the many offshore and joint partnership campuses.
China has had some of the strictest COVID-19 protocols in the world, and it has been three years since its borders closed to almost all foreigners and international students. There is no official confirmation, but there are possibilities that China will open its borders for some international students in 2022, especially from countries with well-controlled pandemic situations.
