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Australian Border Reopens for International Students

Published Date: 19th November 2021

There is great news for international students who were waiting on some heads-up from the Australian government.

Most Australian states plan on reopening their borders and easing the restrictions on travel that were put in place as a measure of Covid-19 response. Regions like Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales have come up with their own elaborate plans and strategies to open up.

Keep in mind that they all have different timelines to open up and the dates or months stated in this article are just the predictions. We cannot say for sure if these timelines will surely be met.

VICTORIA

Expected Date of Border Reopening: End of 2021

Under their International Student Arrivals Plan the state aims to allow foreign students to travel back to Victoria by the end of 2021. For their First Stage, university students who need to return to do practical work related to health or medical and the ones who are Post Graduate Research Students will be allowed to move back to the region.

 

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Expected Date of Border Reopening: Late January/Early February 2022  

This region plans on welcoming fully vaccinated domestic as well as international students once the state reaches 90% vaccination numbers (aged 12+). The main advantage that the travelers will have is they won’t have to quarantine for a specific period, according to the news.

 

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Expected Date of Border Reopening: Late December 2021

​​This region, too, plans on welcoming fully vaccinated domestic as well as international students once the state reaches 90% vaccination numbers (aged 12+). The main advantage that the travelers will have is they won’t have to quarantine for a specific period, according to the news.

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

Expected Date of Border Reopening: December 6, Monday

The state has initiated a pilot plan that will allow international students to return who have been fully vaccinated and meet the conditions of the pilot plan. The first flight is scheduled to land on December 6, Monday.  

 

Essential Contents of the Pilot Program

  • Students who have received any one of the four Covid-19 vaccines approved by the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) — Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, or Moderna will be able to participate in the program
  • All eligible students shall receive an invitation by their education provider
  • All education providers participating in this pilot program should contact students to move forward with an expression of interest
  • The priority at the start would be to allow international students pursuing higher education to complete their qualifications. (Includes: final year students who need to complete practical placements and higher degree research students)
  • Another point of priority will be PhD students who have nearly completed degrees as well as students studying medicine and health-related courses
Note: Australia’s borders are currently closed to temporary visa holders, including international students and entry to Australia remains strictly controlled. Travel to Australia is only available for people who are exempted (e.g. Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family members) or have been granted an individual exemption.

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