While the need for federal agreement remains, the new announcement of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Canberra universities’ dropping of quarantine requirements will boost international students’ hope to return to campus for the 2022 academic year.
ACT’s affirmation to admit fully vaccinated university students for the commencement of the next academic year in February had indicated an intention to allow the safe campus return of international students.
Key Takeaways:
- International students are of high hopes to safely return to their respective campuses for the 2022 academic year.
- The Australian Capital Territory is to admit fully vaccinated university students for the commencement of the next academic year in February.
- This update follows the good figure of vaccination rate across Canberra, with 80% of its population over 11 years old having been fully vaccinated.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr has confirmed that students may enter ACT without the quarantine requirement as long as they adhere to the federal government’s guidelines on vaccination and testing for international arrivals.
This new announcement followed the easing of restrictions across Canberra driven by the figure saying that 80 percent of its population over 11 years old have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
By the end of November, the government is looking forward to closing the vaccination of eligible individuals to 99 percent of the total population. Moreover, Victoria and New South Wales intend to drop the quarantine requirements for fully vaccinated overseas arrivals from the beginning of November.
To welcome more international students coming from India and China, the Australian government has announced in October its recognition of some COVID-19 vaccines such as Covishield and Sinovac, apart from the four vaccines approved for use in Australia.
Academics have welcomed ACT’s decision and affirmed the continuing efforts to work with the commonwealth on arrangements to open the borders to students as soon as Australia can.
The return of international students will be welcome news for Canberra, being the top provider of considerable social and economic contributions to the city alongside higher education institutions.
In fact, new research by financial services provider Remitly reveals that Australia is a highly-ranked study destination for international students, topping 36 other countries. MSM Unify is your one-stop source platform that connects students, higher education institutions, and agents in Australia and the world. Sign up now to get the latest updates and information on international education.
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